In this special Mother’s Day episode, Dr. Kim Kimberling sits down with bestselling author Melanie Shankle to talk about her latest book, Here Be Dragons. Together, they unpack the complexities of generational trauma and explore what it means to break old cycles in order to build a new legacy of healthy relationships. It’s a conversation that’s honest, refreshing, and full of humor. Whether you're a mother or not, this episode has something for you!

Episode highlights include:

• Generational trauma affects emotional growth and relationships.

• Self-worth can be deeply impacted by parental relationships.

• Humor can be a coping mechanism for deeper issues.

• Recognizing unhealthy patterns is crucial for personal growth.

• Parenting requires intentionality and awareness of past traumas.

• Melanie embraced her daughter's individuality instead of molding her.

• Healing can come from being the parent you wished you had.

• True love is built on friendship and authenticity.

• Identifying generational trauma requires honest self-assessment.

• Creating a positive legacy is essential for future generations.

• God's timing is perfect in relationships.

• Healing is a journey that takes baby steps.

• There can be beauty in the ashes of our past.

Couples Conversation Guide:

Main takeaway:

If you were raised in the midst of unhealthy relationships, take heart—there is hope in Christ for a better future. Healing from past wounds opens the door to the freedom and joy of healthy, life-giving relationships. Along the journey, boundaries will protect your peace, forgiveness will soften your heart, and Christ must remain the foundation of it all.

Questions to Discuss:

What messages or behaviors from our families growing up do we find ourselves repeating—intentionally or not—in our relationship or with our children?

When we face conflict or stress, do our reactions feel like our own—or do they echo how our parents or caregivers responded?

Are there parts of our past—such as experiences of neglect, abuse, shame, or loss—that we haven’t fully processed and might be impacting how we show up for each other and our children?

What do you hope your legacy will be?

Quotes from today's episode:

"It's okay to not be perfect."

“You’ve gotta have your truthtellers”

“There are things we may not see as big, but they become big.”

“I always deflected with humor because I didn’t want to feel anything too deeply.”

“They’ve achieved all these things that the world says is success, but they’re still empty.”

“It’s so healing to be the thing in someone else’s life that you wish you would have had in your own.”

“I didn’t get to have that mother, but I get to be that mother.”

“There is something so beneficial about having someone who’s not your friend, validate some of the experiences you’ve been through.”

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Use our Self Check Up Guide as an opportunity for honest self reflection.

• Melanie Shankle’s Here Be Dragons

• Listen to Melanie on her wildly popular podcast The Big Boo Cast

• If you haven’t browsed our site, you’ve GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !

• Did you know we have resources for families- check those out HERE.

• Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips!

We're excited to launch a brand-new format for the Awesome Marriage Podcast—and with it, introduce a highly requested new co-host: Mrs. Nancy Kimberling! In this episode, Dr. Kim and Nancy Kimberling take you on a heartfelt journey through the story of their relationship, from their blind date to their early years of marriage and parenting, all the way to the joy of becoming great-grandparents.

Their marriage hasn’t been without its challenges, but what’s carried them through it all is a decision they made early on: to keep God at the center of everything. Their wisdom, authenticity, and love for each other will make them one of your favorite couples to learn from.

We pray this episode encourages and blesses your marriage.

Episode Takeaways:

No matter how your marriage starts, everything changes when you invite the Lord in. He can transform the direction of your relationship in powerful ways. Building a strong, healthy marriage and family takes intentional effort and regular reflection on what’s working—and what’s not. Join the Kimberlings for an honest, up-close look at every season of marriage.

Questions to Discuss:

When’s the last time you reflected on where and when your relationship began?

What scripture could you hold on to to help anchor your marriage to Christ?

What is keeping your marriage from moving in the direction you want it to move?

Quotes:

“We had fights and I thought what is going on, I made a mistake.”

“You didn’t get the picket fence”

“I could have been the fun dad and still done discipline”

“God taught us He cares about everything”

“The more we brought Him into our conversations, our decisions. He was there. To guide us and to help us.

“It’s saved our marriage.”

“God was there when they got married, and He’s still there, and they made a covenant before Him and it matters.”

“We took divorce off the table and we kept it off the table.”

“The most important thing to do in marriage is prayer.”

“It’s so important to have godly couples who are older than you and come alongside of you with godly wisdom.”

“It’s so important to have a village, a tribe, a life group to do life with.”

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Want an opportunity to dig into God’s Word as you intentionally choose to puruse the marriage God intended, find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Try this FREE YouVersion plan: 5 Marriage Lies to Defeat with Biblical Truth

• If you haven’t browsed our site, you’ve GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !

• Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips!

• Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to . receive our May “7 Most Popular Resource Bundle.”

In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Dr. Kim sits down with Jimmy Rollins to unpack the real-life highs and lows of marriage. They dive into why communication, forgiveness, and a strong support system are so crucial—and how those things have played out in their own lives. From the power of simple daily appreciations to creating a safe space for open conversations, Jimmy and Dr. Kim get real about what it takes to build (and rebuild) a strong relationship. They also reflect on how easy it is to chase success in the wrong places—and how to shift the focus back to what matters most. Whether you're in a great season or struggling to find your footing, this episode is full of practical wisdom and encouragement to help you grow and heal in your marriage.

• Every marriage is hard and requires effort.

• Forgiveness is a decision, while reconciliation is a process.

• Daily appreciation can reignite connection in marriage.

• Creating a safe space is essential for open communication.

• Winning at the wrong things can harm your marriage.

• Community support is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships.

• It's important to examine your own behavior in marriage.

• Practical steps can lead to significant changes in relationships.

• Couples should seek resources and mentorship for guidance.

• The goal in marriage is to think together, not alike.

• Are there areas of your marriage you are trying to ignore?

• Are there areas you are trying to change your spouse?

• How would you rate the community you have to support your marriage?

• What one thing can you say “no” to today, so that you have more margin to say “yes” in your marriage.

"Forgiveness is a decision."

"Community is what keeps us sober."

"You're not in it by yourself."

"Every marriage is hard."

"The goal is not to think alike."

"The best days are ahead of us."

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Use our FREE Weekly Marriage Check Up Guide to keep intentionally winning in your marriage!

• Want an opportunity to dig into God’s Word as you prioritize your marriage. Try this Awesome Marriage YouVersion reading plan: Traffic Signs and Your Marriage: Part 1

• If you haven’t browsed our site, you’ve GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !

• Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips!

• Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to receive our May “7 Most Popular Resource Bundle.”