Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? A Thoughtful Approach to Halloween for Christian Moms

In this episode of the Mommin' Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett and guest Chastity delve into the history and spiritual implications of Halloween from a Christian perspective. They explore the origins of Halloween, its pagan roots, and the Catholic influences that shaped it. The conversation includes Chastity's personal journey of questioning and researching holiday traditions, along with her insights from her podcast 'Ancient Conspiracies.' Listeners are encouraged to consider how Halloween aligns with their faith, discuss alternatives like harvest festivals, and engage children in making thoughtful decisions. The episode emphasizes the importance of prayerful discernment and creating new family traditions that honor God.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:31 Discussing Halloween: Origins and Questions

01:02 Guest Introduction: Chastity's Background

02:21 Chastity's Journey: From Childhood to Podcasting

05:39 Exploring Halloween's Pagan Roots

07:06 The Catholic Influence on Halloween

09:30 Ancient Celtic Traditions and Giants

23:06 Modern Concerns and Spiritual Implications

29:49 Understanding Child Appropriateness

31:46 Encouraging Discernment in Kids

36:59 Balancing Traditions in a Blended Household

39:18 Spiritual Implications of Halloween

43:14 Practical Ways to Shift Focus During Halloween

45:43 Exploring Ancient Conspiracies

51:07 Normalizing Vulnerability in Parenting

54:32 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Chasity:

Chasity Jameson is a wife, a mom, a gardener, a chicken lady, and a beekeeper... with a passion for biblical history that decided, one day, to turn it into a podcast. The Ancient Conspiracies Podcast connects everyday conspiracies to biblical history. It also brings a biblical perspective to esoteric topics that aren't often discussed in church.

Website: www.ancientconspiracies.com

FB/Instagram/Truth Social: @ancientconspiracies

Ancient Conspiracies Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5kPqRmYHBf1TB2KWxIux8h?si=d46874cf4c314e96

Ancient Conspiracies Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ancient-conspiracies/id1644256511

RESOURCES:

Ancient Conspiracies Episode 8: The Pagan Roots of Halloween https://spotify.link/JMUX7fA7sXb

Bru na Boinne Celtic Tombs https://irisharchaeology.org/bru-na-boinne/

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: @Mommin_Together https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/

@Michelle_Barnett_ https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/

Join our Mommin’ Together Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993

Simplifying Sports Nutrition for Kids: A Mom’s Guide to Fueling Young Athletes

Inn this episode of the Mommin' Together Podcast, host Michelle Barnett discusses the importance of proper nutrition for young athletes with guest Jamie Cantrell. Jamie, a former collegiate athlete and coach, shares her insights on essential nutrients, hydration, and pre- and post-game snacks. She emphasizes the significance of tailored nutrition plans based on individual needs and provides practical tips for making nutrition a priority despite busy schedules. Tune in to learn about debunking common sports nutrition myths and creating a healthy, balanced diet for your young athletes.

00:00 Welcome to the Mommin' Together Podcast

00:20 Introduction to Fueling Young Athletes

00:34 Guest Introduction: Jamie Cantrell

01:45 The Importance of Nutrition for Young Athletes

02:43 Jamie Cantrell's Personal Nutrition Journey

06:32 Understanding Basic Nutrition for Athletes

12:03 Hydration Tips for Young Athletes

21:01 Pre and Post-Game Nutrition Strategies

23:02 Healthy Snack Ideas for Young Athletes

26:20 High School Nutrition Lessons

26:54 Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids

29:40 Debunking Nutrition Myths

33:48 The Importance of Nutrition in Sports

36:14 Supplements and Pre-Workouts

40:56 Handling Picky Eaters

46:06 Motherhood Advice and Program Introduction

About Jamie Cantrell:

-Full Division 1 College Scholarship to Southern Methodist University, ranked top 3 in country.

-Four year starter and team captain for top 10 ranked SMU mustangs, including starting as a freshman in NCAA Final Four

-All American, Western Athletic Conference (WAC)

-All American Academic Team, WAC Conference

**

Post college career:

-Graduated Cum laude from SMU

-Spent several years in corporate marketing before transitioning to education

-Head Varsity Coach, Ursuline Academy of Dallas, where led team to 9 consecutive state titles

-Ursuline ranked top ten in country, for both public and private schools in America

-7-time TAPPS district coach of the year

-Texas Association of Private and Parochial school Coach of the Year

Now.. coaching next generation of elite athletes:

-mom to 3: stepdaughter Ashlyn, collegiate volleyball

-son, Caden (18) attends IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida

-son, Kellan (16), attends Southeastern Prep Academy in Orlando, Florida

-husband Shawn: dual sport athlete at SMU. Played basketball and soccer. Went on to play professional soccer following college

She’s Currently developing program for sports parents, a “parent playbook,” to help families develop not only the physical side of sports, but the mental, emotional, spiritual, social and financial sides of sports.

Connect with Jamie: Instagram @Completeathletebyjamie https://www.instagram.com/completeathletebyjamie/

*Follow Jamie on IG to be the first to know about her upcoming program The Complete Athlete

Resources:

LMNT https://amzn.to/478UrrK

Ultima Refresher https://amzn.to/3KwCCKy

Complete Protein Shakes

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: @Mommin_Together https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/

@Michelle_Barnett_ https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/

Join our Mommin’ Together Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993

Parent with Purpose: Social Media Fasting & Raising Confident, Helpful Kids with Kristina Turner [Ep 24]

In this episode of the Mommin' Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett connects with guest Kristina Turner to discuss the impacts of social media fasting on motherhood and explore concepts from Michaeleen Doucleff's book, 'Hunt Gather Parent.' Kristina shares her journey of faith and how it has influenced her approach to social media. They delve into practical tips for social media fasting, setting boundaries, and the positive effects these practices have on parenting. Additionally, they talk about the book's three key principles—modeling, involving, and trusting children in daily tasks—and how applying these can lead to calmer, more confident kids. The episode wraps up with a discussion on maintaining healthy connections within the family and the importance of strong parental relationships.

00:00 Welcome to the Mommin' Together Podcast

01:10 Kristina's Faith Journey and Social Media Fasting

02:53 Managing Social Media Boundaries

06:40 The Impact of Social Media on Parenting and Relationships

11:04 Strategies for Social Media Detox

25:28 Involving Kids in Daily Tasks

35:06 Parenting Challenges and Chore Charts

36:17 Simplifying Family Chores

38:20 Teaching Kids Basic Life Skills

42:00 Effective Praise and Communication

47:49 Modeling Behavior and Emotional Regulation

59:06 The Importance of Marriage in Parenting

01:04:06 Gardening and Sourdough Workshops

01:05:04 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Kristina:

Kristina is a mom, teacher, farmer and certified holistic health integrative nutrition coach.

Through her personal health journey with food and wellness, she went from teaching elementary school, to holistic health coaching to regenerative farming and now I do a little bit of all these jobs together as a mom to three young boys.

Homegrown ministries was born out of a desire to share the lessons that she has learned over the last two decades. We hope that her little homestead can inspire you and your family to get back to homegrown health and wellness.

Website: https://www.homegrown-ministries.com⁠

IG: homegrown_ministries

Resources:

Upcoming In-Person Workshop Info and a Virtual Sourdough Course

Book - Hunt, Gather Parent

Book - Hold Onto Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: @Mommin_Together

@Michelle_Barnett_
Join our Mommin’ Together Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993

From Self-Critique to Self-Compassion: A Body Image Conversation for Moms with Katie Henley [Ep 23]

In this episode of the Mommin' Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett connects with Katie Henley, a mom, nurse, and former fitness competitor. They delve into the challenges of body image issues, starting from childhood through to motherhood, exploring Katie's personal journey with body image struggles, eating disorders, and her experience in bodybuilding. Katie discusses her FAVES method for developing a healthy body image and provides practical advice for mothers. The conversation also covers how to positively influence children's body image and self-worth and the importance of creating margin in life.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:56 Interview with Katie Henley Begins

02:07 Katie's Personal Body Image Journey

03:17 Impact of Negative Body Image

09:37 The FAVES Method for Healthy Body Image

14:02 Holistic Benefits of the FAVES Method

15:05 Mindset Shifts and Faith in Overcoming Body Image Issues

18:22 Motherhood and Body Image Transformation

19:40 Navigating Postpartum Pressures

20:34 Gratitude and Spiritual Reflections

24:46 Teaching Kids About Body Image and Health

28:41 First Steps for Moms Struggling with Body Image

30:59 Creating Margin in Motherhood

35:04 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Katie:

Katie is a wife and mom of 2.

She’s a full time nurse, former national level bikini competitor and Creator of the FAVES nutrition method.

Her passions are discipling her kids, coffee, reading, and travel!

I hope that by sharing my story/testimony it will encourage others to be free.

Instagram: KatieHenleyFit4

Resources:

FAVES Nutrition Method Download

Purpose Driven Life Book

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:31

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: @Mommin_Together

@Michelle_Barnett_

Join our Mommin’ Together Facebook Community

Help, I'm Stressed! How to Manage Stress Holistically in Motherhood with Erin Kerry

In this episode of the Mommin' Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett dives into the topic of managing stress in motherhood with guest Erin Kerry, a health coach and mental health advocate. They discuss the importance of community, Erin's journey with chronic illness and mental health diagnoses, and her upcoming book, 'Live Beyond Your Label.' Erin shares practical advice on holistic stress management, including the impact of nutrition, the role of faith, and the significance of addressing unresolved trauma. Moms will find valuable insights and actionable tips to navigate the challenges of motherhood more effectively.

00:00 Welcome to the Mommin' Together Podcast

00:19 Introducing Erin Kerry: Health Coach and Mental Health Advocate

00:41 Erin's Journey with Chronic Illness and Mental Health

01:38 The Daily Stressors of Motherhood

02:44 Erin's Story: Managing Stress Holistically

03:28 The Impact of Stress on Mental Health

04:37 Balancing Motherhood and Personal Wellbeing

07:52 The Importance of Community and Connection

12:57 Understanding the Body's Stress Response

19:19 Practical Tips for Managing Stress

23:07 Incorporating Movement into Daily Life

28:22 The Role of Nutrition in Stress Management

28:40 The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods on Stress

29:56 The Science Behind Hyper-Palatable Foods

31:44 The Rise of Convenience Foods and Their Consequences

33:29 Healthy Alternatives to Processed Foods

37:06 The Role of Trauma in Stress

44:28 Faith and Stress Management

50:00 Practical Tips for Reducing Stress

52:56 Conclusion and Resources

Connect with Erin:

​​Integrative Health Coach, Author, and Podcast Host of Sparking Wholeness

Preorder my new book Live Beyond Your Label (available 9/16/25) here!

Grab my FREE Food is Mood Guide here!

Instagram: Sparking Wholeness

Resources:

New Book: Live Beyond Your Label → out Sept 16th! Preorder now to get the free Nourishing Habits Guide.

Erin’s Podcast: Sparking Wholeness

Book - Salt, Sugar, Fat

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: @Mommin_Together https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/

@Michelle_Barnett_

Join our Mommin’ Together Facebook Community

Surrendered Motherhood: Trusting God with Your Family and Future with Andreza Owens

In this episode of the Mommin' Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett is joined by her friend Andreza Owens to discuss the challenges and joys of motherhood, guided by faith. Andreza shares her family's inspiring journey of trusting God through uncertainty, job transitions, housing changes, and financial struggles. Their story highlights daily reliance on God, finding gratitude in the little things, and nurturing a family environment grounded in faith and trust. Andreza also provides practical advice on how to include children in this journey of faith, navigating the tensions between control and surrender, and some tangible scripture-based practices for maintaining peace and trust. Whether you're in a season of certainty or struggling with unknowns, this episode is filled with encouragement and practical wisdom for surrendered motherhood.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast

01:08 Guest Introduction: Meet Andreza Owens

01:33 Andreza's Family and Lifestyle

02:59 The Big Move: Trusting God Through Uncertainty

06:01 Challenges and Unexpected Turns

14:33 God's Provision and Faithfulness

24:45 Practical Steps to Trusting God

27:22 Reflecting on Social Media's Impact

28:35 Trusting God's Plan in Uncertain Times

34:35 Navigating Parenting and Control

36:43 Teaching Kids Independence and Responsibility

41:37 Finding Peace and Trusting God

45:51 Daily Gratitude and Family Prayer

49:08 Encouragement for Overwhelmed Moms

51:51 Practical Mom Hacks and Staying Connected

Connect with Andreza:

Andreza Owens is a homeschooling mom of three who is passionate about slow, intentional living and nourishing families through whole, plant-fueled foods. She shares sourdough tips, homemade remedies, and everyday encouragement for moms walking a similar journey, reminding women that simple steps can make a big difference in their family’s well-being.

Social media:

Instagram: @drezaowens

Podcast: Tea Time with Thandreza

Resources:

Scripture:

Isaiah 26

Psalm 23

Book: Hunt, Gather, Parent

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: @Mommin_Together

@Michelle_Barnett_

Join our Mommin’ Together Facebook Community