Raising Rock
Raising Rock is a podcast about the honest, messy, and overwhelming realities of motherhood. Hosted by Elise Orozco, it offers grace-filled conversations aimed at helping mothers raise children with respect, obedience, courage, and kindness. Episodes address everyday challenges such as faith, discipline, values, daily rhythms, friendship, extended family, and lifestyle choices. The goal is to encourage women—whether they stay home full-time, work, or fall somewhere in between—to build homes where virtue takes root.
Episodes
Divorce, Remarriage & Blended Families: A Christian Guide to Helping Your Kids Thrive
Divorce changes a family forever, but it doesn't have to define its future. Whether you're walking through a divorce, raising children in a blended family, co-parenting with an ex-spouse, or considering remarriage, this conversation offers biblical wisdom, practical encouragement, and realistic expectations for the road ahead.In this episode, we sit down with Laura Petherbridge, author of
Should Parents Post Their Kids Online? A Conversation About Sharenting
Every photo, funny story, milestone, and parenting moment can now be shared with the world in just a few seconds. But just because we can post something about our children, should we? In this episode, we sit down with Leah Plunkett, author of Sharenthood, for one of the most thoughtful conversations we've had about raising kids in a digital age. Rather than telling parents what they should or
The Truth About Reading Struggles: What Every Parent Should Know
John Corcoran’s story is almost unbelievable. He graduated from college, became a high school teacher, and spent 17 years in the classroom, all while unable to read. He finally learned to read as an adult, and what happened next turned his greatest struggle into his life’s work.In this episode, we sit down with John, author of The Teacher Who Couldn’t Read and founder of the John Corcoran Foundati
How Genesis Shapes Your Child's Identity (And Why It Matters More Than Ever)
What if the first few chapters of Genesis shape far more than just what our children believe about creation?In this episode, we're joined by children's author Hannah Pierrou to talk about why Genesis lays the foundation for a child's understanding of identity, purpose, truth, and ultimately the gospel itself.Together we discuss:• Why every child needs a biblical foundation beginning in
Want to Do Devotions With Your Kids? Start With 3 Minutes a Day
You want to disciple your kids. You want God's Word to be part of your family's everyday life. But between school, sports, dinner, bedtime, and everything else competing for your attention, family devotions can feel like one more thing you're not doing well enough.What if you started with just three minutes?In this special episode of the Raising Rock Podcast, Ann and Elise introduce Pe
What Every Parent Needs to Know About Pornography | Exposure, Addiction & Recovery (with Andrew Buck)
Pornography is one of the biggest discipleship challenges facing this generation.The average age of first exposure continues to drop, and many children don't go looking for pornography. Instead, pornography finds them.So what should parents do?In this episode, I'm joined by Andrew Buck of The Freedom Fight to discuss one of the most important conversations Christian parents need to have.An
Reclaiming Sex Education: How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex Without Fear
Talking to your kids about sex can feel overwhelming. When should you start? What should you say? What if you've waited too long? And how do you teach your children about God's design for sex in a culture that's already teaching them something else?This week, we sit down with Kristen Miele, founder of Sex Ed Reclaimed, to talk about one of the most intimidating topics in parenting. Kri
How to See Your Child the Way God Sees Them
Every child is uniquely created by God, yet it's easy to parent through the lens of our own expectations, frustrations, or fears instead of His truth.In this episode, Bethany Kimsey of Warrior Motherhood joins us to talk about one of the greatest gifts we can give our children: seeing them the way God sees them. Together, we discuss how intentional prayer, praying Scripture, and studying the u
How Do I Teach My Kids About Money? A Christian Parent's Guide
Money is an important topic that many parents feel unprepared to discuss and often fail to intentionally prepare their children for. Should kids receive an allowance? Should they tithe? How do we teach generosity, hard work, contentment, and wise stewardship in a world that constantly encourages more, more, more?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Shane Enete of Biola University to discuss why fi
How To Build A Strong Family
How do we build strong families in a broken world?This week, we sit down with Kari Trent Stageberg from Strong Families for a deeply encouraging conversation about brokenness, redemption, parenting, and the intentional choices that help shape healthy, thriving families.Kari shares her powerful testimony of going from broken to blessed, including leaving an abusive relationship and experiencing the
How to Change Your Child’s Behavior by Reaching Their Heart | Ginger Hubbard
Every parent wants more than outward obedience. We want children whose hearts love what is good, honor God, and choose what is right, even when no one is watching.In this episode, we sit down with parenting author and speaker Ginger Hubbard to talk about one of the biggest shifts parents can make: moving beyond correcting behavior to shepherding the heart.Together, we explore the heart behind some
The Blessing Every Child Needs with Dr. John Trent
Every child longs to know they are loved, valued, accepted, and seen. But in the busyness of everyday life, many parents unintentionally miss opportunities to communicate those life-shaping truths.In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. John Trent, best-selling author, speaker, and founder of StrongFamilies.com shares the timeless biblical message behind The Blessing and why it has transformed familie
Navigating Infertility and Pregnancy Loss: Faith, Grief & Healing with Julie Fowler
In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Julie Fowler of Julie Fowler Ministries to share her powerful testimony of infertility and pregnancy loss.Julie shares her journey through infertility and pregnancy loss, including multiple miscarriages, and how God led her to create resources that support grieving couples.After walking through the heartbreak of losing multiple pregnancies, Julie tur
Finding Hope After Child Loss: Matt McDonough on Faith, Healing, Hormones, and the Power of Jesus
What happens when unimaginable grief meets the transforming power of Jesus?In this week's episode, we sit down with Matthew McDonough for a powerful conversation about faith, healing, child loss, Christian wellness, and the redemptive love of Christ.Matthew shares his personal testimony, including the heartbreaking experience of losing a child and the ways God met him in the depths of grief. T
Katy Faust: Children's Rights, IVF, and Raising Conservative Kids
This week on the Raising Rock Podcast, I sit down with Katy Faust, founder of Them Before Us and author of Raising Conservative Kids in a Woke City.This episode originally aired in 2025, but in light of recent headlines surrounding abortion, Down syndrome, and growing conversations about human value, we felt it deserved another moment in the spotlight.At the heart of Katy's work is a simple bu
Apologetics for Moms: Where to Start
What do you say when your child asks, "How do we know God is real?" Or, "Did Jesus really rise from the dead?" What about the question at the foundation of so many others: "Is there such a thing as truth?"In this episode of Raising Rock, Elise sits down with Tricia Scribner of Dr. Nana Talks and Mama Bear Apologetics to discuss why apologetics matters for families and
Surrendered Motherhood: They were never ours!!!!
Motherhood requires relinquishing from the verybeginning. We relinquish sleep. Time. Comfort. Control. Plans. Dreams. And eventually, even our hearts as our children grow and leave home.And as much as we relinquish, there is still this subtlethread of ownership that runs through motherhood. That our children belong to us. In this episode, Elise shares the message she gave onMother’s Day on what it
Made to Magnify with Morgan Krueger | Christian Motherhood, Letting Go of Control, and Choosing Jesus Over Self
Do you ever feel like your happiness depends on everything going your way?As moms, we are constantly managing schedules, meeting needs, and carrying the responsibilities of home and family. Without even realizing it, our peace can become tied to our expectations, our plans, and our desire for things to unfold the way we hoped.When that happens, our focus subtly shifts. Instead of magnifying Jesus,
Faith After Infant Loss: Lauren Cummings Johnson on Grief, Obedience, and Hope
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of infant loss and grief.In this deeply moving conversation, Elise sits down with Lauren Cummings Johnson of Choose Joy Nursing to hear her powerful testimony of faith in the midst of unimaginable loss.Lauren shares the story of her daughter, Lily Ann, who was diagnosed with a rare illness and passed away as an infant. She opens up about what it lo
It’s Not If… It’s When: Talking to Your Kids About Porn with Greta Eskridge
Note for parents: This episode is intended for adults and is not appropriate to listen to with children in the room.This is one of those conversations you might wish you didn’t have to have… but you absolutely do.We’re joined by Greta Eskridge, author of It's Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn, to talk about a reality every parent is facing: it’s not if our kids will be exposed… it’s when.An
What Are You Really Saying About Your Kids?
This week, we’re having a real conversation about something that can quietly shape our parenting more than we realize… pride. Not the obvious kind, but the subtle kind. The kind that shows up in our thoughts, in our reactions, and even in the way we talk about our kids.Because if we’re honest, a lot of our parenting isn’t just about our children. It’s about us. What people think. How it reflects o
Breaking the Wine Mom Myth
We’re told it’s harmless. That it’s deserved. That motherhood is so hard, you need something to take the edge off. But what if that message is shaping more than we realize? In this conversation with Ericka Andersen, we talk about what it looks like to see alcohol differently. Not just sobriety, but a shift in perspective that changes everything.Because there are things we don’t always talk about.
The Sins Women Are Most Vulnerable To
Some of the most dangerous sins don’t look like sin. They’re subtle, respectable, and easy to excuse.In this conversation with Tilly Dillehay, we talk about the sins women are especially vulnerable to, the ones that quietly take root in the heart. Her book, My Dear Hemlock, is inspired by The Screwtape Letters, but written for the modern woman. It imagines a woman’s life being analyzed and targete
When God Asks You to Walk Away: A Conversation with Blake Guichet
I have followed Blake for years, and she was someone I consistently went to for her take on politics and what was happening in the world. So when her content suddenly shifted, I noticed immediately. The commentary was gone. In its place was motherhood, home, and a quieter kind of presence that felt different in the best way. I had to ask her why.Her answer honestly stopped me. Obedience.This conve
From Harry Potter to Frozen: How We Decide What Our Kids Watch
We recorded this episode because of you. After sharing our recent movie reviews, we received so many thoughtful messages from moms who are trying to navigate what their kids watch and how to think about entertainment in a way that feels wise and intentional. This conversation is not about creating a list of what you should or should not allow in your home. It is about stepping back and asking bett
Raising Wise Kids in a Sexually Broken World with Laurie Krieg
We had such a meaningful conversation with Laurie Krieg, author of Raising Wise Kids in a Sexually Broken World, about one of the most important responsibilities we have as parents…talking to our kids about the world they’re growing up in.In this episode, we talk about how to approach conversations around sex, LGBTQ topics, and pornography in a way that is thoughtful, grounded, and rooted in truth
How To Raise Capable Kids
We are so excited to welcome David Thomas and Sissy Goff from Raising Boys & Girls to The Raising Rock Podcast.David and Sissy have spent decades counseling children and equipping parents, and their newest book, Capable: A Guide to Raising Kids Who Know They Can Do Hard Things, continues that mission.In this episode, we talk about something every parent wants for their children: capability.How
Helping Kids Use Technology Wisely: Signs of Screen Addiction and What Parents Can Do
In this episode of the Raising Rock Podcast, we sit down with author, speaker, and parenting expert Arlene Pellicane to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing families today—technology and our kids.Arlene is the host of the Happy Home Podcast and the author of several books including Screen Kids, Parents Rising, Calm, Cool, and Connected, Growing Up Social (co-written with Dr. Gary Chapma
Season 1 Wrap Up
As we close out Season 1, we’re taking time to pause, reflect, and give thanks.In this episode, we share what the Lord has been placing on our hearts through Psalm 73—a reminder to keep our eyes fixed on Him, especially when the world feels loud, confusing, or heavy. We reflect on God’s faithfulness over this past season and express deep gratitude for the ways He has led, sustained, and grown us t
The Christmas Story: Jesus, His Plan of Redemption, and Our Yes to Him
In this special Christmas episode, Elise Orozco shares a message given at the Mission Church Women’s Christmas Tea in Carlsbad.If you loved this episode, it would mean so much if you’d leave a 5-star review and share it with a friend.Follow along on Instagram at @raisingrockco and visit www.raisingrockco.com—our website is now live! There you’ll
Spirit-Led Motherhood: Inviting God Into Our Limitations, Pressures, and Everyday Challenges
In this deeply encouraging conversation, Elise is joined by Elizabeth Mosser from Intentional Parents, a ministry devoted to guiding families in the way of Jesus through relationships, wholeness, and everyday life.This episode is all about motherhood. Together, Elise and Elizabeth talk honestly about the real challenges mothers face: navigating our limitations, carrying the invisible pressures cul
Raising Rock x M is for Mama
In this episode, I sit down with Abbie Halberstadt — mama of ten, author, and creator of M Is for Mama — to talk about the raw, real struggles many of us moms walk through: mom-guilt, impatience, that tendency to snap when we’re tired or overwhelmed, and how what’s in our hearts so often spills out inour words and actions. We dig into how to guard our hearts, lean on grace, and let our identity in
The Beauty God Can Bring Out of Grief with Anna Melendez
In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Anna Melendez—chiropractor, health and wellness expert, and the heart behind The Fresh Pursuit. Anna’s story is raw, honest, and deeply hopeful.Over the last few years, she has walked through the heartbreaking journey of miscarriage and repeated loss, a road far too many women know but rarely talk about openly. Anna shares how she navigated grief, mo
How To Talk About Theology With Your Kids
In this week’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Timothy Dresselhaus—a retired Chief of Medicine and lifelong student of Scripture—for a deep, theological conversation about faith, family, and making God’s Word the heartbeat of our homes.We talk about:Why theology matters for every family (not just scholars)How to make Bible study a rhythm your family actually looks forward toHelping children understa
Katy Faust: Fighting Culture with Courage and Raising Conservative Kids
This week on the Raising Rock Podcast, Elise sits down with Katy Faust — founder of Them Before Us, an organization that boldly champions children’s rights above adult desires.Katy is a warrior for truth in a world that’s lost its moral compass. With conviction and compassion, she breaks down some of today’s most difficult cultural topics — from why IVF can violate children’s rights, to her hope t
Little Lights, Big Lessons: Teaching Kids the Fruit of the Spirit
This week, Elise sits down with her sweet friend Lauren Gilmore, host of The Little Lights Podcast — a storytelling podcast designed to help children learn and live out the fruit of the Spirit. Lauren shares the heart behind Little Lights: why she started creating Christ-centered stories for kids, how these stories meet children in their everyday struggles, and practical ways parents can help thei
From Rock Bottom To Redeemed - Part 2
Last week, you heard Mike Conway’s story — a powerful testimony of addiction, redemption, and the hard reality of relapse.This week, we continue the conversation with his wife, Sara Conway.When Mike relapsed, their story didn’t end there. Sara stood firmly on the promises of God. She prayed, believed, and clung to the hope that the Lord had a plan for their family even in the darkest season.She is
From Rock Bottom to Redeemed
This week’s conversation is one you won’t forget.Mike Conway’s story is raw, powerful, and drenched in God’s mercy.From addiction… to becoming a pastor… and then facing the darkness of relapse while in ministry — Mike knows what it means to hit rock bottom. But he also knows the relentless, pursuing love of Jesus.This is Part 1 of a two-part series. In this episode, Mike shares his journey of brok
Real Talk: Motherhood, Faith, and Finding Grace with Mia Elliott
In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with my friend Mia Elliott — host of Was That Too Much?, interior designer, and all-around amazing human — to talk about the real stuff: motherhood, infertility, growing up in the church, and learning to walk through challenges without becoming bitter.It’s one of those cozy, honest, heart-level conversations that reminds you that you’re not alone. 🌿If you
The Truth About Romance Novels: A Silent Killer of Women’s Peace and Contentment
Romance novels are often seen as harmless entertainment, but in this episode we take a closer look at the silent ways they shape women’s hearts, minds, and relationships. These stories promise escape and excitement, but many quietly erode joy, peace, and contentment—often leaving women dissatisfied with real life and real intimacy.We talk honestly about why explicit romance novels function like po
Encouragement for Moms in Challenging Times with Heidi St. John
Heidi St. John is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and host of The Heidi St. John Podcast. She has been encouraging moms for decades with her wisdom, humor, and honesty about faith, family, and culture. In this bonus episode, Heidi joins us to speak directly to the hearts of mothers navigating difficult seasons.We talk about homeschooling, daily rhythms that bring peace, how to overcome se
Demystifying Evangelism: Greg Stier on Sharing the Gospel Simply
Greg Stier is the founder of Dare 2 Share Ministries and one of the most powerful storytellers I have ever met. His story about his family and background is fascinating—you’ll be hooked from the start. Saved at a young age, Greg later led his mother to the Lord, and from there, God set him on a path that has impacted millions.Greg’s passion is clear: mobilizing others to share the gospel. He has a
Why Having It All Was Never an Option — A Real Conversation with Suzanne Venker
In this episode, I sit down for a real conversation with Suzanne Venker—author, relationship coach, and bold cultural commentator who never shies away from saying what she thinks about life, love, and the choices women face.Suzanne has spent years challenging the narrative that women should “have it all” by showing the cost of constant hustle and the beauty of prioritizing home and family. Her wor
Breaking Cycles: Honest Motherhood and God’s Redemption
On this episode of Raising Rock, I sit down with an old friend I grew up with—someone whose story is raw, real, and full of God’s grace. She became a mom at 16, walked through the pain of alcoholism, and knows firsthand the weight of generational sin.Now, as a mom of several kids, she’s choosing to parent with intention and honesty—having the hard conversations about where she and her husband have
When Faith Carries You: A Story of Marriage, Motherhood, and Trusting God
This week I get to sit down with someone who has deeply influenced my own journey—my mentor and friend, Jo Dalzell. Jo is a wife, mom of three, grandmother of nine, and one of the most steady examples of faithfulness I know.In this conversation, Jo shares about her early years of marriage as a South African newlywed married to an Irishman, the challenges of immigration, and the struggle of being u
Protecting the Next Generation: Music, Culture, and the Fight for Our Kids
The messages in today’s music and entertainment industry are shaping an entire generation—and not always for the better. In this episode, I sit down with Chloe, the face behind Make Music Right, an incredible movement dedicated to exposing the destructive messages hidden in popular music and calling parents to action. Together, we unpack how music influences culture, why it matters what our kids l
Homeschooling & Building a Christian Worldview
Whether you homeschool full-time, part-time, or not at all, today’s episode with Kristi Clover is packed with encouragement and practical tips you can use in your home. Kristi is a well-known voice in the homeschooling world — but her wisdom goes far beyond academics. She shares how to intentionally teach your children a Christian worldview, no matter what type of schooling you choose, and how to
The Heart Behind It All: Gratitude, Rhythms & Building with Purpose - Part 2
This week on the Raising Rock Podcast, I’m joined again by the lovely Morgan Mullen of @mullendesignco—a stay-at-home mom turned business owner whose journey began with a simple goal: make $1,000 a month to help with groceries. Today, she runs a thriving interior design company, and in Part 2, we dive deeper into how she built it, why she built it, and how she keeps motherhood her first priority.M
The Heart Behind It All: Gratitude, Rhythms & Building with Purpose
This week on the Raising Rock Podcast, I’m joined by the lovely Morgan Mullen of @mullendesignco—a stay-at-home mom turned business owner whose journey started with a simple goal: make $1,000 a month to help with groceries. Today, she runs a thriving interior design company, but what’s even more inspiring is how she’s done it—with gratitude, intention, and family at the center.In Part 1, we talk a
Faith Over Fear: How to Model Courage and Conviction for Your Kids
What does it really look like to live out your faith when it costs you something?In this episode, I sit down with Tori Jensen, a former first responder who was fired for standing firm in her religious beliefs during the challenges of 2020. Her story isn’t just about what she lost—it’s about what she gained: a deeper faith, stronger convictions, and a clear vision for the kind of courage she wants
90 Years Of Wisdom: A Conversation With My Papa
In this special episode—released on his 90th birthday—I sit down with my Papa, the first love of my life and the man who has quietly shaped generations with his steadiness, humility, and faith. A lifelong pastor, husband, father, and counselor, Papa shares the lessons learned from a lifetime of walking closely with the Lord and coming alongside others through their most defining seasons.This conve
Helping Kids Resist Instant Gratification: Why Patience and Endurance Matter - Part 2
In part two of Helping Kids Resist Instant Gratification: Why Patience and Endurance Matter, we pick up right where we left off. In a world that prizes comfort, speed, and shortcuts, how do we raise kids who can endure, follow through, and keep their word?In this episode, I sit down with Jocelyn Cooper - pastor’s wife, homeschool mom of four, and one of the wisest mentors in my life - to talk abou
Helping Kids Resist Instant Gratification: Why Patience And Endurance Matter
In a world that prizes comfort, speed, and shortcuts, how do we raise kids who can endure, follow through, and keep their word?In this episode, I sit down with Jocelyn Cooper - pastor’s wife, homeschool mom of four, and one of the wisest mentors in my life - to talk about raising children who can grow into steady, trustworthy young adults. Jocelyn shares insight into why teaching patience and endu
The Heart Behind Raising Rock - Kindness
We close the series with what might be the most tender of all the ROCK values—kindness. But don’t mistake it for weakness. In this episode, we explore how true kindness reflects the heart of God and carries quiet strength. In a world that’s increasingly self-focused, we talk about good old-fashioned kindness—why it matters, how it shapes our children, and why we’ve made it a pillar of Raising ROCK
The Heart Behind Raising Rock - Courage
Part three is all about courage—not the loud, showy kind, butthe quiet strength that helps kids do what’s right, even when it’s hard. We talk about how to model true bravery for our children and why, in today’s world, it’s more important than ever to raise kids who can stand firm in truth—even if they have to stand alone. As always with ROCK, it starts in theheart.If you loved this episode, it wou
The Heart Behind Raising Rock - Obedience
In part two, we dive into a value that’s high on every mom’s radar: obedience. We share personal stories, honest reflections, and real-life moments that have shaped our perspective. Raising kids who can listen and respond with a willing heart isn’t easy—but it’s something we’re all working toward. This conversation is full of grace, laughter, and encouragement for moms who want to cultivate obedie
The Heart Behind Raising Rock - Respect
In part one of this four-part conversation, my mom and I unpack the first core value of Raising Rock—Respect. We talk about what it really means to honor others, how respect has shifted in our culture, and why teaching our kids to live with consideration and regard for others is so foundational. This episode sets the stage for what ROCK is all about.If you loved this episode, it would mean so much
I Thought Being Present Was Enough
Welcome to the very first episode of the Raising Rock Podcast! In this grace-filled conversation, we open up about why this podcast exists, how it started, and what it means to raise kids with intention in a world that often glorifies chaos.You’ll hear the story behind the name Raising Rock, what it looks like to parent with faith and purpose, and why we believe being present isn’t enough—our kids
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