156 | Patience as a Parent Isn't Natural, It's Practiced: How I'm Learning to Step Back

Do you ever find yourself losing your temper over small things, like shoes left out, bedtime battles, or your child’s refusal to shower, and wondering why patience feels so out of reach? Are you constantly torn between wanting to give your kids more freedom and feeling the need to control every little detail? In this episode of the The Living Easy Podcast, Lindsey Maestas shares her own journey of learning how to create autonomy in her children while practicing real, grace-filled patience with them and with herself. Lindsey shares her own struggle with control, the urge to create rules where they may not be necessary, and how a desire for peace in her home led her to pursue emotional regulation, realistic expectations, and a rhythm over-reaction. She unpacks the idea that patience isn’t something we simply “have”, it’s something we build, moment by moment, with intentional choices and Christ-centered perspective. If you’ve ever felt guilty for being a reactive parent or overwhelmed by your own high expectations, this episode will meet you with honesty and hope.  Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes every week! Follow along with me on IG @livingeasywithlindsey. 

What if the voice you’re allowing to lead your life isn’t God’s, but the enemy's? In today’s episode, Lindsey Maestas is diving deep into what it means to truly treasure God’s Word in our hearts and why Scripture memory isn't just a “nice” spiritual discipline, but a foundational key to fighting sin, strengthening our faith, and anchoring our identity in Christ. She discusses how filling our minds with God's Word can silence the noise of culture that so often leads us away from His voice. We’re not losing the battle against sin because we’re "bad Christians"; we’re losing because we’re unequipped. Today, I want to help equip you. Whether you’re struggling with temptation, feeling spiritually numb, or just craving a deeper relationship with Jesus, this conversation is a reminder that Scripture is formative. If you’ve been letting the world shape your thoughts more than the Word, this episode is a gentle but honest invitation back to what matters most. We’re talking about spiritual warfare, practical Bible memory tips, and the everyday miracle of letting truth change your heart from the inside out.  Follow along with Lindsey on IG: @livingeasywithlindsey Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes each week! 

In a culture that preaches tolerance (unless you're a Christian), how do we hold fast to our convictions without shrinking back? In today’s episode, Lindsey Maestas unpacks the truth that the Gospel is offensive...and that’s exactly why it saves. We’re in a world facing a mental health crisis, a loneliness epidemic, and a deep spiritual emptiness. People are desperately searching for meaning, and yet, the one truth that could set them free is often silenced in the name of comfort or people-pleasing. Lindsey explores what it means to live boldly and compassionately, asking: What if we had said something? What if we had shown up before they spiraled? What if one hard conversation could have kept someone from self-harm or hopelessness? We can’t live in the “what ifs.” The Gospel is meant to be shared; we were never called to water it down for our comfort. If we say we believe it, our actions have to reflect the truth we claim. But if we’re speaking truth, our lives must follow the calling found in Scripture. You’ll hear: Why the Gospel will always offend culture...and why that’s good news. How our silence can cost someone their soul. What it means to live boldly in a post-Christian world. A reminder that truth without love is harsh, but love without truth is hollow.

Today’s episode, “De-Influenced: The Power of Minimalism in a World of Exhausting Consumerism,” with host, Lindsey Maestas, and author and mom-of-four Julia Ubbenga, invites listeners to consider the freedom found in having less stuff. They talk about the temptation of Influencer hauls, consumer culture, how clothes in your closet can suck joy and peace from you, and so much more. Julia shares how her family gave away 75% of their belongings in pursuit of a simpler, more intentional life. We discuss her book, Rich in What Matters, which walks through the process of simplifying not just your physical space, but also your soul, mind, and relationships. Julia speaks to the cultural overwhelm of “more, more, more,” and how minimalism has reoriented her faith, motherhood, and marriage. We also give practical tips for simplifying daily life as busy moms, the mental load of parenting, and how saying no to excess has helped her say yes to what truly matters. The abundant life Jesus promises often begins with subtraction. Whether you're drowning in toys, trapped in comparison on Instagram, or just craving more peace in your home and marriage, this episode will remind you that less really can be more.

"Most people are going to go to the grave with the music inside of them, unplayed."- Oliver Wendell Holmes.  In today’s episode, I sit down with author and speaker Mary Marantz for a conversation that will light a fire under you in the best way. Mary shares how she approaches life with urgency, not fear, because she knows the clock is ticking and the dreams in her heart deserve action. Do we truly realize that the more we do hard things, the more we can do hard things?  We talk about what it means to stop waiting for the perfect moment, and how your brain can be trained to do hard things on purpose.  She discusses Predictive Brain Theory, perfectionism, the desire to fast-forward through the hard parts of chasing your dreams, self-sabotage, and why most people give up before consistency ever kicks in.  If you’ve felt stuck in fear, paralyzed by procrastination, or are just tired of sitting on the sidelines of your own life, this episode will challenge you to stop waiting and go do the thing. Get Mary's Book | Underestimated: The Surprisingly Simple Shift to Quit Playing Small, Name the Fear, and Move Forward Anyway Take Your Fear Assessment Quiz: namethefear.com  Follow along with Lindsey on IG @livingeasywithlindsey.  Follow along with Mary on IG @marymarantz

In this episode, I sit down with DishItGirl Dina Deleasa-Gonsar—wife, mom, cookbook author, and yes, Kevin Jonas’ sister-in-law—for a vulnerable conversation that goes far beyond food. Dina discusses how her time on the reality series Married to Jonas became the boost she needed to start growing on social media, her Italian roots, and how Sunday dinners in her dorm room became the heartbeat of her kitchen. We talk about her new cookbook, At the Kitchen Sink, and the lost art of gathering as a family—which is more powerful than we realize. Dina also shares her raw journey through postpartum anxiety and depression—navigating identity loss, therapy, and medication while watching others in her world thrive. She opens up about receiving a cancer diagnosis while writing her book, and how her faith sustained her even when the future felt uncertain. From the chaos of early motherhood to the peace found around a dinner table, this episode is a reminder that God always shows up—even when we’re still in the storm. Follow along with me on Instagram for more faith, marriage, and life encouragement: @livingeasywithlindsey  Get Dina's book: At The Kitchen Sink HERE!  Follow along with Dina on Instagram at @dishitgirldina

In this episode of The Living Easy Podcast, Lindsey Maestas shares her personal, life-giving morning routine that has helped her manage anxiety, navigate depression, and start each day with a focus on God and on JOY! From crawling to the yoga mat to sipping her favorite iced espresso, this routine isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Lindsey opens up about the mental health battles she's faced and how these simple habits, paired with scripture and soul care, have helped her find calm and clarity as a Christian wife and homeschooling mom. Whether you're a stay-at-home mom looking for a Christ-centered morning routine, a wife juggling chaos and craving consistency, or a woman battling anxiety and wondering where to begin, this episode offers practical tools and biblical encouragement to start your day with peace and purpose. 

In today’s episode, Lindsey Maestas sits down with Duck Dynasty’s Jessica Robertson for an honest, faith-filled conversation about parenting in a world of toxic media and constant online influence. Jessica shares how she and her husband are setting healthy boundaries around what their kids watch and what they don't allow into their home. She shares how books have helped create positive discussions between her and her adopted son.  They also talk about the impact of social media on young hearts, the importance of protecting family values with the Gospel and honest conversations and coming together as a couple to agree on parenting decisions. Jessica also opens up about their family’s adoption journey, marriage through changing seasons, and practical ways to stay grounded as a parent when culture pulls in every direction. Whether you're raising little ones, navigating technology with teens, or looking for encouragement to stay intentional, this episode is filled with love and encouragement! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to The Living Easy Podcast on SPOTIFY and APPLE PODCASTS for more faith-based conversations like this!   Follow along with Lindsey on Instagram @livingeasywithlindsey and Jessica @jessicaduckwife. Learn more about Brave+ Streaming Service and Brave Books here! 

This episode touches on the real-life weight of marriage struggles. Jesse and I have been walking through one of those seasons where everything and everyone seems to be falling apart around us. I’m opening up about what it looks like to pray when you're running on empty. I share how God gently exposed my desire for control, reminded me of the power of prayer, and led me to shift my focus—from asking Him to change my husband to asking Him to change me. If you're a Christian wife navigating disconnection, resentment, or frustration, this conversation is meant to encourage you, challenge you, and walk alongside you. I talk about confessing your own sin before pointing fingers, praying for your husband’s heart and leadership, and putting on the full armor of God—before you're in the thick of the battle. Whether your marriage feels distant or you're just needing a reset, I invite you to join thousands of women inside The Wife Project—a biblical course created to help you reconnect with your spouse and grow a marriage rooted in faith and intention. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes every week! Also, if you haven't had a chance to rate and review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, it would mean so much if you'd take a second to do so! Thank you!! 

In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with my mom to talk about what it was like raising my sister and me as a single, divorced mom working full-time. She opens up about navigating co-parenting with different rules, parenting through heartbreak, and showing up for her kids even when she felt completely broken. We talk about how divorce impacted her faith, how she kept shame from consuming her, and how the people in her life helped her survive one of the hardest seasons. My mom also shares what she wishes other single moms knew, and how she handled introducing someone new into our lives. It’s emotional, honest, and filled with wisdom for any woman walking through divorce, single motherhood, or simply trying to hold it together when everything feels like it’s falling apart. Plus, we laugh about the messy, real-life moments—like me locking myself out of the house and calling her at work to save me (again).  If you’re a single parent who’s ever wondered, “Can I really do this?”—this one’s for you. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to Living Easy for more like this!  Follow along with me on Instagram: @livingeasywithlindsey