To close out Season 2, Julianne welcomes licensed psychotherapist and parent coach Nicole Runyon to discuss her powerful new book, Free to Fly. This isn’t just another parenting book—it’s a manifesto calling out the powerful forces that are sabotaging childhood. Nicole shares how big tech, big food, and big pharma prey on kids and parents, and what we can do to reclaim our families' health, rhythms, and relationships.

From early childhood development to the dangers of overstimulation, retained reflexes, and parenting through emotional dysregulation, this episode covers the hard truths most parenting books avoid.

And after the "official" interview ended, Julianne asked Nicole to stay on the line—to dive into two chapters that no one has dared ask about yet. Nicole said yes.

The result is one of the most powerful and courageous conversations on the podcast to date.

If you’ve ever felt afraid to ask the hard questions or speak out loud what you know to be true, this episode will meet you with clarity, conviction, and compassion.

Where to find Nicole Runyon:

Website

Free to Fly book

Where you can find me:

Show notes:

Instagram

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Shop my activity guides and free downloads

What if your child’s best classroom isn’t a room at all?

In this episode, Patrick Whalen, Marine Corps veteran and founder of Iliad Athletics, shares why physical movement, especially outdoors, is essential for kids’ character development, cognitive growth, and lifelong health.

Patrick shares how his time in the military, the classroom, and as a boarding school founder led him to launch a company rooted in the belief that the body is an untapped source of learning.

He explains the difference between physical literacy (knowing about movement) and physical fluency (being able to apply movement with confidence and competence).

Patrick dives deep into how early childhood biomechanics often get trained out of kids through sedentary schooling and screen-based play.

This conversation is equal parts practical and philosophical—perfect for any parent, educator, or leader trying to raise kids with courage, capability, and a love for movement.

If you're a parent, educator, coach, or just someone who wants to raise strong, grounded kids who are free to move and be themselves—this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now to be inspired, challenged, and reminded that movement is not optional—it's essential.

Where to find Patrick:

• Website & Email Newsletter "The Strenuous Life": Iliad Athletics

Where you can find Julianne:

Show notes:

Instagram

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Shop my activity guides and free downloads

In today’s conversation, I’m joined by Eryn Lynum — author of The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living, host of the top-ranked family podcast Nat Theo, and certified master naturalist.

Eryn shares how her family embraced Sabbath rhythms after hitting burnout, and how rest — both biblically and biologically — has become a life-giving anchor in their home. We explore the theology behind rest, how nature points us to God’s design, what Sabbath actually looks like with kids, and why even five minutes of silence outside can be holy.

Whether you’re in a season of hurry or just longing for more margin, this episode is a breath of fresh air. It’s an invitation to slow down, notice beauty, and reconnect with both your Creator and your children.

What we cover:

• Why Sabbath is a gift, not a burden
• What nature teaches us about God’s rest rhythms
• How Eryn’s kids have come to crave Sabbath
• Practical ways to “lose track of time” in nature
• Why rest isn’t laziness — it’s kingdom work

Where to find Eryn:

• Website: erynlynum.com
• New Book: The Nature of Rest
• Podcast: Nat Theo

Where you can find me:

Show notes:

Instagram

Read the blog

Shop my activity guides and free downloads

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