In this powerful episode of Dates, Mates, and Babies , Jason and Lauren Vallotton welcome two courageous women: Kirsten Lapp , Executive Director of Northstate Care Clinic, and Lauren Hodgson , a mother of four who walked through an unexpected pregnancy and found hope in the face of overwhelming pressure. This is the second part to a conversation that began in episode 122. When Lauren discovered she was pregnant with her fourth child, it came as a complete shock. That shock deepened when she lea...
Jun 25, 2025•28 min
In this powerful episode, Jason and Lauren Vallotton sit down with Kirsten Lapp, Executive Director of Northstate Care Clinic , to unpack the emotional, spiritual, and practical realities surrounding crisis pregnancy. With empathy and clarity, Kirsten shares what women are really facing in these moments—and how we can all play a part in offering hope. In this episode, they discuss: What defines a crisis pregnancy and why many women find themselves in one The cultural and social pressures women f...
Jun 11, 2025•28 min
In this powerful episode, Jason and Lauren Vallotton explore the quiet, often unnoticed habit of self-betrayal—the moments when we say “yes” to others while saying “no” to ourselves. Whether it's to avoid conflict, gain approval, or protect a fragile connection, self-abandonment can masquerade as kindness while silently eroding trust, peace, and authenticity. Jason and Lauren unpack the mindsets that often drive this behavior—like the belief that it's selfish to have needs, or that disappointing...
Jun 04, 2025•38 min
In this honest and heartfelt Q&A episode, Jason and Lauren answer your real relationship questions—from navigating breakups to leading well in marriage. Whether you're dating, newly married, or wrestling with relational roles, this episode will give you insight, encouragement, and a few powerful reframes. 🔹 What does it mean for a man to promote his wife? Jason expands on his view that a man’s role is to provide, protect, and promote —and breaks down what it really means to elevate the peop...
May 21, 2025•30 min
“Most of the world is built on the invisible labor of mothers.” In this heartfelt episode, Jason and Lauren Vallotton turn their attention to the sacred, unseen work of motherhood. Picking up where their recent Fatherhood episode left off, they dive into the beauty, burden, and spiritual authority of moms—the ones who so often hold the soul of the home together. This isn’t a conversation about Pinterest lunches or parenting perfection. It’s an honest look at the emotional, mental, and spiritual ...
May 14, 2025•24 min
In this powerful conversation, Jason and Lauren Vallotton unpack one of the deepest needs of our time: the restoration of godly masculinity. Drawing from personal stories, biblical wisdom, and their experience walking with men and families, they explore why a man’s role in the home matters more than ever—and how the next generation is suffering without clear markers of maturity and initiation. Whether you're a father, mentor, or just a man asking deeper questions about your purpose, this episode...
May 07, 2025•32 min
"Your gifts might open doors in ministry, but your emotional health and family life will determine how long you can stay in the room." In this episode, Jason and Lauren Vallotton dive into the crucial (and often overlooked) connection between emotional health, family life, and sustainable ministry. Ministry isn’t just about being gifted—it’s about being grounded. Whether you're a pastor, leader, or someone pursuing a call to serve, this conversation offers a timely reminder: who you are behind c...
Apr 30, 2025•25 min
"Most people want to reconnect with their spouse—but they don’t know how to hit the mark when emotions are high. They either get defensive, spiral into shame, or shut down. Today, I want to help you learn how to truly connect when it matters most—especially when there’s pain involved." In this episode, Jason and Lauren Vallotton break down what happens when emotional disconnection builds over time and how to move toward reconnection with empathy, responsibility, and compassion. This episode expl...
Apr 24, 2025•32 min
In this vulnerable and practical Q&A episode, Jason and Lauren tackle some of your most heartfelt questions—from dating dynamics and stepparenting to conflict in marriage and unmet emotional needs. With their trademark honesty and experience, they unpack the real stuff of relationships: fear, longing, love, and how to keep showing up even when it’s hard. In this episode, the Vallottons respond to questions like: “How do I take dating slow while discerning if I can handle marrying someone wit...
Apr 16, 2025•39 min
“She never wanted to fight her husband. But somewhere along the way, she stopped feeling safe—and started showing up in survival mode.” In this episode, Jason and Lauren unpack the emotional toll disconnection takes on a woman, especially when she's forced to lead, manage, and defend in her relationship. They explore what masculine energy looks like in a woman, why it’s often a trauma response—not rebellion—and how emotional safety (not control) is the key to restoring connection. You’ll hear: A...
Apr 09, 2025•36 min
Spring cleaning isn't just for your closet—what about the things we’ve been carrying in our hearts, homes, and relationships that need a reset? In this episode, Jason and Lauren take the idea of spring cleaning beyond junk drawers and cluttered cabinets and dive deep into the unseen spaces of our emotional, relational, and spiritual lives. From the bathroom cabinet that hasn’t been cleaned out in a year to the mental tabs we’ve left open way too long, they explore what it looks like to make spac...
Apr 03, 2025•28 min
The public school system is broken. Too many kids feel left behind, uninspired, and stuck in a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t prepare them for real life—or real relationships. As a dad and leader, Jason believes we need a radical shift. That’s why he sat down with Dr. Tyler Thigpen, an education innovator, to explore a new approach—one that fosters independence, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. In this episode, Jason and Tyler unpack why the system is failing, what’s working ...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Preparing teenagers for adulthood might be the most crucial—and challenging—phase of parenthood. In this candid conversation, The Vallottons explore the essential transition from raising dependent children to launching capable, confident adults. When parents focus solely on creating a fun and carefree childhood, they risk raising young adults unprepared for real responsibilities. Drawing from their experiences launching three young adults (now 25, 22, and 20) while still raising younger children...
Mar 19, 2025•44 min
Everyone has a past, but when it comes to relationships, how can someone be sure it no longer has a hold on their present? Whether in dating or marriage, navigating past mistakes, previous relationships, or personal struggles can be complex. How much should be shared, and when does transparency build trust versus causing unnecessary pain? In this episode, Jason and Lauren Vallotton explore the balance between honesty and wisdom, discussing when full disclosure is valuable and when it may not be ...
Mar 12, 2025•36 min
In this insightful Q&A session, the Vallottons tackle questions submitted by listeners pertaining to marriage and friendship. Questions include: 1. When I really like someone I feel like I can't think straight anymore. When I’m around them and start to act differently, and I hate it. What's your advice on that? 2. What to do with a man who is confusing with his intentions even after asking for clarity. He's nice and respectful, but I'm still confused. 3. What does "leaving and cleaving" actu...
Mar 05, 2025•40 min
Episode 108 is a special treat! In this episode, the Vallottons share a powerful message that Lauren preached on February 20, 2025, at the Bethel Church Prophetic Conference. Rooted in her personal journey of motherhood and the shifting landscape of 2025, Lauren believes this moment marks the dawn of a new era—one defined by breakthrough for followers of Christ. Drawing from the story of the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land, Lauren unpacks how God invites us to trust, take risks, believe...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 10 min
In this episode of Dates, Mates, and Babies with the Vallottons , Jason and Lauren Vallotton explore how friendships impact marriage, parenting, and relational health. While friendships often take a backseat to family life, they are crucial in shaping emotional well-being and offering support. As life gets busier with marriage and parenting, friendships are often neglected. However, research shows that maintaining strong friendships improves marital satisfaction and reduces parenting stress. Jas...
Feb 17, 2025•37 min
Blending a family is both rewarding and challenging, requiring intentionality, patience, and a strong foundation. In this episode of Dates, Mates, and Babies with the Vallottons , Lauren and Jason dive into the key strategies for creating a thriving blended family. They discuss the importance of building trust with stepchildren , emphasizing that the biological parent should take the lead in discipline while the stepparent focuses on connection. They explore how to find your lane —leaning into n...
Feb 12, 2025•29 min
Description: We’re back with Part 2 of one of our most vulnerable episodes yet—because some questions in marriage are too important to ignore. Last week, we unpacked some of the biggest fears that keep couples stuck, and today, we’re digging even deeper. We’re talking about: 💬 Why does sex feel like an obligation instead of a connection? 👩👧 Why do I feel like the default parent while my spouse gets to "opt in" to parenting? (Spoiler: This isn’t just a struggle for women!) 💔 What if my marri...
Feb 05, 2025•30 min
Description: Some questions feel too big, too scary, or too painful to ask out loud—especially in marriage. But avoiding them doesn’t make them disappear. In this episode, the Vallotton's tackle the hardest, unspoken questions that can haunt relationships. Jason and Lauren dive into topics like: ✅ Have we fallen out of love or are we just stuck in a rut? ✅ What if I’m not attracted to my partner anymore? ✅ Is it normal to feel lonely in my marriage? ✅ Can we ever repair the damage from past betr...
Jan 29, 2025•35 min
In this episode of Dates, Mates, and Babies with the Vallottons , Lauren and Jason dive into one of the most profound questions parents face: What story do we want our kids to tell about love? Together, they unpack the meaning of true love, exploring how it can be demonstrated in everyday life and in relationships within the home. Topics Covered What is love and what is it not? We have love because it was given to us. It doesn’t start with us, it starts with God. Love is a powerful choice. Love ...
Jan 22, 2025•27 min
In today’s episode of Dates, Mates, and Babies with the Vallottons, hosts Jason and Lauren Vallotton sit down with renowned psychoanalyst and author Erica Komisar to explore the profound challenges and rewards of parenting. Erica, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), brings years of expertise in child development and the psychological aspects of motherhood and fatherhood. She has authored two insightful books: Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters Chicken...
Jan 16, 2025•54 min
What if the greatest battle you’re fighting isn’t with your spouse, your kids, or the world—but with yourself? On this episode, the Vallottons dive into the messiest parts of who we are—the stuff we shove aside but desperately need to face if we want to grow in life, faith, and relationships. Jason and Lauren explore the significance of identifying your inner conflicts, the impact of your past experiences, and the role of seeking support in overcoming these hidden struggles. • Discussing persona...
Jan 08, 2025•39 min
In this milestone 100th episode, Jason and Lauren Vallotton sit down with Jason's parents, Kris and Kathy Vallotton, for a heartfelt conversation about the enduring meaning of Christmas. Known for their leadership and faith, Kris and Kathy reflect on the miraculous story of Christ’s birth and its profound blend of humanity and divinity. Together, they share insights on how to hold onto the true essence of Christmas amid the distractions of commercialization, encouraging listeners to reconnect wi...
Dec 18, 2024•45 min
Imagine the weight of rebuilding a marriage amidst public scrutiny and personal failure. Laura and Carl Lentz know this journey all too well, and they graciously join the Vallottons to share their path of healing and redemption following Carl's affair in 2020. Through candid conversations, they explore the complexities of maintaining genuine relationships in the face of betrayal, and the powerful role community support can play in times of crisis. Their story is not just one of personal recovery...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr
Episode Summary: In this special Q&A episode, the Vallottons tackle some of your most heartfelt and practical questions about trust, forgiveness, marriage, and family life. Whether you're looking for ways to rebuild trust, navigate the early months of marriage, or create meaningful family traditions, this episode has something for everyone. What’s Covered in Today’s Episode: How is trust practically built when it’s been broken? Steps to rebuild trust through accountability, transparency, and...
Dec 04, 2024•30 min
Join the Vallottons as they share insights after leading their recent marriage intensive, where we spent six weeks with couples dedicated to enhancing their relational health. Through real-life counseling scenarios, and rounds of these marriage courses, the Vallottons have discovered what is common to many couples and identify keys to breakthrough in these different areas. Takeaways include: - it's the couples who want to grow and learn who get well - it's not conflict that tears apart connectio...
Nov 27, 2024•30 min
Life can feel overwhelming when chaos reigns in our hearts, homes, and minds. But did you know that your ability to face and navigate that chaos directly impacts your emotional, spiritual, and relational well-being? In this episode, the Vallotton's are diving into why confronting chaos matters and how it aligns with living a life of peace, purpose, and emotional health. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Biblical Perspective on Chaos: Explore how scripture addresses chaos and God’s desire fo...
Nov 20, 2024•25 min
In this insightful episode, the Vallottons sit down with Robyn Gobbel, an expert in relational neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology, to discuss a transformative approach to understanding and supporting children's challenging behaviors. Robyn shares her journey from being a psychotherapist to becoming a dedicated advocate for families, particularly those dealing with complex trauma or adoption histories. The conversation centers around her influential book, Raising Kids with Big, Baffling ...
Nov 13, 2024•49 min
Episode Summary: As we wrap up the year, the last few months often bring holiday stress, busier schedules, and the opportunity for intentionality. This episode dives into why the fourth quarter of the year is a pivotal time for strengthening relationships and offers practical tips for deepening connections, navigating holiday tensions, wrapping up the year with relational intentionality. 1. The Fourth Quarter Mindset We still have time to go! We can win big. Discuss why the 4th quarter is a natu...
Nov 06, 2024•26 min
