HomeWord with Jim Burns

On this week’s episode of HomeWord, Jim Burns welcomes special guests John Trent and his daughter, Kari Trent Stageberg, to discuss their powerful new book, Your Journey from Broken to Blessed. Together, they share personal stories of pain, struggle, and redemption, offering a heartfelt reminder that no family is perfect and no season of brokenness is beyond God’s healing touch. Through honest conversation and biblical encouragement, John and Kari reveal how Christ can bring restoration, hope...

“What do you do when the child you raised chooses a completely different path?” Join Jim Burns as he discusses his new book, When Your Adult Child Strays. When adult children walk away from the values, faith, and commitments they were raised with, parents can be left feeling confused, heartbroken, and unsure of what to do next. In this episode, Jim offers compassionate guidance for parents navigating differences around faith, church, politics, sexuality, addiction, and more—helping them respo...

No matter your age, this episode offers practical insight for thriving in the second half of life. Dr. Jim Burns is joined by Kerry Burnight, a leading gerontologist and expert dedicated to improving how we experience aging. Together, they unpack why a joy-filled mindset—not circumstances—is the key to aging well, and how joy can exist even when life is hard. Kerry shares “The Core Four” for longevity—Grow, Connect, Adapt, Give. If you’ve ever felt like it’s too late to grow or change, this c...

*This episode contains adult themes that are not suitable for children. What if the most powerful way to help your child through mental health struggles isn’t fixing them—but learning how to truly see, hear, and walk with them toward healing? Joining Jim Burns today is Mark Mayfield—licensed professional counselor, author, and professor—for a timely and honest conversation on parenting and mental health. He shares how parents can support children who are struggling, highlighting the critical ...

*Today’s episode contains adult themes that are not suitable for children. What if one divine encounter could completely change the direction of your life? Today, Becky Tirabassi joins Dr. Jim Burns for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about redemption, identity, and the life-changing power of a relationship with God. From a past marked by addiction, sexual impurity, brokenness, and searching, Becky shares how a simple moment—through an unexpected messenger—led her to true freedom...

Have you ever wondered what God is doing in your life—especially when you can’t feel His presence? In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns is joined by Laurie Short who shares her personal journey through singleness, disappointment, and learning to trust God’s timing even when the path didn’t look the way she expected. She reflects on how God often opens doors we weren’t looking for and how those unexpected paths can lead exactly where we need to go. Together, they talk about discovering God in the mi...

What if Gen Z needs to hear one truth more than anything else: You are loved for who you are, not what you do. In this episode, Dr. Jim Burns sits down with Dr. Tanita Tualla Maddox of Young Life to explore what Gen Z is really asking about God—and what the research is revealing about their faith. From digital connection and mental health to shifting definitions of acceptance, they unpack the seven biggest spiritual questions shaping this generation. Tanita challenges the Church to consider w...

What does it actually mean to live a life of humility in a culture that constantly points us back to ourselves? Dr. Jim Burns is joined by author and teaching pastor Chip Ingram for a thoughtful conversation on how Scripture defines greatness through service rather than status. Chip explains why love is more than a feeling—it’s a deliberate choice to give, serve, and sacrifice, even when it’s costly. He shares practical ways to shift from inward-focused living to daily acts that cultivate hum...

Paul Taylor—co-founder of Faith, Work & Tech and director of Unify—joins the conversation to unpack how AI is reshaping families, education, and vocation. With a background in engineering from Stanford, a master’s in theology, and nearly two decades of pastoral ministry, Paul offers a grounded, thoughtful perspective on technology that’s now “as ubiquitous as electricity.” He challenges families to think carefully about their children using AI and shares practical wisdom for letting techn...

What happens when a marriage looks successful on the outside—but is quietly unraveling behind the scenes? Justin and Trisha Davis, authors, speakers, and founders of Refine Us Ministries, join Dr. Jim Burns to share the raw story of how their marriage nearly ended after ten years—and how God brought real restoration. They open up about pouring everything into ministry while neglecting each other, the devastating impact of an affair, and the courageous choices that led to healing. This convers...

What if the key to deeper intimacy in marriage isn’t trying harder—but learning to partner better? In Part 2 of this conversation, Dr. Jim Burns is joined again by Kevin Thompson—speaker, author, and married-life pastor at Bayside Church—to unpack what real partnership and intimacy in marriage looks like. They discuss shared responsibility, mutual respect, and why honoring differences actually strengthens the relationship. The conversation also explores intimacy and how vulnerability creates ...

“How do I influence my child who no longer believes in God?” “What do I do when my adult kids won’t let me talk about faith with my grandkids?” These are painful questions—but in this episode, Dr. Jim Burns offers hope and practical guidance. He begins by breaking down the stages of drifting from faith, then shares five key steps for walking with someone who is deconstructing, and explains why love, grace, and steady presence matter more than arguments. If you’re grieving a loved one’s spirit...

Many moms quietly carry the weight of everyone else’s needs — often at the expense of their own. In this episode of HomeWord, Dr. Jim Burns sits down with Dr. Morgan Cutlip, a psychologist, bestselling author, and sought-after relationship expert who is passionate about helping women feel supported and connected in every season of life. Together, they dive into the common guilt moms experience when prioritizing themselves and why true self-care is about more than surface-level pampering — it’...