Épisodes

  • The Power of a Good Story to Improve Literacy w/Author JOYCE MCCULLOUGH
    Jan 29 2026

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    Welcome back to 5-Minute Parenting! Today I have the pleasure of interviewing a good friend and children’s author, Joyce McCullough. Joyce is a children’s book author, retired high school English teacher, Sunday School teacher, and avid reader. She now spends her time writing, giving piano lessons, leading her book club, and volunteering in her community in Middle Tennessee.

    Joyce joins 5-Minute Parenting to preview her new children’s book and talk about the importance of reading in today’s society. You'll glean from her wisdom and years of education experience as she answers these questions and more:

    Q:Tell us about your inspiration for writing your latest book Max and Her Stacks.


    Q: Why do you think parents should encourage their children to make reading a priority?

    Q: You taught high school English, why are you now writing children’s books?

    Be sure to follow Joyce, subscribe to her free newsletter, and check out her beautiful books. You'll find links below along with two other special book recommenedations.

    Joyce McCullough's website and Newsletter Sign-Up: https://joycemccullough.com

    Joyce's Books:
    Look for the Pink Ribbons: https://a.co/d/esiMgbE

    Max and her Stacks: https://www.amazon.com/Max-Her-Stacks-Joyce-McCullough/dp/1637971338

    Joyce's Book Recommendations:

    Questions for Kids Series, by Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

    Compassion Storybook Bible, by Crystal Bowman https://www.amazon.com/Compassion-Storybook-Bible-Sue-Schlesman/dp/1637971249


    Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

    Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

    Visit our websites at:

    https://www.karenferg.com/

    https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/

    Find our books on Amazon:

    Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

    Sandra Chambers: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Chambers/author/B00OHLARMO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=17400...

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    17 min
  • Warfare Parenting: A Daily Battle Plan for your Child w/Laine Lawson Craft
    Jan 22 2026

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    Today on 5-Minute Parenting we welcome parenting expert, award-winning author, and battle-tested warrior Laine Lawson Craft to discuss her groundbreaking work "Warfare Parenting."

    Laine reaches parents worldwide through her books, media appearances, and her Warfare Parenting podcast with strategic, spiritual guidance for reconnecting with wayward children, and has helped thousands of families rebuild relationships once thought irreparable.

    LIsten is as Laine shares her heart for prodigal children and transformed families. Be sure to check out her website below, where you'll find links to many freebies, including the first 10 days of her devotional.

    WEBSITE: https://www.lainelawsoncraft.com/

    Laine Lawson Craft, a parenting expert, emerges as a battle-tested warrior for parents navigating the heartbreaking journey of having a prodigal child.

    Her groundbreaking work "Warfare Parenting: A Daily Battle Plan to Fight for Your Child" is Amazon’s newest new release and top 5 bestseller, and builds on the success of her award-winning book "The Parent's Battle Plan," named 2023 Nonfiction Book of the Year. These soul-stirring works emerged from her raw, transformative experience of fighting for her three prodigal children's return to faith and healing.

    As host of the top globally-ranked Warfare Parenting Podcast, Craft reaches parents worldwide with strategic, spiritual guidance for reconnecting with their wayward children. Her authentic approach and battle-tested strategies have helped thousands of families rebuild relationships once thought irreparable.

    A bestselling author and dynamic presence across major media outlets, Craft has been featured on FOX News, the 700 Club, CBN, and other prominent Christian networks, including TBN, CTN, and TCT. Her expert insights on parenting and spiritual warfare have been featured on Moody Radio, The Christian Post, and many more media outlets, establishing her as a trusted voice in faith-based parenting. Her unwavering conviction that no child is beyond hope sets Craft apart.

    Through her books, speaking engagements, and media appearances, she equips parents with practical tools while reminding them they're not alone in their struggle.


    Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

    Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

    Visit our websites at:

    https://www.karenferg.com/

    https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/

    Find our books on Amazon:

    Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

    Sandra Chambers: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Chambers/author/B00OHLARMO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=17400...

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    8 min
  • Equipping Fathers to Purposefully Parent w/ Jeff Hamilton, Founder of Dad Academy
    Jan 15 2026

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    5-Minute Parenting welcomes a Dad to the show today! Jeff Hamilton is a pastor, coach, and the founder of Dad Academy, a 7-session innovative workshop that aims to help men build a personalized 'Dad Plan' rooted in biblical values.

    In this episode, Jeff shares about his passion for reaching dads; talks about how dads can work together successfully with their child's mother to bring out the best in their child; covers the importance of open-ended questions about emotions and experiences for healthy communication with their kids, and much more!

    You'll also hear about his new book Dad Academy: Raising Courageous, Capable, Confident Kids!

    Jeff Hamilton is a pastor, coach, and consultant, but the roles he loves the most is as a husband to Jayme, and dad to his adult kids. The Hamiltons have had the privilege of serving families for over 35 years in pastoral ministry. Jeff is passionate about encouraging men and equipping people to live purposeful lives. As a contributor to the National Center for Fatherhood and podcasts such as Trinity Broadcasting Network’s “Our Town,” Jeff brings a compelling perspective to conversations about faith, family, and leadership.

    Dad Academy Book: https://www.dadacademy.info/book

    Website: https://www.dadacademy.info/



    Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

    Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

    Visit our websites at:

    https://www.karenferg.com/

    https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/

    Find our books on Amazon:

    Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

    Sandra Chambers: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Chambers/author/B00OHLARMO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=17400...

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    15 min
  • The Grandparenting Journey w/ Special Guest Melissa Henderson
    Jan 8 2026

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    Award-winning author, Melissa Henderson, is back on the show with a special message for grandparents: biological, adopted, or designated neighborhood grandparent...YOU are needed!

    Melissa shares her heartwarming experiences as she encourages listeners to share God’s love with family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. Melissa believes there is wisdom to be learned from grandparents, and lessons to be learned from children that can deepen our relationship with God and others. Listen in and be inspired and blessed!

    Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes humming with humor. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister and the author of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator.”


    Melissa Henderson, Award Winning Author

    My Website | facebook | pinterest | twitter | instagram


    My Writing:

    “Grumpy the Gator”

    “Licky the Lizard”

    “Pandemic Moments"

    “Heaven Sightings”

    “Remembering Christmas”

    “Divine Interventions”

    “Charleston Light: Stories Inspired by Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse”

    “A Holy Christmas: Charleston Holiday Tales"




    Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

    Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

    Visit our websites at:

    https://www.karenferg.com/

    https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/

    Find our books on Amazon:

    Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

    Sandra Chambers: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Chambers/author/B00OHLARMO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=17400...

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    15 min
  • Health and Fitness w/a Twist with Little Ones w/special guest Kimberley Payne
    Jan 1 2026

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    In this episode, host Karen Ferguson welcomes special guest Kimberley Payne to talk about simple ways to incorporate fitness into busy family schedules.

    Regular exercise is one of the biggest parts of a healthy life, but it can be a challenge to implement with little ones with short attention spans, or with children not that interested in sports or exercise.

    Listen in to 5 effective ways to make and keep fitness a part of your family lifestyle. These are easy to implement and will be a blessing to your family!

    Kimberley Payne is a Jesus lover, Oma, and an eclectic author. Her books boost faith, help readers face difficult challenges, and draw closer to God. As a mother, health advocate, and woman of faith Kimberley is on a mission to help her readers live fuller, healthier lives.

    Check out Kimberley's website for books and resources: https://www.kimberleypayne.com/


    Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

    Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

    Visit our websites at:

    https://www.karenferg.com/

    https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/

    Find our books on Amazon:

    Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

    Sandra Chambers: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Chambers/author/B00OHLARMO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=17400...

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    10 min
  • Music Matters: Holiday Edition w/ Host Karen Ferguson
    Dec 25 2025

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    Whether you’re celebrating with family and friends today, or enjoying a quiet day at home, take just five minutes to listen in as host Karen Ferguson shares the power of music to our physical, emotional, and spiritual health and includes some of her favorite Christmas songs you’ll want to add to your playlist to fill your home and heart today and every day of the year. 🎄🌟🎙️

    Top Ten Playlist:

    1. God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman (Phil Wickham)
    2. Light of the World, Sing Hallelujah (We the Kingdom)
    3. Hope for Everyone (Matt Maher)
    4. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (Casting Crowns)
    5. Emmauel God with Us (Chris Tomlin)
    6. Silent Night (David Crowder Band)
    7. A Hallelujah Christmas (Cloverton)
    8. O What a King (Katy Nichole)
    9. Go Tell it on the Mountain (Maverick City)
    10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Frank Sinatra)


    Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

    Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

    Visit our websites at:

    https://www.karenferg.com/

    https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/

    Find our books on Amazon:

    Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

    Sandra Chambers: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Chambers/author/B00OHLARMO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=17400...

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    6 min
  • Holiday Traditions to Make Your Christmas Merry & Bright w/ Host Karen Ferguson
    Dec 18 2025

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    Join Host Karen Ferguson on 5-Minute Parenting talking on the topic of holiday traditions. Christmas may be next week, but it's not too late to try something new this year to spice up your holidays! Karen shares 14 tried and true family traditions on her blog, and covers some of her favorites on this episode, with links to more resources below. Merry Christmas! 🎄🌟🎙️

    Peanut Butter Kiss Recipe: https://www.erinliveswhole.com/healthy-peanut-butter-blossoms/

    Christian Elf on a Shelf Ideas: https://equippinggodlywomen.com/parenting/8-christian-elf-on-the-shelf-ideas/

    Birthday Cake for Jesus History: https://faithgateway.com/blogs/christian-books/birthday-cake-for-jesus

    Original Blog Post: https://www.karenferg.com/blog/14-time-tested-traditions-to-make-your-christmas-merry-amp-bright-


    Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

    Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

    Visit our websites at:

    https://www.karenferg.com/

    https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/

    Find our books on Amazon:

    Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

    Sandra Chambers: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Chambers/author/B00OHLARMO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=17400...

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    7 min
  • Juggling it all: Time Management for Busy Parents (and People!) with Lynsey Martin
    Dec 11 2025

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    Parents are pulled in so many different directions! Sometimes it can be diffcult to juggle it all. Today on 5-Minute Parenting special guest, Lynsey Martin, is on the show to share simple tips for managing time better. Lynsey is a busy wife, mom, and children's book author who is known for amazing time management skills!

    Listen in as she shares tips, tools, and strategies that will make your busy schedule easier to manage, covering daily and weekly practices like time blocking, calendar planning, self-care habits, and of course - grace!

    Recommended Planners:

    https://www.emilyley.com/collections/all-planners

    https://laureldenise.com/collections/all-planners

    Lynsey Martin is a wife, Christian Mom of two boys and dog Ellie, a graduate of Santa Clara University and the author of How to get an Alligator out of the Bathtub. Originally from Southern California, Lynsey lives with her husband and children in Austin, TX. The inspiration behind her children’s book was a trip to the zoo with her boys and their comments of wanting to have the alligators come home to live with them; and so, the character in her debut book, Allistair, was born!

    Connect with Lynsey: https://www.mamabearbooks.com/pages/lynsey-martin-2?srsltid=AfmBOor9mSHSXtItduNBrYqC7BVZNU-Fazg-gwNq8OHY7YJygyg5V3R5

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynseymartinauthor/

    Check out her debut children's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Alligator-Out-Bathtub/dp/1960616226


    Book 3 in the Questions for Kids picture book series is now available! Check out Guess Why God Made the Rainbow on Amazon or your favorite book retailer! 🌈

    Love this podcast episode? Please leave a positive rating/review and share this episode with a friend ❤️

    Visit our websites at:

    https://www.karenferg.com/

    https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/

    Find our books on Amazon:

    Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

    Sandra Chambers: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Chambers/author/B00OHLARMO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=17400...

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    16 min