They Come With Instructions
They Come With Instructions is a powerful and insightful podcast inspired by the book of the same name, They Come With Instructions: Biblical Principles for Raising Children. Hosted by author and speaker René Anderson, this podcast challenges the notion that children don't come with instructions-because they do. Rooted in biblical wisdom, each episode provides practical parenting tips, guidance, and encouragement for raising children in today's ever-changing world.
But this podcast goes beyond parenting. René dives into real life challenges-finances, relationships, marriage, and personal growth-offering faith-based principles to navigate life's complexities. With transparency, authenticity, and heartfelt storytelling, she shares personal experiences and hard-earned wisdom to inspire and uplift.
Whether you're a parent seeking direction, an individual looking for encouragement, or someone striving to live a purpose-driven life, They Come With Instructions is here to equip you with the tools and faith you need.
Tune in and be empowered.
Episodes
19 episodes
For Leilani: A Single Father's Heart w/ Ricky Brown
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 conversati...
Difficult Conversations that Heal Families w/ Duke Anderson
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 o...
Grief, Grace, and Guardianship w/ Tanya Franklin
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, Tany...
From Muslim to Christian Journey w/ Carl Sims
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 a...
TCWI - Wisdom From a Seasoned Mother
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 moth...
When Your Children Become Adults and Leave Christian Convictions
In this powerful episode of They Come With Instructions, René Anderson sits down with Jasmine Gates, who courageously shares her journey of faith, identity, and redemption. Raised in the church, Jasmine found herself struggling ...
Identifying Mental Illness in Young Adult Children
In this episode of They Come With Instructions, I reconnect with Antoinette Bingham, who I first met years ago when she was my son’s school bus driver. What began as a protective mom moment turned into a lesson in truth and trust after I ...
REFLECTIONS, Adult Choices Impact Kids
In this episode of They Come With Instructions, I sit down with one of my dearest childhood friends and lifelong confidants, Schinaeh Turner. Together, we share laughter and memories, but the heart of our conversation is centered on on...
Managing Blessings God Gives: Children and Careers - Pt. 2 w/ Paula Adams
In Part 2 of my conversation with Paula Adams, we go deeper into her story—sharing personal reflections on family, motherhood, and the powerful influence of her own mother. Paula opens up about the tension of feeling both grateful for and resen...
Paula Adams - Resilience at Its Finest - Part 1
In this heartfelt episode of They Come With Instructions, I sit down with one of my favorite people and longtime mentor, Paula Adams—a successful career woman who not only inspired me to pursue my professional goals, but activel...
The Absent Parent
In this heartfelt and honest episode of They Come With Instructions, we explore the sensitive topic of absent parents—and the many reasons why some parents are not present in a child’s life. Whether due to divorce, military deployment,...
Planning for Parenthood
In this episode, we make it clear: this is not about endorsing Planned Parenthood—it’s quite the opposite. We believe life begins with God, and every child is a gift, never a surprise to Him, even if unexpected by us.“Planning f...
Parents Need to Be the Example
In this episode of They Come With Instructions, we explore the powerful truth that children - starting as early as infancy - learn more from what they observe than what they're told. Our actions, attitudes, and habits become the blueprint our c...
Real Talk Continued with My Son, Duke Pt. 2
In Part 2 of my candid conversation with my eldest son, Duke, we go even deeper. His thoughtful pauses, raw honesty, and deep questions bring powerful insight to the realities of parenting—especially when things don’t go as planned.Duke ...
Discussion w/ my Son Duke, the Poster Child Pt. 1
Conversations with the Poster Child – An Interview with My Son, DukeIn this heartfelt and candid episode, I sit down with my oldest son, Duke—the one I proudly call the "poster child" for They Come with Instructions. Thou...
Why Biblical Principles?
In this episode of They Come With Instructions, we dive into the timeless value of using the Bible as your parenting guide. As our Creator, God knows us—and our children—better than anyone. Parenting His way lifts the pressure of feeli...
Learning a Little Bit about René - Your Host
In this special episode of They Come With Instructions, I open up and share my personal journey — the story behind the voice. I talk about the deep challenges I faced when life didn’t go as planned: the weight of single-handedly raisin...
The Single Mom - Encouragement
In this heartfelt episode of They Come With Instructions, I share my personal journey as a single mother raising four sons after my divorce. With raw honesty, I discuss the emotional and practical challenges I faced, from navigating my...
Talking with my Mama - A Legacy of Faith and Family
In this heartfelt episode of They Come with Instructions, I sit down with a very special guest - my mother, Ruby Robinson.As the second youngest of 18 children, she grew up in a small town in Virginia before making a bold move to the big...