They Come With Instructions

For Leilani: A Single Father's Heart w/ Ricky Brown

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2457716/fan_mail/new] In this heartfelt episode, René sits down with Ricky Brown — a young father navigating life, love, and loss while raising his daughter, Leilani. What began as a simple desire to share his voice unfolds into an honest and tender conversation about fatherhood, responsibility, and the deep love he carries for his little girl. Ricky opens up about what he wants most for Leilani — happiness, security, and the unwavering knowledge that she is loved. He also shares the powerful truth he will one day pass on to her about her mother — that she fought to stay, and that her love never left. While every step of his journey is still unfolding, one thing is clear: Leilani has her father’s heart. In this conversation, you’ll hear a young man willing to listen, to grow, and to seek more — from pursuing faith and community to considering the importance of guidance and support along the way. This episode is a reminder that parenting doesn’t come with perfection — but it does come with intention, love, and the opportunity to grow into the role. Because sometimes, the journey of becoming the parent your child needs… happens in real time. Thank you for listening. Let's connect... Contact: TCWI@ReneAndersonWritings.com  YouTube: @René Anderson (TCWI) UCUEuuiiEtqWxB3tVejt_SsQ Website: https://www.ReneAndersonWritings.com (Here you can purchase copies of my books. Thank you) Instagram: Rene.R.Anderson TikTok: @ReneRobinsonAnder

Difficult Conversations that Heal Families w/ Duke Anderson

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2457716/fan_mail/new] Season 2 of They Come With Instructions kicks off with a lively and heartfelt conversation between René Anderson and her oldest son, Duke. Known for his energy, humor, and honesty, Duke joins the podcast for a conversation full of laughter, reflection, and meaningful dialogue about family relationships and personal growth. Together they explore sensitive but important topics—including father-son dynamics, expectations within families, and the courage it takes to have difficult conversations with the people we love most. This episode reminds us that while hard conversations may feel uncomfortable, the healing, understanding, and love that follow are often worth the effort. René reflects on the blessing of watching her son grow into a thoughtful young man, while Duke shares his perspective on life, identity, and becoming the man he is meant to be. Season 2 begins with laughter, wisdom, and a powerful reminder that healthy family relationships are built through patience, honesty, and grace. Thank you for listening. Let's connect... Contact: TCWI@ReneAndersonWritings.com  YouTube: @René Anderson (TCWI) UCUEuuiiEtqWxB3tVejt_SsQ Website: https://www.ReneAndersonWritings.com (Here you can purchase copies of my books. Thank you) Instagram: Rene.R.Anderson TikTok: @ReneRobinsonAnder

Grief, Grace, and Guardianship w/ Tanya Franklin

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2457716/fan_mail/new] In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and colleague Tonya Franklin—a woman whose strength has carried her through one of the most unexpected seasons of her life. When tragedy struck her family earlier this year, Tanya found herself navigating grief, new responsibility, and a role she never imagined stepping into. In this heartfelt conversation, Tanya shares how she’s supporting little Leilani, managing her own emotions, and learning to balance honesty, compassion, and resilience day by day. Her story is tender, raw, and full of the quiet strength that so many women carry without applause. Join us for a powerful close to Season 1 as we talk about love, loss, unexpected assignments, and the grace to keep going even when life takes a turn you never planned for. Thank you for listening. Let's connect... Contact: TCWI@ReneAndersonWritings.com  YouTube: @René Anderson (TCWI) UCUEuuiiEtqWxB3tVejt_SsQ Website: https://www.ReneAndersonWritings.com (Here you can purchase copies of my books. Thank you) Instagram: Rene.R.Anderson TikTok: @ReneRobinsonAnder

From Muslim to Christian Journey w/ Carl Sims

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2457716/fan_mail/new] In this powerful and soul-stirring episode, I sit down with Carl Sims—a devoted family man, minister of the gospel, and living testimony of God’s relentless faithfulness. Carl was born into a Muslim family, placed into foster care at an early age, and later adopted into a Christian home. It was there that his understanding of God began… and his personal relationship with Jesus Christ would unfold, through a journey marked by searching, understanding, and surrender. Carl opens his heart about the struggles many never see—the quiet battles with identity, the lingering question of why he couldn’t have a “normal” childhood with both biological parents, and the deep longing for acceptance. He speaks candidly about the areas where the enemy still attempts to torment his mind, and the daily decision to yield those areas to God. Yet woven through every chapter of Carl’s life is a single, undeniable truth: God was there all along. Guiding. Covering. Calling him into purpose. Carl’s story is dynamic, inspiring, and full of hope—a reminder that no matter your beginnings, God can rewrite your entire story and change your name. His life invites every listener to consider: What might happen if you give the God of the Bible a try? Tune in to this unforgettable conversation and be encouraged, strengthened, and reminded of the redemptive power of God’s love. 🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs hope today. They Come With Instructions (Book) - https://www.ReneAndersonWritings.com Thank you for listening. Let's connect... Contact: TCWI@ReneAndersonWritings.com  YouTube: @René Anderson (TCWI) UCUEuuiiEtqWxB3tVejt_SsQ Website: https://www.ReneAndersonWritings.com (Here you can purchase copies of my books. Thank you) Instagram: Rene.R.Anderson TikTok: @ReneRobinsonAnder

TCWI - Wisdom From a Seasoned Mother

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2457716/fan_mail/new] In this inspiring episode of They Come With Instructions, I had the delightful opportunity to sit down with the remarkable Mother Mabel Bryant, a woman whose life is a beautiful testament to faith, perseverance, and the unending journey of motherhood. Mo. Bryant shares how she once believed marriage and motherhood might never be part of her story — until, at age 40, God surprised her with both. She became a wife and stepmother to four children, including three teenage girls, and embraced the challenge with grace and structure. Through prayer, and a home centered in love and accountability, she cultivated an atmosphere where everyone contributed — and where the dinner table became a place for connection and Bible study. Her story doesn’t end there. Long before marriage, Mo. Bryant had already begun the process of adoption as a single career woman — a glimpse into the depth of her heart and calling to nurture. Now a great-grandmother, Mo. Bryant continues to “parent” with wisdom and strength, reminding us that the call to nurture never ends.  There's so much more to her journey - her faith in God’s timing, her resilience, her deep love for her late husband, and her devotion to studying and teaching God's Word will leave you inspired and uplifted.  If you’ve ever questioned whether your season has passed or wondered how to lead a blended family with grace, this episode will fill you with hope and renewed purpose. 🎧 Listen, learn, and be encouraged by the wisdom of a seasoned mother.  Thank you for listening. Let's connect... Contact: TCWI@ReneAndersonWritings.com  YouTube: @René Anderson (TCWI) UCUEuuiiEtqWxB3tVejt_SsQ Website: https://www.ReneAndersonWritings.com (Here you can purchase copies of my books. Thank you) Instagram: Rene.R.Anderson TikTok: @ReneRobinsonAnder