Podcast
Wire Talk with Karen Stubbs
Hosted by Karen Stubbs · ENGLISH
Wire Talk was created to encourage and equip moms throughout the challenging and life-changing journey of motherhood. Each week on Wire Talk Karen Stubbs offers godly, practical advice on the topics every mother has questions about: mom guilt, our children’s faith, potty-training, divorce, our teenagers dating, and more!
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Episodes
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500: Parenting Principles from Proverbs (Part 2): How to Be a Wise Mom
Jan 1300:38:57Tap to summarizeWe are celebrating 500 episodes of Wire Talk and using this milestone to talk about something every mom wants: wisdom that actually works in real life. Today Karen breaks down what it means to be a wise mom, not a perfect one, and offers a simple grid for everyday moments by asking, “Will my response build my house or tear it down?” From discipline to independence, this conversation focuses on proactive parenting that shapes our kids over time.Episode Recap:Wire Talk is celebrating 500 episodes - don’t miss our BIG GIVEAWAY (2:34)A wise mom builds her house up in all she does (7:10)Children are born with a sin nature (11:00)Being intentional is hard work (14:31)What is the difference between teaching, training, and discipline? (15:50)Consistency builds trust (20:30)Discipline sets your child up for success long term (23:40)Listener question - how do I discipline my biter? (26:44)Listener question - is it too late for me to disciple my child in faith? (29:39)How do I discipline tantrums in public? (31:52)I don’t know how to help my daughters solve sibling conflict… (33:30)Scripture: Proverbs 14:1 (NIV) – “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”Discussion Questions: Karen’s guiding question is, “Will my response build my house or tear it down?” Where do you most need that filter right now? (Discipline, mornings, homework, sibling conflict, or marriage?)Where do you tend to parent reactively, and what would it look like to be proactive instead?How does remembering your child’s sin nature change both your expectations and your compassion?Karen talks about how tearing down can show up in our words with kids or a spouse. Where do you need to shift from criticism to building up?Which do you lean toward most: teaching, training, or disciplining, and which one do you tend to avoid? Why?Where do you need to ask God for help right now, one specific area where you are asking Him to meet you with encouragement?Resources:Join our giveaway by commenting on this episode over on YouTube! Check out our BRAND NEW Bible study: How To Teach Your Kids the BibleListen to Wire Talk Episode 1! Start a new habit this year with Karen’s devotional: Moments with God for Moms
Transcribe →499: Parenting Principles from Proverbs (Part 1): How to Parent with Confidence Instead of Anxiety
Jan 600:32:23Tap to summarizeKaren and Emily are kicking off the year with a three-part series about parenting principles we can learn from the book of Proverbs. Today, Karen addresses the confusion many moms today feel around discipline, authority, and the pressure to “get it right.” Drawing from Solomon’s teaching, she reminds us that children need leadership, clear boundaries, and parents who are willing to direct them with confidence rather than fear. We hope this conversation encourages you to trust God for wisdom no matter what you are facing this week!Episode Recap:Wire Talk is celebrating 500 episodes next weekSubscribe to our YT podcast so you don’t miss the giveawayGentle parenting does not workStop Googling and start getting into the Word of GodWe are bombarding ourselves with information overloadMoms are afraid of messing up and uncertain of what to doWhat are the 3 stages of discipline? How do I discipline without introducing shame? Children are so resilient, we do not give them enough creditTrust that God will give us wisdom exactly when we need itScripture: Proverbs 1:1-5 (ESV) – “The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance…”Discussion Questions: What messages about parenting have influenced you the most in recent years—culture, social media, your upbringing, or Scripture?“More information is not always good information.” Where have you felt overwhelmed or anxious because of too much advice?Why do you think the word authority has become uncomfortable in parenting conversations?How does Proverbs reframe discipline as protection and love rather than punishment?What is one area of parenting where you need to ask God for wisdom instead of trying to figure it out on your own?Resources:Check out our BRAND NEW Bible study: How To Teach Your Kids the BibleListen to our series on the 3 stages of discipline: 154, 155, 156Grab Karen’s devotional book: Moments with God for Moms
Transcribe →498: Choosing Love This Christmas
Dec 2300:25:11Tap to summarizeAs Christmas approaches, we are turning our focus to love this final week of Advent. In this episode, Karen and Emily unpack what it looks like to love like Jesus in everyday moments: choosing presence, serving quietly, pausing before reacting, and remembering that we love others because Christ first loved us. If the holidays have stretched your patience thin, we hope this conversation will help you refocus your heart on what truly matters! Episode Recap:We’re talking about love this week (6:05)How do we respond to God’s love practically? (7:55)Loving others looks like not being selfish (8:44)Take an interest in others this Christmas (12:34)Choose presence over perfection (15:54)Speak life with your words (16:31)Pause before you react (18:42)Enjoy simple moments (20:20)Serve quietly (21:15)Focus on gratitude (22:42)Scripture: Philippians 2:1-5 (NIV)“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”Discussion Questions: Why do you think loving others feels harder during the holidays?In what ways do you catch yourself trying to impress others rather than love them?Which part of Philippians 2:1–5 challenges you the most right now?What does “choosing presence over perfection” look like in your home?What is one thing you can do this week to respond with love instead of frustration?Resources:Please give today to help us reach more moms with Wire Talk in 2026!
Transcribe →497: How to Tune Your Heart to Joy This Christmas
Dec 1600:16:41Tap to summarizeJoy doesn’t just happen, our hearts have to be tuned to it. In this third week of Advent, Karen and Emily talk honestly about how hard it can be to find joy in the middle of exhaustion, family stress, and the very real unmet expectations of the season. Using the picture of tuning an instrument, they unpack how joy comes when we continually refocus our hearts on Jesus, not on our circumstances. If you’re longing for a steadier joy this Christmas season, this conversation is for you! Episode Recap:Intro (00:00)Today we’re talking about joy (2:10)We have to tune our hearts to joy (4:12)Jesus often becomes a secondary thought in this season (5:55)Remind yourself on a daily basis that this life is not about you, it’s about Christ (7:50)Find ways to re-center yourself on Christ this Christmas (10:30)Decide to have NO expectations each day, live with an open hand (11:35)Focusing on God makes the trivial things of this world fade away (16:01)Scripture: Luke 2:10-11 (ESV)“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”Discussion Questions: When you hear the idea of “tuning your heart to joy,” what stands out to you personally?What tends to pull your focus away from Jesus most during the Christmas season?Can you identify a recent moment where unmet expectations robbed you of joy?What practical practices help you re-center on Christ?How does Mary’s response to God’s plan challenge the way you respond to interruptions or disappointments?What would it look like to hold your plans and expectations with open hands this season?Resources:Please give today to help us reach more moms with Wire Talk in 2026! boaw.mom/give
Transcribe →496: Preparing Your Heart for Christmas
Dec 900:25:03Tap to summarizeIt’s easy to find ourselves in the middle of December with a packed calendar and an unprepared spirit, carrying bitterness, comparison, or disappointment into every day. Drawing from Matthew 3:3, Karen talks about what it means to “prepare the way for the Lord” so we don’t miss Jesus in the middle of our own expectations. You’ll come away with simple, practical ways to prepare your heart for Christmas, no matter what your circumstances are like.Episode Recap:Today we’re talking about preparation (2:15)We must prepare our hearts so we don’t miss Christ (3:54)We prepare through self-reflection, repentance, readiness (5:06)It’s hard to see the condition of your own heart, so pray about it (6:12)This world is full of trouble, but Christ has overcome the world (13:09)We have to take our thoughts captive over and over and over again (14:45)Practically, how do we prepare our hearts? (17:13)Scripture: Matthew 3:3 (NIV) – ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’Discussion Questions: When you look at this Christmas season, where do you see that your heart might be “unprepared”? (Bitterness, comparison, resentment, fear, exhaustion, etc.)What “self-talk” tends to get loud for you during the holidays (i.e.: life isn’t fair, I never have enough, no one appreciates me)? Which scriptures could help you renew your mind with truth instead?Karen shared practical ideas for preparing your heart: starting the day with Jesus, lighting a candle, sitting in silence, simplifying your schedule, serving someone in need. Which one could you realistically try this week?Is there one thing you could say no to this December to create more space for peace, presence, and noticing Jesus? What would it look like to trust God with that decision?Resources:Give today to help us reach more moms with Wire Talk in 2026! boaw.mom/givePick up a copy of Karen’s Self Talk curriculum today: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/products/six-truths-study-guide?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=ac36e3440&pr_rec_pid=1414191513677&pr_ref_pid=4773089017933&pr_seq=uniformListen to Noel by Tommee Profitt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDyA9W9CaeQ
Transcribe →495: Finding Hope This Christmas
Dec 200:24:15Tap to summarizeToday we’re kicking off our Advent series with a focus on hope. December fills up fast with activities, expectations, and pressure for a picture-perfect holiday, making it easy to place our hope in circumstances, schedules, and our spouses. But what do we do when Christmas doesn’t go as planned?In this episode, Karen invites us to ask a powerful question: Where am I placing my hope this Christmas? If you’re craving a calmer, more Christ-centered Christmas, this conversation will help you anchor your hope in Him alone.(Psst! If you’re listening with littles, you may want to skip to 3:30, we talk about Santa early on.)Episode Recap:Karen and Emily talk Santa and gift purchasing (1:45)What is one thing about Christmas you love & one thing you could do without? (4:15)Karen went on an advent deep dive this year (7:59)Everyone can use more hope (12:27)There’s a lot of grief and sadness at the holidays (14:50)Emmanuel means ‘God with Us’ (16:52)Our hope cannot be in our circumstances (18:02)Where are you placing your hope right now? (19:07)Scripture: Micah 7:7 (NIV) “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”Discussion Questions: Where are you most tempted to place your hope: your spouse, finances, health, kids’ behavior, or a “perfect” holiday?Have you ever walked through a Christmas marked by grief, disappointment, or loneliness? How did God meet you there (or how are you asking Him to now)?What would it look like, practically, to shift your hope from circumstances to Christ this month?How can you help your kids see Christmas as a season of hope in Jesus, not just presents and activities?Resources:Give today to help us reach more moms with Wire Talk in 2026! boaw.mom/giveReach out to https://birdsonawiremoms.com/book-karen-to-speak to have Karen come speak in your community!Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms
Transcribe →494: Helping Teens Grow Up: Boundaries, Phones & Real-Life Responsibility
Nov 2500:22:52Tap to summarizeToday Karen is tackling your questions about navigating the teenage years, from motivating strong-willed teens to handling independence, changing relationships, and the ever-present “that’s not fair!” Karen shares what worked in her home, including how to stay connected to strong-willed teens, helping boys who are pulling away, and parenting through the ever-changing norms of phones, jobs, and freedom.Episode Recap:You can be strict in the teen years and have great relationships with adult kids (4:00)Give them a “no, because…” during the teen years (5:54)How do I motivate my 15 year old to help out around home? (7:25)Help! My 13 yr old thinks he knows everything! (11:37)My teenage son is pulling away, I feel sad and rejected (15:35)How do you handle keeping things “fair” during the teenage years? (18:40)We have to remember our teens are growing up and that’s messy (22:01)Scripture: James 1:5 (NIV) “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”Discussion Questions: Where do you struggle most in balancing independence and safety with your teen?Are you naturally stronger in boundaries or connection? What needs strengthening?How does remembering your teen is still maturing affect your responses to them?Who supports you during the teen years, and how can you invite more support?Resources:Reach out to https://birdsonawiremoms.com/book-karen-to-speak to have Karen come speak in your community!Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms
Transcribe →493: The Secret to Stress-Free Potty Training
Nov 1800:27:15Tap to summarizeIf you’re staring down the potty training season with dread, this one’s for you! Karen and Emily are joined by Christine Clark—a mom, preschool teacher, and pro who’s successfully potty trained 17 children. From handling accidents with grace to dealing with fear, regression, or defiance, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement for moms in the potty-training trenches. Episode Recap:Christine runs an in-home daycare and LOVES toddlers (2:33)Personality definitely feeds into potty training (5:58)Is there a difference in training girls vs boys? (7:25)Give us a step-by-step for those who are new to this (8:55)What are the biggest mistakes parents make? (12:00)How to support your child’s training at daycare (14:16)What about kids who have “accidents” out of defiance? (16:35)What if a child is afraid to go #2? (22:21)Scripture: Galatians 6:9 (NIV) “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”Discussion Questions: What’s been your biggest potty training challenge so far, and what mindset shift could help you handle it with more patience?How can you bring fun and encouragement into the process instead of frustration?What does “everything can be cleaned” look like for you in this season of motherhood?What other “hard things” have you done recently that remind you you’re capable of more than you think?Resources:Reach out to https://birdsonawiremoms.com/book-karen-to-speak to have Karen come speak in your community!Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms
Transcribe →492: How to Handle a Difficult Mother-in-Law (Without Starting a Family War)
Nov 1100:23:30Tap to summarizeThis week, Karen tackles listener questions on navigating everything from over-involved mother-in-laws to family disagreements and unmet expectations. Karen shares wisdom from her 39 years of marriage about when to speak up, when to set boundaries, and how to keep your marriage strong even when extended family drama threatens your peace! Episode Recap:How do we make our relationships with our MILs stronger and better? (2:53)As a MIL, how can I best help my DIL when Baby #3 arrives? (4:25)My MIL doesn’t get along well in family situations, should I intervene? (8:35)Boundaries are for you, not the other person (10:17)My SIL never prioritizes our family, should I talk to her? (12:25)My MIL is upset over our parenting choices, (15:18)My husband and I are at odds over how best to honor his family (18:20)Scripture: Matthew 11:28 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”Discussion Questions: When have you found it hardest to set boundaries with family? What helped you hold firm?How can you and your spouse stay unified when you see a family situation differently?What practical ways can you show love to your in-laws while still protecting your family’s peace?When conflict rises, what would it look like for you to “take it to the Lord” instead of trying to fix it yourself?Resources:Reach out to https://birdsonawiremoms.com/book-karen-to-speak to have Karen come speak in your community!Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms
Transcribe →491: Why Helping Your Kids Might Be Hurting Them with Elizabeth Pehrson
Nov 400:34:07Tap to summarizeWhen it comes to raising independent kids, doing less can actually mean loving more. Karen and Emily welcome back mom of eight, Elizabeth Pehrson, whose last Wire Talk clip went viral with over 7.6 million views! In this powerful conversation, Elizabeth unpacks the long-term value of letting kids struggle, take responsibility, and learn from consequences. From packing lunches to doing laundry, she shares age-appropriate ways to teach kids ownership and why moms need to resist the urge to over-function.Episode Recap:Elizabeth’s last conversation on Wire Talk struck a nerve with viewers (3:31)Her children are reaping the rewards of parents who did less, not more (8:16)Age-appropriate chores for all ages (9:28)How does not helping set our kids up for success in the long run? (14:30)We set ourselves up for failure when we put too much of ourselves into our kids (19:20)Overfunctioning means doing things for your child that they can do for themselves (17:23)How can we start small this week? (23:00)It’s not what matters today, it’s what matters when they’re 30 (29:11)Just because you can do, provide, or give…doesn’t mean you should (29:43)Scripture: Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”Discussion Questions: What’s one area where you tend to step in for your kids instead of letting them handle it?How does doing less for your children actually prepare them for adulthood?Elizabeth said, “Just because you can do, provide, or give, doesn’t mean you should.” What does that look like in your home?What are some areas you need to teach your children to do for themselves this week? What might God be teaching you about releasing control as your children grow?Resources:Follow Elizabeth online: www.instagram.com/octomama or www.instagram.com/theexchangeus Reach out to https://birdsonawiremoms.com/book-karen-to-speak to have Karen come speak in your community!Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms
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