164 | Is It ADHD or Just Being a Kid?: Dopamine, Boredom & Why Your Child May Be Frustrated with Sara Hartley

In this episode of The Living Easy Podcast, Lindsey Maestas opens a biblical and deeply practical conversation about intimacy in marriage—because God makes all things new, even in the bedroom. (Watch this recording on YouTube and subscribe!) Sex may not really matter to you, but it does matter to your marriage. See the FULL curriculum for: The Sex and Intimacy Project: A 4-Week Video Study a His + Hers Workbook for a Stronger Sex Life  Lindsey unpacks how physical connection is both a spiritual and emotional act of service, not just a physical one. She discusses the dangers of pornography and limerence (infatuation during affairs), how these habits alter neural pathways, and how to create a sex life in your marriage that you don't need to escape from.  You'll hear about: Why Scripture calls us not to deprive one another of sex (1 Corinthians 7:5) Why the clitoris reminds us that God created sex for pleasure How faking orgasms creates emotional distance and false intimacy What it means to "show and tell" in your marriage — teaching your spouse what makes you feel good during sex How foreplay actually begins outside the bedroom, through kindness, affection, and communication The importance of serving one another in physical foreplay The "microwave vs. crockpot" concept and understanding your spouse's arousal rhythms Seeing your partner's body as a book to study — learning, honoring, and cherishing it as a form of worship to God This is a conversation about reclaiming intimacy, breaking shame, and learning to experience sex as a holy gift that strengthens your connection rather than erodes it. When we become intentional about how we love each other physically, we build the kind of trust, pleasure, and connection that keeps our marriages from burning down. SEO Keywords: Christian marriage intimacy, biblical sex advice, foreplay tips, Christian relationships, marriage podcast, faith-based intimacy, godly marriage connection, how to improve intimacy, healthy sex in marriage, Lindsey Maestas podcast Connect with Lindsey: Instagram: @livingeasywithlindsey Website: www.sparrowsandlily.com Preorder Lindsey's book Don't Burn Your Own House Down

Do you ever look at your child and wonder: Is this ADHD? Or is this just childhood? Today, I'm joined by Sara Hartley, author of The Purposefully Me Series, to talk about ADHD in children from a realistic, compassionate, and research-based lens. Together, we break down: The most overlooked signs and symptoms of ADHD in kids What's actually happening in the brain when children whine, complain, melt down, or seek constant stimulation Why some kids chase dopamine — screens, snacks, danger, noise Parenting a neurodivergent vs neurotypical child (and why your strategies must shift) Emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitivity The difference between "won't" and "can't yet" Practical strategies to increase regulation, confidence, and connection at home If you're parenting a child who is always bored, never satisfied, complains constantly, or struggles to focus — this episode will give you clarity, relief, and actual tools, not shame. Sara Hartley: Website: saralewishartley.com SLH Creative Group LLC+2Instagram+2 Instagram: @saralewishartley Instagram+1 Books: The Purposefully Me Series (Children's social-emotional books tackling ADHD, neurodiversity, etc.) calmmamacoaching.com 🔗 Connect with Lindsey Instagram: @livingeasywithlindsey Website: sparrowsandlily.com  

In this episode, Lindsey and Jesse Maestas sit down with Bob and Linda Lotich, authors of Simple Money, Rich Life, to talk about what it truly means to see your money as God's money—and how that perspective can completely change the way you live, give, and plan for the future. Bob and Linda share how they started as a couple earning minimum wage and dreamed of giving away millions of dollars—and how God helped them make that happen.  Together, they unpack the power of generosity, the pitfalls of "YOLO" spending, and how to build a life that reflects eternal impact over temporary comfort. In this episode, we cover: What it means to view your finances as God's assets that you're managing, not owning Why "YOLO thinking" can become self-serving instead of freeing How radical generosity transforms both the giver and the receiver What happens when you give beyond your comfort zone Practical ways to live simply, earn purposefully, and give abundantly Resources Mentioned: Simple Money, Rich Life by Bob & Linda Lotich – simplemoneybook.com SeedTime Money Podcast Gradually Then Suddenly by Mark Batterson   Search Keywords: Christian finances, biblical money management, generosity, stewardship, giving, simple living, financial peace, Christian wealth, marriage and money, living generously Connect: Follow Lindsey and Jesse: @livingeasywithlindsey Follow Bob and Linda: @seedtime Visit: sparrowsandlily.com

In this episode, Lindsey Maestas tackles the outrage and confusion surrounding Charlie Kirk's death with a bold Christian perspective.  Why casual Christianity is no longer acceptable — lukewarm faith won't survive in a world that mocks conviction. Why celebrating murder is pure evil — and how Christians must reject a culture that cheers for death. The weaponization of memory & "martyr" narratives — how both sides twist a man's life and death for political gain. The silencing of dissent and free discourse — why cancel culture threatens both faith and freedom. God's uncompromising view on murder — the sanctity of life and the danger of playing judge. God's call to radical love over destructive division — how believers can be peacemakers in a fractured, hostile world. This is a wake-up call for Christians who are tired of surface-level faith and cultural compromise. With biblical truth and real talk on politics and discipleship, Lindsey calls us higher: to boldness, holiness, and unity in a world that's tearing itself apart.

I am SO THRILLED to announce that....(drumroll)... My new book: Don't Burn Your Own House Down: Prioritizing Your Marriage, Your Spouse, and Yourself is available for pre-order TODAY!!!! And I'm asking for your HELP to please PRE-ORDER today!! I know it can be easier to wait for the launch, but it makes a huge difference to Amazon and to my publishers to have pre-orders if you wouldn't mind!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!  Your marriage doesn't need to be perfect. It just needs two people willing to start again . . . together. This book is for newly engaged couples, newlyweds, and couples who have been married for anywhere from 5-50 years. DBYOHD is the most vulnerable thing I've ever written; it's a window into my marriage and into the marriages of so many of you. I share the messes that tore us apart, and the tools, wisdom, and resources that brought us back together, stronger than ever. This biblical marriage book is filled with a decade of research on relationships and theology and scripture, pointing you toward a marriage that is truly God-centered. My hope is that you will see one another through new eyes, as you did when you first dated, and that you won't ever feel stagnant or stuck within your marriage, but that you will thrive with joy, playfulness, shared responsibility, intimacy, and intentionality.  Order Don't Burn Your Own House Down today! 

When country artist Stephanie Quayle lost her boyfriend in a tragic plane crash, she thought the grief would be the hardest part. But nothing prepared her for the heartbreak of learning at his funeral that she wasn't the only woman in his life. That revelation shattered her world, and forced her to reckon with the truth: the relationship had been toxic from the very beginning. In this powerful episode, Stephanie asks the question, "When I was in these two toxic relationships, how did I feel about myself?" "Why didn't I ever question myself?" "Why did I allow this for myself?" She opens up about her personal story of love, betrayal, and resilience and the importance of who you spend your time with. Drawing from her book: Why Do We Stay?, she shares the emotional and psychological journey of recognizing abuse, escaping manipulation, and reclaiming her freedom. She's joined by psychologist and narcissism expert Dr. W. Keith Campbell, who helps unpack the red flags of toxic relationships, including narcissism and gaslighting. Whether you're questioning your current relationship or healing from the past, this episode will offer insight, hope, and a way forward. Follow Stephanie Quayle on Instagram @stephaniequayle Follow along with Lindsey on Instagram @livingeasywithlindsey

So many women know what it feels like to live for other people's approval. Whether it's in our marriages, motherhood, friendships, or even our faith communities. We project the "perfect" version of ourselves: kind, put-together, selfless, always smiling… but most of us are just freaking exhausted. In today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Merry Lin, clinical psychologist, speaker, and author of The Fully Lived Life and The Great Unbecoming. Dr. Lin shares her personal story of growing up as the only Asian family in her community, and how she tried to become the "whitest, kindest, most Christian" version of herself just to be accepted. She opens up about what it means to live out of our shadow self—the insecure, performative part of us that craves belonging—and how that can keep us stuck in unhealthy cycles of performance and people-pleasing. Together, we also wrestle with a powerful tension many women feel: believing that living in their flesh is living in their essential, selfish self, and therefore sinful. But our essential self is not selfish. The Bible says we are created in the image of God, and the word for "image" means essence. That means who we really are—our true, God-breathed self—is a reflection of His glory. Every woman reflects a different aspect of that glory. In today's episode, we talk about: Why so many women feel like they must project a polished version of themselves (and how it's draining their souls). The difference between living out of the shadow self vs. the essential, God-breathed self. How compassion and grace for ourselves unlocks healing. Why unbecoming the false self is actually the only way to truly become who God made us to be. If you've ever felt like you're performing your life instead of actually living it, this conversation will remind you that freedom begins with unbecoming who you thought you had to be and resting in the truth of who God already says you are. Follow along with Lindsey on IG: @livingeasywithlindsey Follow along with Dr. Merry Lin on IG: @drmerrylin Order REBECOMING today! 

In today's episode, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein shares her story of growing up in a home where fast food was the norm. As her dependence on food grew, her parents sent her to what she calls "fat camp." That's where she had the life-changing realization: "You only get one body." From that moment, Ilana began making small, consistent changes that led to losing over 100 pounds, and keeping it off. Now she leads a community of over 300,000 people who are learning to have a healthier, more joyful relationship with food. In our conversation, we talk about the impact of giving kids a sugar-loaded diet on physical and mental health - how it affects their mood, focus, and energy for the rest of the day.  Ilana shares the two parenting patterns she sees most often when it comes to food—letting kids eat whatever they want or reacting out of frustration instead of planning ahead—and how to instead learn how to . She offers practical, realistic tips for raising balanced eaters, teaching kids about carbs, protein, and energy in ways that make sense to them. We also explore how nutrition affects not just physical health, but mental health, confidence, and the parent-child relationship. If you've ever wondered how to help your kids make better food choices without turning every meal into a battle, this episode is full of encouragement and easy, actionable ideas. Get Ilana's book, Love The Food That Loves You Back.  Find Ilana on IG: @raisingbalancedeaters and Ilanamuhlstein.com Follow along with me on Instagram: @livingeasywithlindsey 

In this honest and eye-opening episode, Lindsey Maestas dives deep into the impact of ADHD on relationships and friendships. With vulnerability, faith, and research-backed insight, she explores why many people with ADHD subconsciously seek out chaos, conflict, toxic relationships, or emotionally unavailable partners. It isn't out of desire, but as a way of seeking out neurological stimulation. Lindsey discusses how ADHD can intensely heighten feelings of rejection, create a cycle of emotional highs and lows in relationships, often leading to toxic dynamics, chronic arguing, and feelings of inadequacy or isolation. She unpacks the difference between laziness and ADHD Paralysis, explaining the brain science behind task initiation struggles and why shame is often misdirected.  Whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD, have a partner or friend who struggles with it, or simply relate to the patterns of emotional burnout, impulsive decisions, or feeling like you're "too much" in relationships, this episode is a lifeline. Lindsey encourages self-compassion and offers tangible insight to help you understand your brain, regulate your emotions, and build healthier, more stable connections without sacrificing your joy.  Don't forget to give a quick rating and review on Spotify or the Podcasts app (pretty please!) SUBSCRIBE for more conversations like this.  Follow along with me on IG: @livingeasywithlindsey

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.