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Feeling like a frazzled, coffee-reheating, “I’ve got this” mom who’s actually barely holding it together? You’re not alone. Welcome to Unlikely Housewives — the Christian mom podcast where two real women (and moms) trade people-pleasing for freedom, self-care for soul-care, and “the hustle” for a life of purpose.
Tracy and Tori are Christian moms who met after moving their families across the country and realized they were both faking it, lonely, and tired of comparison. We’re recovering people-pleasers and straight shooters who believe God calls the unlikely — and that you were made for more than just surviving motherhood, marriage, and the daily grind.
On this show, we talk real about:
- Christian parenting with purpose (and the mess that comes with it)
- Marriage, faith, and the hard conversations no one wants to have
- Women’s health, emotional baggage, and ditching cultural lies
- How to stop pretending and start living with hope as a Christian mom
If you’re a busy, isolated Christian mom looking for encouragement, laughter, and a reminder that you’re not alone — this is your tribe. Pull up those high-waisted yoga pants, tighten your top knot, reheat your coffee (again), and let’s rise together in faith, motherhood, and marriage.
Want to be a guest on Unlikely Housewives? Send Tori Shirah a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/unlikelyhousewives
Episodes

Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
108. Tori Goes To Washington D.C.
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Chapters
(00:00) - DC Adventure and Inauguration Recap
(16:35) - Navigating Trump Rally Chaos
(25:21) - More DC Adventures and Conference Recap
(38:29) - Nonprofit Collaboration Challenges and Transition
(43:28) - Faith, Obedience, and Adventure
Podcast Summary
Join us for an exciting episode as Tori shares the thrilling adventures and unique experiences from a spontaneous trip to Washington, DC. Tori takes us through her solo journey, originally centered around attending the Life or Death conference hosted by the White Rose organization. Coinciding with the presidential inauguration, she shares her unexpected success in securing a ticket to the 60th Presidential Inauguration. Not only was this trip exciting, but it also came with a lot of emotions. Tori shares her memorable moments of traveling alone, navigating personal commitments, and following her passions during this eventful trip.
Listen in as we recount the chaotic atmosphere surrounding a Trump rally at Capitol One Arena. With plans to attend but faced with long lines and harsh weather, Tori opted for some sightseeing, including a visit to the National Postal Museum and a few other incredible experiences.
We round out this episode with a reflective journey on faith, obedience, and adventure, sharing insights on following God's will and understanding how these experiences weave into a greater purpose.
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Support the Unlikely Housewives! Represent with our UH Merch!
bit.ly/unlikelymerch
Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely Save up to $1400!
Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!
Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!
Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine
Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com

Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
107. Rest Must Be Stronger Than Exhaustion
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Chapters
(03:21) Snoring Woes and Pet Noises
(14:30) Modern Distractions and Exhaustion
(21:49) Rest and Intentionality in Daily Life
Podcast Summary
What happens when life's little interruptions, like a sick child or a surprise snow day, throw off your podcasting groove? Tune in as we share a candid, light-hearted chat about these chaotic moments and more. Amidst the snores of pets and partners, we find humor in the unpredictability of daily life, discovering joy in the disarray. Our conversation then takes a thoughtful turn as we ponder the concept of rest, inspired by a sermon from Pastor Jon Tyson. Together, we explore how to find peace even during our busiest times, all while enjoying the camaraderie of matching robes and under-eye patches.
Ever wondered why true rest feels so elusive in today's hustle culture? We explore this timely issue, discussing the impact of social media and streaming on our abilities to genuinely connect and rejuvenate. With rising rates of burnout, especially in ministry, we emphasize balancing work with intentional rest, sharing personal tips for managing intense periods without losing sight of what's important. We also spotlight the empowering idea of women proactively planning vacations, whether with a partner or solo, offering practical advice for housewives eager to embrace the world on their own terms. Join us for a blend of laughs, insights, and inspiration to carve out your own peace amidst life's inherent chaos.
Sermon Link: https://youtu.be/WtlCRF92SG8
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Support the Unlikely Housewives! Represent with our UH Merch!
bit.ly/unlikelymerch
Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely Save up to $1400!
Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!
Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!
Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine
Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com

Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
106. Stuck Jeeps and Snowblower Steams: An Unlikely Snow Day
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Chapters
(00:03) - Snow Day Adventures With Kids
(09:16) - Winter Weather Chaos and Preparation
(20:53) - Winter Storm Commiseration and Plans
Podcast Summary
Who knew a snow day could be so full of chaos and comedy? Picture this: a Jeep helplessly stuck in a snowy Kansas City blizzard while kids turn a snow-covered backyard into a playground and our pets snore by the fireplace. Our past snowy escapades in Dallas, Baltimore, and Chicago fuel our laughter as we reminisce about our own childhood snow days contrasted with today’s tech-loving kids yearning for social interactions even amidst the snowmageddon. The unpredictable challenges of snowy terrains bring humor and warmth, celebrating the joys of embracing winter’s whims with family.
Embrace the unpredictability of winter with us, sharing in the warmth and laughter amidst the storm.
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Support the Unlikely Housewives! Represent with our UH Merch!
bit.ly/unlikelymerch
Follow
Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely Save up to $600!
Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!
Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!
Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine
Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com

Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
105. Uncovering Joy With Unexpected Faith
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Chapters
(00:04) - Journey to Finding Peace
(04:46) - Embracing Grace Through Life's Challenges
(19:59) - Navigating Marriage Through Communication
Podcast Summary
Join us on an enlightening journey as we explore the profound differences between contentment and peace, and how they show up in our lives. We share personal reflections on how peace, despite life's inevitable challenges, can bring about a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment. Tracy opens up about her past year, marked by family trials and health issues, yet discovers an unprecedented peace through a closer relationship with God. We hope this would encourage you to embrace your current state as part of the journey, acknowledging the growth and understanding that comes from these experiences without guilt or shame.
As we navigate through life's challenges, we reflect on the balance between hardships and blessings, emphasizing how personal trials can strengthen one's faith. We touch on the feelings of unworthiness that can accompany blessings and the anticipation of future trials. This chapter is a testament to the peace and closeness found in God, even amidst surgeries, financial strains, and accidents. We also confront the underlying expectation of looming adversity, challenging the acceptance of grace and the understanding of blessings without preconditions.
We also explore the dynamics of marriage, focusing on the importance of communication and understanding each other's spiritual and emotional journeys. By sharing experiences and thoughts, like feelings of peace or anxiety, couples can support each other more effectively. We share how differing perspectives can impact decision-making and emphasize the value of transparency and mutual understanding. Join us for this deep, heart-felt conversation.
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Want to support the Unlikely Housewives? Buy some of our UH Merch!
bit.ly/unlikelymerch
Follow
Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely Save up to $600!
Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!
Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!
Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine
Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
104. Traveling Alone: Diaries of our Solo Journeys
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Chapters
(00:12) - The Joy of Traveling Alone
(09:01) - Challenges and Experiences of Solo Travel
(20:01) - The Power of Solitude
Podcast Summary
Take the trip…Alone! Have you ever traveled by yourself or even considered it? We are here to encourage you to jump out of your comfort zone and go explore whatever, wherever you want, at your own pace! Embark on a journey of self-discovery and adventure as we unravel the surprising joys and challenges of solo travel. Ever wondered what makes traveling alone so transformative, or why some people never experience it? We promise insights into these mysteries through personal stories, from the excitement of a young woman navigating the world independently to the unexpected growth opportunities faced by a small town girl. We also reflect on the impactful moments that occur when traveling without children or alongside a spouse, a reality that remains unexplored for many.
Listen in as we examine the power of solitude and its importance, even for extroverts who thrive on social energy. We offer practical tips for embracing solo activities, from dining out to attending events, and highlight the benefits of self-reflection and personal development during these quiet moments. Additionally, we share insights on how intentional solitude can foster business growth and the importance of balancing daily responsibilities with self-care. Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler or considering your first trip alone, this episode is packed with inspiring stories and valuable advice to help you embrace the joys of traveling solo.
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Want to support the Unlikely Housewives? Buy some of our UH Merch!
bit.ly/unlikelymerch
Follow
Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely Save up to $600!
Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!
Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!
Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine
Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com

Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
103. New Year, Same High-Waisted Yoga Pants: Jesus, Family and Fun in 2025
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Chapters
(00:04) - New Year Reflections and Merch Launch
(09:10) - Setting Realistic Intentions for the Year
(17:28) Scheduling Quality Time for Kids (31 Seconds)
(20:26) - Family Dynamics and Eventful Pet Stories
(25:54) - Family Values and Organization Tips
(35:45) - Living With Intention and Confidence
Podcast Summary
Ever wondered how to juggle family chaos while setting realistic intentions for the new year? Join us for a cozy chat as we explore the rollercoaster of everyday life, from sipping our reheated coffee in our high-waisted yoga pants to celebrating personal milestones with a dash of humor. We're thrilled to unveil our brand-new merchandise—think trendy embroidered sweatshirts and nostalgic coffee mugs—perfect for infusing a piece of our podcast into your daily routine. As we navigate transitions, like watching our kids grow from school days to high school graduations, we embrace the changes life brings with laughter and intention.
Discover how setting one primary goal can pave the way for long-term desires. We offer tips on aligning resolutions with personal motivations and finding the right timing to start new habits. From planning couple's getaways to carving out personal time, we highlight the importance of meaningful and manageable intentions. Our stories and advice aim to inspire you to tackle the new year with confidence.
Family dynamics come alive with tales of chaotic mornings, hormonal teenagers, and the importance of maintaining family values amidst busy schedules. You'll laugh at our pet stories, like driving long distances for a furry friend's chemotherapy or whipping up homemade dog food. We look into the joy of new planners, the thrill of back-to-school supplies, and the hilarity of Christmas decoration shopping. Amidst it all, we celebrate new opportunities and projects, encouraging you to live boldly and intentionally.
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Want to support the Unlikely Housewives? Buy some of our UH Merch!
bit.ly/unlikelymerch
Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely Save up to $600!
Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!
Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!
Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine
Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com

Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
102. Embracing Imperfection: Positive Discipline and the Joys of Parenting
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Chapter Timestamps
(00:04) Introducing The Healing Mama
(14:32) Effective Parenting Strategies and Tools
(23:41) Navigating the Challenges of Parenthood
(27:55) Parenting Philosophy and Discipline Methods
(35:12) Lessons in Parenting and Faith
Podcast Summary
Having once envisioned a future in exercise science and healthcare, Danni Bonsingore found herself unexpectedly stepping into the world of motherhood and podcasting—a journey she never anticipated but one that led to profound personal growth. Danni is the host of the Healing Mama Podcast and her story is a powerful reminder that life's twists often lead us to discover our true calling. Through her heartfelt journey, you'll learn how embracing change can unlock hidden talents and connect us with a larger community.
Danni’s passion and expertise gave us a lot to talk about as we dive into effective parenting strategies, exploring the transformative power of Positive Discipline—a philosophy that shifts the focus from punishment to encouragement. Through shared personal experiences, we highlight the importance of understanding our children's needs for belonging and contribution, fostering a nurturing environment where they feel valued and heard. This episode offers valuable insights into the emotional balancing act of parenthood, from keeping promises to handling the dynamics of introducing a new sibling.
As we wrap up, we reflect on the unpredictable yet rewarding journey of parenting. We share candid stories about the challenges of postpartum depression and the surprising hurdles even seasoned parents face. With a focus on grace, adaptability, and the power of faith, we emphasize teaching children to seek help from God in any situation through prayer. Our conversation is sprinkled with practical tips, like the simple joy of using paper plates to save time, reminding us that not everything needs to be perfect in our parenting journey.
The Healing Mama Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healing-mama-podcast/id1712164985
Follow Danni on instagram
Want to support the Unlikely Housewives? Buy some of our UH Merch!
bit.ly/unlikelymerch
Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely Save up to $600!
Seven Weeks Coffee: sevenweekscoffee.com Use promo code: UNLIKELYHOUSEWIVES for 10% off your first order
StoryButton use promo code FRIENDS10 to save 10%
Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!
Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!
Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine
Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com

Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Chapters
(04:08) The Bible Recap and disconnecting from Social Media
(12:55) Using Bible App for Audio Devotionals
(15:54) Join us for a Bible Study Accountability Group
(16:49) Prioritizing Time and Commitment
(20:43) Social Media Addiction and Bible Study
(25:38) Faith Growth Through Challenges
(28:00) Trusting God and Finding Peace
(33:25) Starting a Bible Plan Anytime
Podcast Summary
In this inspiring episode, Tracy shares her personal experience of reading through the Bible in a year with the support of The Bible Recap and other resources. Discover how this fresh approach to scripture transformed her perspective on the Bible's full story and helped her overcome past struggles with traditional reading methods. Together we discuss the challenges of committing to daily scripture reading. With accountability and prayer, Tracy was motivated to start this journey on January 1 and now finds herself nearing the completion of this meaningful endeavor.
Listen in as Tori encourages Tracy through her personal experiences of managing life's unexpected challenges while staying committed to daily Bible reading. We discuss tools and methods that enhanced her reading experience, including the YouVersion Bible app, The Bible Recap book and podcast, and resources like the Bible Project's videos on Youtube. By emphasizing flexibility, we highlight how these tools can cater to different preferences, making it easier to integrate a Bible study into daily routines and create a personalized, enriching experience. We also don’t shy away from talking about the struggle of managing screen time and prioritizing spiritual growth.
In our conversation, we discuss the importance of setting daily habits and taking one day at a time. We discuss how breaking down goals into manageable chunks can lead to significant achievements, using examples like gradually giving up alcohol and maintaining spiritual discipline. Strategies for overcoming distractions, such as using 'do not disturb' mode, are shared to help maintain focus. Lastly, we reflect on finding peace through faith and the importance of trusting in God through all things in life!
Bible in a Year with the Unlikely Housewives
Want to support the Unlikely Housewives? Buy some of our UH Merch!
bit.ly/unlikelymerch
Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely Save up to $600!
Seven Weeks Coffee: sevenweekscoffee.com Use promo code: UNLIKELYHOUSEWIVES for 10% off your first order
StoryButton use promo code FRIENDS10 to save 10%
Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!
Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!
Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine
Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com
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Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Ever wondered how a podcast makes it to 100 episodes, overcoming the notorious "pod fade"? In our centennial celebration, we share our rollercoaster journey of laughter, tears, and relentless determination that kept us going. Discover how listener feedback shaped our evolution into exploring more authentic topics and why we chose to keep some parts of our lives private. Raise a glass with us as we hint at some bubbly to toast the incredible ride and amazing guests who've perfectly aligned with our mission and audience interests.
Join us as we open up about the challenges and triumphs of sobriety and faith. For nearly a year, one of us has embarked on a substance-free journey, using an app as a reminder to seek peace from God, and even considering the profound step of kidney donation. We'll explore the transformative power of following personal callings, with experiences like participating in the Eisenhower Series for Women, highlighting the spiritual rewards and commitment to authenticity that have shaped our paths.
Life’s chaotic dance with podcasting is no easy feat. From turning a dining room into a podcast studio to managing a busy schedule while caring for family, we share candid anecdotes about juggling it all. Our commitment to fostering a community where personal stories and listener feedback are valued has never been stronger. With humorous tales, cultural references, and heartfelt discussions, we promise to return to more genuine conversations, reassuring you that we're all navigating this journey together.
Want to support the Unlikely Housewives?
Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely Save up to $600!
Seven Weeks Coffee: sevenweekscoffee.com Use promo code: UNLIKELYHOUSEWIVES for 10% off your first order
StoryButton use promo code FRIENDS10 to save 10%
Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!
Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!
Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine
Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com

Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
99. Understanding Childhood Anxiety: Expert Tips with Therapist, Bryce Hamilton
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Chapters
(00:15) - Understanding Anxiety in Children
(06:29) - Recognizing Anxiety in Children
(14:04) - Navigating Childhood Anxiety and Parental Guilt
(21:20) - Parental Self-Care and Child Therapy
(28:33) - Supporting Childhood Anxiety Through Therapy
(39:23) - Parenting, Emotions, and Therapies
Podcast Summary
Join us in an engaging conversation with Bryce Hamilton, a licensed specialist clinical social worker and child and family therapist, as we explore the intricacies of anxiety in children. Bryce shares her journey of co-creating the "Accidental Experts" podcast with her best friend, a pediatrician, aiming to provide parents with strategies to navigate family life. From the humorous realities of podcasting from home to addressing serious topics like anxiety, ADHD, and autism, this episode offers a rich resource for families seeking guidance and support.
Listen in as we uncover the challenges parents face in recognizing and addressing anxiety in children. Bryce helps us understand the different manifestations of anxiety, including OCD and PTSD, and the importance of identifying symptoms like procrastination and physical discomfort. She explains the role of the amygdala in triggering false alarms and highlights the need for parents to validate their child's emotions while encouraging growth beyond comfort zones. We also tackle the issue of parental guilt, emphasizing that genetic predispositions play a significant role in anxiety, reminding parents that they're not alone in this journey.
This episode also focuses on the emotional aspects of parenting, the significance of self-care, and how parents can model healthy emotional expression for their children. We explore therapeutic approaches such as play therapy, CBT, and EMDR, emphasizing their role in helping children manage anxiety. Bryce introduces us to SPACE training, a program designed to help parents support their children without enabling avoidance. Throughout our conversation, we stress the importance of creating a nurturing and communicative environment, offering parents the tools and insights they need to support their families effectively.
You can find Bryce’s podcast on all podcast platforms. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/accidental-experts-with-bryce-hamilton/id1733294868
Here are also the links to connect with Bryce and her office:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/k-bryce-hamilton-overland-park-ks/82059
https://www.goodtherapy.org/therapists/profile/bryce-hamilton-20100817
Want to support the Unlikely Housewives?
https://unlikely-housewives.printify.me/products
Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely Save up to $600!
Seven Weeks Coffee: sevenweekscoffee.com Use promo code: UNLIKELYHOUSEWIVES for 10% off your first order
StoryButton use promo code FRIENDS10 to save 10%
Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!
Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!
Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine
Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com
