“They Don’t Know What They’re Signing”: The Student Debt Trap

In this episode of The Real Deal with Abby and Regan meets real life decisions: college, trades, and calling. Abby and Regan talk about why so many teens are pushed into student debt before they even understand what they’re signing, why we’re “no student loans” moms, and how to help your kids find a path that fits their God-given gifts—whether that’s college, trade school, military, or beyond.


Plus: the importance of choosing a campus that aligns with your family’s values, spiritual formation, and the launch-year reality every mom feels.

In this episode:


The student loan trap (and why teens can’t grasp the burden yet)


College vs. trades vs. military: helping kids find their lane


Paying for college with scholarships + realistic planning


Why values + formation matter as much as a degree


“Equally yoked” and the long game of faith + family

Want to collab with Abby & Regan and reach 707,000+ parents?

https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3

&ldquo;They Don&rsquo;t Know What They&rsquo;re Signing&rdquo;: The Student Debt Trap
In this episode of The Real Deal with Abby and Regan meets real life decisions:&nbsp;college, trades, and calling. Abby and Regan talk about why so many teens are pushed into student debt before they even understand what they&rsquo;re signing, why we&rsquo;re &ldquo;no student loans&rdquo; moms, and how to help your kids find a path that fits their God-given gifts&mdash;whether that&rsquo;s college, trade school, military, or beyond.
 Plus: the importance of choosing a campus that aligns with your family&rsquo;s values, spiritual formation, and the launch-year reality every mom feels.
In this episode:
<ul data-start="738" data-end="1042">
<li data-start="738" data-end="806">
The student loan trap (and why teens can&rsquo;t grasp the burden yet)
</li>
<li data-start="807" data-end="872">
College vs. trades vs. military: helping kids find their lane
</li>
<li data-start="873" data-end="934">
Paying for college with scholarships + realistic planning
</li>
<li data-start="935" data-end="988">
Why values + formation matter as much as a degree
</li>
<li data-start="989" data-end="1042">
&ldquo;Equally yoked&rdquo; and the long game of faith + family
</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">Want to collab with Abby &amp; Regan and reach 707,000+ parents?</a>
<a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3</a>

They Don’t Know What They’re Signing: The Student Debt Trap

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/b4896e2c-ce35-4c09-8c0e-b3b600d6cfb7/transcript

In this episode, Abby and Regan delve into the complexities of emotions, particularly focusing on the struggles of sulking and the importance of shifting one's mindset. They discuss the challenges of forgiveness, especially when dealing with individuals who exhibit non-repentive behavior. The conversation transitions into the significance of reframing past experiences and how media influences societal norms and morality. They also explore various shows, highlighting the changing landscape of content and its implications. Finally, the episode touches on the dynamics of parenting, showcasing the differences in their approaches and the humorous realities of raising children.takeaways
Sometimes you just have to let yourself feel the sulk, but you can't let yourself stay there.
Forgiveness is a process that can take time and requires effort.
Reframing past experiences can lead to personal growth and healing.
Media can have a significant impact on societal norms and morality.
It's important to actively participate in your healing journey.
Parenting dynamics can vary greatly between families, leading to unique challenges and experiences.
Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in navigating relationships and forgiveness.
Satan often uses our pain and suffering to keep us from moving closer to God.
Finding humor in parenting can help alleviate stress and create a lighter atmosphere.
It's essential to recognize the toxic nature of holding onto grudges and resentment.

Want to collab with Abby & Regan and reach 707,000+ parents?

https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3

In this episode, Abby and Regan delve into the complexities of emotions, particularly focusing on the struggles of sulking and the importance of shifting one's mindset. They discuss the challenges of forgiveness, especially when dealing with individuals who exhibit non-repentive behavior. The conversation transitions into the significance of reframing past experiences and how media influences societal norms and morality. They also explore various shows, highlighting the changing landscape of content and its implications. Finally, the episode touches on the dynamics of parenting, showcasing the differences in their approaches and the humorous realities of raising children.takeaways
<ul>
<li>Sometimes you just have to let yourself feel the sulk, but you can't let yourself stay there.</li>
<li>Forgiveness is a process that can take time and requires effort.</li>
<li>Reframing past experiences can lead to personal growth and healing.</li>
<li>Media can have a significant impact on societal norms and morality.</li>
<li>It's important to actively participate in your healing journey.</li>
<li>Parenting dynamics can vary greatly between families, leading to unique challenges and experiences.</li>
<li>Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in navigating relationships and forgiveness.</li>
<li>Satan often uses our pain and suffering to keep us from moving closer to God.</li>
<li>Finding humor in parenting can help alleviate stress and create a lighter atmosphere.</li>
<li>It's essential to recognize the toxic nature of holding onto grudges and resentment.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">Want to collab with Abby &amp; Regan and reach 707,000+ parents?</a>
<a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3</a>

Navigating Emotions Amongst the Sulk and the Shift: The Challenge of Forgiveness

“Trusting God’s Timing: Faith, Family, and Saying Yes to Life”

Abby and Regan get real about trusting God through motherhood, marriage, and the moments when life just doesn’t make sense. From birth control to big families, this heartfelt chat is all about surrendering to God’s plan — even when it’s hard.

This week, Abby and Regan dive into one of the most personal and faith-filled conversations yet — what it truly means to trust God’s design for life and family. With humor, honesty, and vulnerability, they share their journeys through young marriage, motherhood, and the pressure to “plan” life perfectly.

From birth control and tubals to moments of conviction and surrender, they unpack how faith reshapes our choices and how God’s timing is always better — even when the world tells us otherwise.

Whether you’re in a season of abundance or uncertainty, this episode is a reminder that children are blessings, not burdens, and that God’s plans will always exceed our own.

 Key Themes & Takeaways:


Surrendering to God’s timing in family and motherhood


Faith over fear in financial and life decisions


The spiritual meaning behind being “open to life”


How modern culture misunderstands birth control and sterilization


Trusting that God’s plans are bigger than our comfort zones


Scripture focus: Psalm 127 — “Children are a heritage from the Lord…”

Want to collab with Abby & Regan and reach 707,000+ parents?

https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3

&ldquo;Trusting God&rsquo;s Timing: Faith, Family, and Saying Yes to Life&rdquo;
Abby and Regan get real about trusting God through motherhood, marriage, and the moments when life just doesn&rsquo;t make sense. From birth control to big families, this heartfelt chat is all about surrendering to God&rsquo;s plan &mdash; even when it&rsquo;s hard.
<hr>
This week, Abby and Regan dive into one of the most personal and faith-filled conversations yet &mdash; what it truly means to trust God&rsquo;s design for life and family. With humor, honesty, and vulnerability, they share their journeys through young marriage, motherhood, and the pressure to &ldquo;plan&rdquo; life perfectly.
From birth control and tubals to moments of conviction and surrender, they unpack how faith reshapes our choices and how God&rsquo;s timing is always better &mdash; even when the world tells us otherwise.
Whether you&rsquo;re in a season of abundance or uncertainty, this episode is a reminder that&nbsp;children are blessings, not burdens, and that God&rsquo;s plans will always exceed our own.
<hr>
&nbsp;Key Themes &amp; Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>
Surrendering to God&rsquo;s timing in family and motherhood
</li>
<li>
Faith over fear in financial and life decisions
</li>
<li>
The spiritual meaning behind being &ldquo;open to life&rdquo;
</li>
<li>
How modern culture misunderstands birth control and sterilization
</li>
<li>
Trusting that God&rsquo;s plans are bigger than our comfort zones
</li>
<li>
Scripture focus:&nbsp;Psalm 127 &mdash; &ldquo;Children are a heritage from the Lord&hellip;&rdquo;
</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">Want to collab with Abby &amp; Regan and reach 707,000+ parents?</a>
<a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3</a>

Trusting God’s Timing: Faith, Family, and Saying Yes to Life

Abby and Regan open up about learning to say no — and how doing less can actually draw you closer to God, your spouse, and your kids. From love languages to overcommitment, this honest conversation is a must-listen for every mom trying to do it all.

💡 Key Themes & Takeaways:


Finding freedom and holiness in saying no


Understanding real love languages beyond exhaustion


Balancing family, ministry, and calling without burnout


Learning to pray intentionally for each child


Resting in God’s will instead of rushing through life


Scripture focus: Philippians 4:8 and Psalm 16:8 — “Keep my eyes always on the Lord…”

Want to collab with Abby & Regan and reach 707,000+ parents?

https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3

Abby and Regan open up about learning to say no &mdash; and how doing less can actually draw you closer to God, your spouse, and your kids. From love languages to overcommitment, this honest conversation is a must-listen for every mom trying to do it all.
💡 Key Themes &amp; Takeaways:
<ul data-start="1464" data-end="1828">
<li data-start="1464" data-end="1511">
Finding freedom and holiness in saying no
</li>
<li data-start="1512" data-end="1567">
Understanding real love languages beyond exhaustion
</li>
<li data-start="1568" data-end="1627">
Balancing family, ministry, and calling without burnout
</li>
<li data-start="1628" data-end="1677">
Learning to pray intentionally for each child
</li>
<li data-start="1678" data-end="1735">
Resting in God&rsquo;s will instead of rushing through life
</li>
<li data-start="1736" data-end="1828">
Scripture focus: Philippians 4:8 and Psalm 16:8 &mdash; &ldquo;Keep my eyes always on the Lord&hellip;&rdquo;
</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">Want to collab with Abby &amp; Regan and reach 707,000+ parents?</a>
<a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3</a>

The Power of No: Protecting Peace, Priorities, and God’s Plan

In this episode of The Real Deal Podcast, Abby and Regan discuss their return after a longgg summer break, reflecting on the changes in their lives and parenting journeys. They emphasize the importance of living in the moment, the choice of love in relationships, and the challenges of motherhood. The conversation also touches on the significance of faith over feelings and the power of saying no to avoid burnout. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace their roles as parents and to find strength in their faith during challenging times.

"I am so content in my life."

"We can't outrun His love."

"What an honor that He chose us."

Takeaways
The podcast has rebranded to cover broader topics beyond parenting.
Life changes rapidly, and it's important to cherish each moment.
Living in the moment can lead to feelings of contentment and joy.
Parenthood is a journey filled with milestones and memories.
Love in marriage and parenthood is a choice, not just a feeling.
It's essential to learn the power of saying no to avoid burnout.
Faith should be prioritized over feelings in relationships.
God's presence is constant, even when we don't feel it.
Parents are chosen for this time in history to raise their children.
It's a great time to be alive and fight for our faith.

Want to collab with Abby & Regan and reach 707,000+ parents?

https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3

In this episode of The Real Deal Podcast, Abby and Regan discuss their return after a longgg summer break, reflecting on the changes in their lives and parenting journeys. They emphasize the importance of living in the moment, the choice of love in relationships, and the challenges of motherhood. The conversation also touches on the significance of faith over feelings and the power of saying no to avoid burnout. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace their roles as parents and to find strength in their faith during challenging times.
"I am so content in my life."
"We can't outrun His love."
"What an honor that He chose us."
Takeaways
<ul>
<li>The podcast has rebranded to cover broader topics beyond parenting.</li>
<li>Life changes rapidly, and it's important to cherish each moment.</li>
<li>Living in the moment can lead to feelings of contentment and joy.</li>
<li>Parenthood is a journey filled with milestones and memories.</li>
<li>Love in marriage and parenthood is a choice, not just a feeling.</li>
<li>It's essential to learn the power of saying no to avoid burnout.</li>
<li>Faith should be prioritized over feelings in relationships.</li>
<li>God's presence is constant, even when we don't feel it.</li>
<li>Parents are chosen for this time in history to raise their children.</li>
<li>It's a great time to be alive and fight for our faith.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">Want to collab with Abby &amp; Regan and reach 707,000+ parents?</a>
<a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3</a>

Abby & Regan are BACK: The Real Deal with Embracing Parenthood and Life Changes

The pro-life laws as far as the Atlanta hospital keeping the brain-dead pregnant woman on life support: it's not what you think. 

Abby and Regan talk about this traumatic story sharing the facts and then both citing their differing opinions on this particular case, despite both of them being pro-life advocates. 

Would you like to collab with Abby and Regan and have your business or product or ministry shared with over a million of their followers? 

Reach out to them here!

https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3

Keep raising your little saints!

God bless you and yours,

Abby & Regan

The pro-life laws as far as the Atlanta hospital keeping the brain-dead pregnant woman on life support: it's not what you think.&nbsp;
Abby and Regan talk about this traumatic story sharing the facts and then both citing their differing opinions on this particular case, despite both of them being pro-life advocates.&nbsp;
Would you like to collab with Abby and Regan and have your business or product or ministry shared with over a million of their followers?&nbsp;
Reach out to them <a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">here</a>!
<a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3</a>
Keep raising your little saints!
God bless you and yours,
Abby &amp; Regan

The pro-life laws as far as the Atlanta hospital keeping the brain-dead pregnant woman on life support: it's not what you think. 

Abby and Regan talk about the papacy and death of Pope Francis and share their different takes. 

Also Hulu's The Handmaids Tale may be one of the most prolife series out there despite the woke left trying to push it as the exact opposite. 

Would you like to collab with Abby and Regan and have your business or product or ministry shared with over a million of their followers? 

Reach out to them here!

https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3

Keep raising your little saints!

God bless you and yours,

Abby & Regan

Abby and Regan talk about the papacy and death of Pope Francis and share their different takes.&nbsp;
Also Hulu's The Handmaids Tale may be one of the most prolife series out there despite the woke left trying to push it as the exact opposite.&nbsp;
Would you like to collab with Abby and Regan and have your business or product or ministry shared with over a million of their followers?&nbsp;
Reach out to them <a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">here</a>!
<a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3</a>
Keep raising your little saints!
God bless you and yours,
Abby &amp; Regan

The Death of Pope Francis: Two Catholic Mothers' Different Takes 

The book that every Christian couple MUST read whether happily married, struggling, separated or divorced! 

In his raw and tender memoir, biographer Kevin Wells pulls readers into the unforgettable story of a parish priest turned hermit, Father Martin Flum, who orchestrated the slow resurrection of his wife, Krista, from the nightmare of her deep wounds and addiction. Listen in as he sits down with Regan Long to discuss this game changing book that every couple needs to read! 

To get in touch with Kevin, you can here. 

https://kevinwells.org/

Would you like to collab with Abby and Regan and have your business or product or ministry shared with over a million of their followers? 

Reach out to them here!

https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3

Keep raising your little saints!

God bless you and yours,

Abby & Regan

The book that every Christian couple MUST read whether happily married, struggling, separated or divorced!&nbsp;
In his raw and tender memoir, biographer Kevin Wells pulls readers into the unforgettable story of a parish priest turned hermit, Father Martin Flum, who orchestrated the slow resurrection of his wife, Krista, from the nightmare of her deep wounds and addiction. Listen in as he sits down with Regan Long to discuss this game changing book that every couple&nbsp;<a href="https://ignatius.com/the-hermit-hermp/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwtpLABhC7ARIsALBOCVpTLaxAvZ4eVsolFCu2sYrAjOdfHm8QZkQeUh8dcIyOn5eIGdVThhkaAgzcEALw_wcB">needs to read</a>!&nbsp;
To get in touch with Kevin, you can <a href="https://kevinwells.org/">here</a>.&nbsp;
https://kevinwells.org/
Would you like to collab with Abby and Regan and have your business or product or ministry shared with over a million of their followers?&nbsp;
Reach out to them <a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">here</a>!
<a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3</a>
Keep raising your little saints!
God bless you and yours,
Abby &amp; Regan

The book that every Christian couple MUST read whether happily married, struggling, separated or divorced! 

The teen killing in Texas, the measles outbreak and a radical thought of bringing back letting our boys fight it out! 

Austin Metcalf, 17, was tragically killed on April 2 at the Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco after Karmelo Anthony allegedly pulled out a knife on him for sitting in the wrong area during a track meet, according to police.

More on the measles outbreak

Letting your boys fight it out ...do you agree?

Abby's daughter studying abroad

Would you like to collab with Abby and Regan and have your business or product or ministry shared with over a million of their followers? 

Reach out to them here!

https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3

Keep raising your little saints!

God bless you and yours,

Abby & Regan

The teen killing in Texas, the measles outbreak and a radical thought of bringing back letting our boys fight it out!&nbsp;
Austin Metcalf, 17, was tragically killed on April 2 at the Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco after Karmelo Anthony allegedly pulled out a knife on him for sitting in the wrong area during a track meet, according to police.
More on the measles outbreak
Letting your boys fight it out ...do you agree?
Abby's daughter studying abroad
Would you like to collab with Abby and Regan and have your business or product or ministry shared with over a million of their followers?&nbsp;
Reach out to them <a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">here</a>!
<a href="https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3">https://www.reganlong.com/new-page-3</a>
Keep raising your little saints!
God bless you and yours,
Abby &amp; Regan

The teen killing in Texas, the measles outbreak and a radical thought of bringing back letting our boys fight it out! 

Abby and Regan sit down to talk about Abby and her daughter's two week trip to Rome and all the miraculous things they encountered! 

Abby and Regan would love to hear from you; you can email them at hello@therealdealofparenting.com and for those who leave them a positive review on Apple or Spotify and they read it on their podcast, they'll send you a personal gift!   

Be sure you're subscribed to Unfiltered Parenting podcast so you never miss an episode; likewise, be sure you join 693,000+ parents and follow Abby & Regan at The Real Deal of Parenting on FB, IG and X!   

Abby and Regan sit down to talk about Abby and her daughter's two week trip to Rome and all the miraculous things they encountered!&nbsp;
Abby and Regan would love to hear from you; you can email them at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hello@therealdealofparenting.com">hello@therealdealofparenting.com</a> and for those who leave them a positive review on Apple or Spotify and they read it on their podcast, they'll send you a personal gift!&nbsp; &nbsp;
Be sure you're subscribed to Unfiltered Parenting podcast so you never miss an episode; likewise, be sure you join 693,000+ parents and follow Abby &amp; Regan at The Real Deal of Parenting on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/therealdealofparenting/">FB</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/therealdealofparentingofficial/?hl=en">IG</a> and <a href="https://x.com/trdopofficial">X</a>!&nbsp; &nbsp;

Abby's Trip to Rome and the Miraculous Things She Encountered 

Welcome to The Real Deal with Regan and Abby: Real Christian Conversations on Parenting & Faith, where hosts Abby Johnson and Regan Long talk all things pertaining to motherhood with authenticity, complete transparency and a healthy dose of humor. They present topics from a Conservative Christian perspective ranging from the everyday challenges of raising kids to high-profile issues no one else will touch and current events facing families.

Abby is a pro-life advocate, CEO, bestselling author, and public speaker. Regan is a bestselling author, household blogger, public speaker, and champion of women’s causes. Abby is a mom of 8, and Regan is a mom of 5.

With their platforms combined, towering over a million followers and tens of millions of impressions globally each month, both are on a mission to empower other mothers to be courageous in standing up and having a voice in times of a spiritual battle against our children. Join them and find out you’re not alone on this broken and beautiful journey, giving you the real deal of parenting … completely unfiltered.

Want more? Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/therealdealofparenting/ 

Welcome to The Real Deal with Regan and Abby: Real Christian Conversations on Parenting &amp; Faith, where hosts Abby Johnson and Regan Long talk all things pertaining to motherhood with authenticity, complete transparency and a healthy dose of humor. They present topics from a Conservative Christian perspective ranging from the everyday challenges of raising kids to high-profile issues no one else will touch and current events facing families.
Abby is a pro-life advocate, CEO, bestselling author, and public speaker. Regan is a bestselling author, household blogger, public speaker, and champion of women&rsquo;s causes. Abby is a mom of 8, and Regan is a mom of 5.
With their platforms combined, towering over a million followers and tens of millions of impressions globally each month, both are on a mission to empower other mothers to be courageous in standing up and having a voice in times of a spiritual battle against our children. Join them and find out you&rsquo;re not alone on this broken and beautiful journey, giving you the real deal of parenting &hellip; completely unfiltered.
Want more? Join our Facebook Community: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/therealdealofparenting/">https://www.facebook.com/therealdealofparenting/</a>&nbsp;

The Real Deal with Regan and Abby: Real Christian Conversations on Parenting & Faith

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