Ever feel that tug-of-war between wanting to open your home and also just wanting a quiet, clean space? Us too.

Summer has this way of stirring things up — kids are out of school, the backyard suddenly becomes the neighborhood hotspot, and somehow your house turns into the unofficial sleepover headquarters. So how do we prepare our homes and hearts for hospitality?

In this episode, we’re taking an honest look at the mess and the ministry of hospitality. We’re sharing five simple things that have helped us over the years — things like keeping popsicles and extra toothbrushes on hand, teaching our kids to help make the home feel welcoming, and how setting boundaries actually makes our house more of a place kids want to be.

But we’re also talking about the why behind it all — because creating a safe, fun, loving space for kids to hang out? That’s more than just being the ‘cool house’. That’s kingdom work. And bonus: you know exactly who your kids are with and what they’re doing when they’re right under your roof.

You don’t need to have it all together to be the house where kids feel welcome. This episode is full of practical ideas and gentle encouragement to help you open your home with purpose and peace.

Let’s do this together — hit play and let’s chat about what it really looks like to open your doors and your heart this summer.

Episode Highlights:

• 5 Practical Ways to Prep Your House for Hosting Kids
• Think about your household goals.
• What example are you setting?

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on A Force to Be Reckoned With:

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow Bethany on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Follow Corey on Instagram @mrcoreyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!
• Email Bethany at bethany@adkinsmedia.co

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

When is the last time you have invited someone into your home to sit down and dive into the parts of life that go deeper than everyday conversation?

If this isn’t something that you do, or have done recently, what’s holding you back? Is it space? Is it clutter? Is it fear of what people might see when you let your walls down?

For me, at one point or another it’s been all of those things, and I know I’m not alone in that. That’s why I’m so excited to share today’s conversation with Victoria Duerstock.

Victoria Duerstock is a creative, an author of multiple books, and has over 20 years of experience in interior design. Today we are talking about the richness that letting our walls down and literally opening up our doors has on our lives---despite what they look like, how big they are, how much laundry we have piled up, or how our kids behave.

This conversation has come at such a perfect time because over the last year or so, Corey and I have chosen to finally get rooted in a town and intentionally dive deep into the relationships around us. We desired to find a community that we could do life with, and go beyond simple conversation and small talk. God has been so good in blessing us with that in His timing, and honestly none of these deep relationships would exist if our friends had not let their walls down, and invited us into their worlds and their homes.

The richer our relationships get, the more I see this lacking in our generation as a whole and it’s something I truly believe we desperately need. I can only say this because I went years believing that growing roots in a community and connecting deeper with other people outside of my immediate family had no value. How wrong I was!

Victoria is so full of wisdom even in this short conversation. Not only does she share truths about the importance of getting past trying to “appear” a certain way, but she gives tactical tips on how to style our homes and make them more inviting.

I hope you leave this conversation today feeling inspired to invite others into your world, and make your home a mission field.

Episode Highlights:

• Victoria’s journey to where she is now.
• The heart behind her new book
• Making your Home a Place of Mission with Victoria Duerstock.
• How to be more mission-minded when it comes to our homes.
• Things we can do to become more connected in this crazy world.
• Simple ways to re-decorate with what you already have!

More on Guest:

• Victoria’s Website
• Get Guard Your Heart and Home HERE
• Connect with Victoria on Instagram

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on A Force to Be Reckoned With:

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow Bethany on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Follow Corey on Instagram @mrcoreyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!
• Email Bethany at bethany@adkinsmedia.co

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

What if paying off debt didn’t mean putting life on hold?

This month we knocked out some debt, paid off a line of credit, and finally feel the snowball rolling. It’s gonna take a few years—and that's okay. We’re in it for the long haul without putting life on hold.

Instead of extreme cuts that leave us burned out, we're learning to be intentional: letting the kids play sports (no $6 concession stand nachos for us), fixing up the backyard, and choosing joy where we can.

Funny thing—getting serious about money has actually made our marriage stronger too. Turns out a little margin (and a hot cup of coffee) can change everything.

You don't have to pick between financial freedom and a full life. You can have both. One small step at a time.

Episode Highlights:

• Neighborhood mailbox drama.
• Finding margin.
• Morning coffee and words of affirmation.
• Debt update.

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on A Force to Be Reckoned With:

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow Bethany on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Follow Corey on Instagram @mrcoreyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!
• Email Bethany at bethany@adkinsmedia.co

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

What if the hardest moments of motherhood weren’t something to escape—but a holy invitation?

In this episode, we sit down with Whitney Newby, the heart behind Brighter Day Press, who opens up about the messy, beautiful collision of motherhood and faith. A former nurse turned homeschooling mama of four, Whitney shares how an early, overwhelming moment with her newborn led her to a deep realization: her own love and strength would never be enough—but God’s grace would be.

With wisdom forged in the trenches, Whitney offers practical rhythms for weary mamas—like redefining interruptions as divine assignments and waking up just a little earlier to meet with the One who holds it all together. She challenges the idea that self-care means checking out, pointing instead to Jesus, who withdrew to pray so He could pour Himself out again.

Whether you're juggling toddlers or teens, homeschool or public school, this conversation is a gentle nudge to lift your eyes, steady your heart, and find God right in the thick of it.

Episode Highlights:

• Meet Whitney Newby.
• About Brighter Day Press.
• Whitney’s homeschooling journey.
• A devotional for moms.
• Changing our perspective.
• Routines that work for the Newby’s.
• Depending on Jesus in our ‘empty cup moments’.

Find More on Guest:

• Visit Brighter Day Press Website
• Get your copy of Whitney’s book: Lift Your Eyes
• Follow Whitney on Instagram: @brighterdaypress

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on A Force to Be Reckoned With:

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow Bethany on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Follow Corey on Instagram @mrcoreyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!
• Email Bethany at bethany@adkinsmedia.co
• Nourish Move Love
• Atomic Habits

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Remember when eye contact, please-and-thank-you, and real conversations were just... normal? These days, it feels like we’re raising kids in a world that’s slowly forgetting how to be human.

We see it everywhere—from the cashier who barely looks up, to parents missing “watch me!” moments at the playground because they're glued to their phones. It’s not just about manners—it’s about teaching our kids how to truly connect.

The good news? It doesn’t take much to turn the tide. Let your kid order their own food. Chat with “safe strangers.” Put the phones down at dinner and just talk. These little things? They add up. And they make a big difference.

If you're ready to raise kids who can look people in the eye and hold their own in a conversation, you’re not alone. Let’s build a generation that knows the power of putting the phone down and showing up—for real.

Episode Highlights:

• Culture shifts in the world.
• Raising respectful kids.
• We should talk more.
• Look up!

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on A Force to Be Reckoned With:

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow Bethany on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Follow Corey on Instagram @mrcoreyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!
• Email Bethany at bethany@adkinsmedia.co

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

What if the struggle you're avoiding is the very thing meant to make you stronger?

Across the pages of the Bible, scripture doesn’t shy away from suffering. Instead, it calls us to embrace it, learn from it, and find joy in the middle of it. Because maybe pain isn’t punishment—it’s preparation.

Jesus didn’t promise a trouble-free life. He promised victory through the struggle. And when He said, “Take up your cross and follow me,” he wasn’t inviting us to a life of ease. He was inviting us to a life of purpose.

So, what if your current hardship isn’t something to escape, but something to lean into? Something meant to build resilience, character, and faith?

Let’s talk about finding meaning in the mess and purpose in the pain.

Episode Highlights:

• Biblical understanding of suffering.
• Sanctification through suffering.
• God doesn’t call us to be comfortable.
• God designed us for community.

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on A Force to Be Reckoned With:

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow Bethany on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Follow Corey on Instagram @mrcoreyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!
• Email Bethany at bethany@adkinsmedia.co
• Books of the Bible referenced: John, Romans, Hebrews, James, & 1 Peter

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

What are you doing with your tax refund this year?

In this episode, we’re getting real about our financial journey—how small, consistent habits have helped us make meaningful progress in paying down debt. We kick things off with a fun game (yes, it involves singing—and no, we’re not auditioning for American Idol). Expect a few missed notes and a lot of laughs along the way.

We also talk about the curveball we got during tax season when our refund didn’t come through as expected, reminding us that it’s better to make financial plans without banking on unexpected bonuses.

It’s the small, everyday choices that are making a difference: cutting back on meals out, checking in on our budget regularly, and avoiding credit card temptations. These simple habits are helping us inch closer to our goal.

If you're navigating debt or just want some practical tips on making better financial choices, this episode is for you. Sometimes it’s not about big changes, but the tiny ones that add up over time.

Episode Highlights:

• Let's play a new game.
• Sharing a debt update.
• Whatchu doin' with that tax return?

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on A Force to Be Reckoned With:

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow Bethany on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Follow Corey on Instagram @mrcoreyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!
• Email Bethany at bethany@adkinsmedia.co

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Be honest… Do you pee in the shower? Or are you now questioning every shared shower you’ve ever stepped foot in?

This time on Parents Google Everything, we dive into some highly scientific research (aka Google) to uncover the surprising truth about bathroom habits across generations.

But that’s just the beginning. We’re also talking about the unexpected yet powerful Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll collab on Hard Fought Hallelujah—why it matters, how it’s pushing Christians outside their comfort zones, and what it says about the church’s need to love people better. Plus, we dig into why parenting today feels way harder than it did in the ‘90s (hint: inflation, constant digital noise, and group texts that never end).

And if that’s not enough, we’re tackling some of the wildest cultural shifts happening right now, from AI dating to the heartbreaking homeless crisis in LA.

It’s a mix of humor, deep thoughts, and possibly too much information—just how we like it. Tune in!

Episode Highlights:

• Reflecting on a tough week.
• Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll and pushing comfort zones.
• Why parenting today is harder than the '90s.
• Exploring AI dating and the LA homeless crisis.
• Shocking shower habit statistics.

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on A Force to Be Reckoned With:

• Jointheforce.us
• Follow Bethany on Instagram @bethanyadkins
• Follow Corey on Instagram @mrcoreyadkins
• Find us on Youtube!
• Email Bethany at bethany@adkinsmedia.co
• Why parenting in 2025 feels much harder than it did in the ‘90s
• Downtown L.A. slammed as ‘third world’
• Watch Hard Fought Hallelujah with Brandon Lake & Jelly Roll
• Watch the Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll Interview

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.