In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Babs Costello—beloved home cook, mom of four, grandmother, and viral content creator who proves it’s never too late to start something new. After launching her social media presence at 71, Babs has become a source of comfort, wisdom, and joy for millions.

We talk about the beautiful chaos of raising a family while running a business, how she built a supportive community of moms, and why the dinner table can be the most powerful place for connection. Babs shares practical tips on meal planning, keeping kids engaged during dinner, and how preparing ahead can make hosting feel effortless.

She also opens up about her children’s book, Did Your Mother Ever Tell You…?, a project made even more special with the help of her grandchildren. This episode is a reminder that when life feels overwhelming—“when it rains, it pours”—those storms can still bring growth, beauty, and deeper connection.

Whether you’re a busy mom, a grandmother, or someone wondering if you’ve missed your chance to start something meaningful, Babs’ story will leave you inspired to begin right where you are.

In this episode, we cover:

• Simple meal planning strategies for families
• How to keep kids engaged at the dinner table (and why it matters)
• Turning everyday moments into meaningful family traditions
• Overcoming fear and embracing new beginnings at any age

• Lessons from her grandmother on faith, hospitality, and joy

• Facebook: Brunch with babs
• Instagram: BABS (@brunchwithbabs)

• Did Your Mother Ever Tell You?: By Barbara ("Babs") Costello
• Every Day with Babs: By Barbara Costello
• Celebrate with Babs: By Barbara Costello

• Stewarding Sacred and Spiritual Disciplines at Home :: Jennifer Pepito [Ep 464]
• Help! My Kids Don’t Know How to Do Anything : Building Life Skills This Summer :: Katie Kimball [Ep 525]
• Honoring Moms, the Unsung Heroes :: Rebecca St. James [Ep 466]

Featured Sponsors:

• Green Chef: Head to Greenchef.com/50alone and use the code 50alone to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months.

• Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most advanced bras and shapewear on the market. For a limited time, Honeylove is offering up to 50% off sitewide during their Memorial Day sale. Use our exclusive link to shop at honeylove.com/DMA.

Talking to kids about sex can feel overwhelming—but avoiding the conversation doesn’t make it easier. In this replay episode, Megan Michelson and Mary Flo Ridley break down how to approach these important topics in a way that feels natural, age-appropriate, and shame-free.

Instead of relying on a single, awkward “talk,” they encourage parents to build an ongoing dialogue that evolves as kids grow. From early childhood curiosity to teenage years and deeper conversations about puberty and masturbation, this episode offers practical tools to help you stay calm, confident, and connected.

We cover how to introduce basic biology (like seeds, eggs, and conception), how to respond when your child isn’t interested in the conversation, and why tone matters more than perfection. You’ll also learn how to navigate common parenting moments—like little ones exploring their bodies—without shame, while still setting healthy boundaries.

As kids get older, the conversation shifts. Megan and Mary Flo share how to approach puberty, why “shoulder-to-shoulder” conversations can be more effective than face-to-face talks, and how to handle more complex topics like masturbation in a way that balances honesty, guidance, and emotional awareness.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about when to start, what to say, or how to say it—this episode will give you a clear, grounded approach.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why “the talk” doesn’t work—and what to do instead
• How to start conversations about bodies and sex at a young age
• Age-appropriate language for explaining reproduction and biology
• What to do when your child avoids or shuts down the conversation

• Why tone and delivery matter more than saying everything perfectly

• Website: Birds and Bees
• Instagram: Birds and Bees | Online Course | Megan Michelson (@birds__bees)

• God's Design for Sex Series: By Stan &Brenna Jones
• Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys By David Thomas

• Gender and Sexuality :: Preston Sprinkle [Ep 370]
• Let’s Talk about Sex :: Mary Flo Ridley and Megan Michelson [Ep 328]
• Sexual Identity and Radical Ordinary Hospitality :: Dr. Rosaria Butterfield [Ep 301]

Featured Sponsors:

• Thrive Causemetics: Amplify your spring look with Thrive Causemetics. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.
• Cozy Earth: This spring, give yourself the kind of comfort that lives with you all day — not just the moment you get home. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code DMA for an exclusive 20% off.

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by comedian Tim Hawkins, who has been making people laugh for over three decades. With years of life, family, and stage experience behind him, Tim brings humor and perspective to everything from parenting to personal growth.

We dive into his family life, including the story of how he met his wife, and reflect on the journey of raising kids, including the rewarding moment of watching them grow into adults. Tim shares his thoughts on parenting, emphasizing that there’s no perfect formula. While many feel pressure to follow methods and systems, he and his wife chose not to get bogged down in outcomes, trusting that God is big enough to guide the process.

We also get into the realities of raising kids, like what to do when they’re constantly wrestling. For Tim, one of the biggest factors in raising kids well is simple but powerful: proximity. Being present matters.

Tim opens up about his own creative journey, including a season where he hit a wall, struggled to write, and had to step back and reset. He shares how his comedy process has evolved over the years and how life itself fuels his material.

His approach to comedy is simple and honest: live your life, take notes, and tell strangers. The more you can relate to people, the more successful your message becomes. Whether it’s disappointment, joy, or frustration, the best material comes from real passion and lived experience. Join us today for a great (and hilarious) conversation.

Connect with Tim Hawkins:

• Website: Tim Hawkins
• Facebook: Tim Hawkins
• Instagram: Tim Hawkins (@timhawkinscomic)

• Watch Tim Hawkins: Fist Bump | Prime Video
• Listen to Heather on Sidetracked Podcast

• Don’t Dad Alone :: Dustin Nickerson [Ep 472]
• When Friendships Get Messy: Healing, Humor and Finding Your Chicken-Fried Women :: Melissa Radke [Ep 519]
• From Blockbusters to Blanket Forts: Patricia Heaton on Parenting, Faith, and Comedy [Ep 521]

Featured Sponsors:

• Tumble Rugs: Machine Washable Rugs, Made Better. For a limited time only, our listeners get 10% off + free shipping at Tumbleliving.com/DMA.
• StoryWorth: This year, give Mom a gift that helps her reflect on her life with fresh perspective–and gives your whole family the gift of her stories. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th. Order right now and save up to $20 at storyworth.com/dma
• Skylight Calendar: Families are better when they’re working together. Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch Calendars by going to MySkylight.com/DMA.