Raising Boys & Girls
The Raising Boys and Girls Podcast, hosted by Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan, offers insights from their work at Daystar Counseling Ministries. Each episode aims to help parents understand and support the children in their lives with practical advice and hope. The podcast covers topics related to raising boys and girls, drawing from the hosts' daily experiences with kids and families.
Episodes
Episode 385: Mothers, Sons, and Playing in the NFL with Hunter and Jenny Henry
In this Capable Connections conversation, Hunter Henry and his mom, Jenny Henry, reflect on the values and experiences that shaped Hunter from childhood to adulthood. They discuss the importance of faith, grace, character, perseverance, family dinners, and meaningful connection, as well as the challenges of giving kids increasing independence as they grow. Through stories about sports, family life
Episode 384: Capable Connections: Mothers and Sons with David and Sissy
David and Sissy explore the powerful relationship between moms and sons, emphasizing that moms are often a boy’s emotional home base and play a key role in shaping his confidence, emotional health, and future relationships. They discuss how boys often express their biggest emotions where they feel safest and encourage moms to respond with warmth, steadiness, and clear boundaries. The conversation
Episode 383: An Honest Conversation about Fathers and Sons with Scott and Randy Hearon
Sissy Goff and David Thomas sit down with father and son Randy and Scott Hearon for a deeply honest conversation about the father-son relationship. Through stories spanning childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, they explore the messages boys receive about identity, capability, performance, faith, and belonging. Randy reflects on his growth as a father, including the impact of addiction, sports cu
Episode 382: Capable Connections: Fathers and Sons
In episode 382, Sissy Goff and David Thomas continue their Capable Connections series by exploring the unique relationship between fathers and sons. They discuss how fatherhood shapes both men and children, while highlighting challenges boys face around performance, emotional expression, and isolation. Through research, personal stories, and practical advice, they encourage dads to help sons build
Episode 381: Where Commitment Meets Capability with Shawn Johnson and Andrew East
In this episode, Shawn Johnson East and Andrew East discuss the importance of commitment, resilience, and raising capable kids. Drawing from their experiences as elite athletes and parents, they share how supportive parents helped them build confidence through challenges rather than rescuing them from discomfort. The conversation highlights the value of letting children develop independence, disco
Episode 380: An Honest Conversation about Mothers and Daughters with Haven Weits and Lisa Whelchel
Lisa Whelchel and Haven Weits share a rich and honest conversation about raising capable kids, cultivating independence, and building a strong mother-daughter relationship that lasts into adulthood. Through stories of entrepreneurship, trust, conflict, and repair, they explore how secure boundaries, meaningful connection, and a willingness to keep showing up for one another can shape both families
Episode 379: Capable Connections: Mothers and Daughters with David and Sissy
This Episode explores the powerful and often complicated relationship between mothers and daughters, highlighting how deeply girls are shaped by their moms’ words, reactions, and emotional health. Sissy Goff and David Thomas discuss the importance of modeling grace, resisting the urge to rescue or overcorrect, and helping daughters grow through hard things with support instead of protection. They
Episode 378: Learning to Fail, Trusting God and Trick Shots with Dude Perfect
This episode features an engaging conversation with Dude Perfect members Cory Cotton and Garrett Hilbert about friendship, faith, perseverance, and raising resilient kids. Joined by Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Sissy’s nephews Henry and Whit, the group talks about how Dude Perfect started from simple backyard competitions in college and grew into a global platform focused on family-friendly enter
Episode 377: The Power of Family and Staying Connected Through Adulthood with Dr. Kathy Koch
Dr. Kathy Koch joins Sissy Goff and David Thomas to discuss the growing challenges facing today’s young adults and families, especially around resilience, identity, technology, and relationships between parents and adult children. Dr. Kathy explains how overparenting, screen dependence, fear of failure, and endless choices have contributed to anxiety, lack of perseverance, and “failure to launch”
Episode 376: Helping Teenagers and Young Adults Find Their True Identity and Capabilities with Alena Pitts Franklin
In this episode, Alena Pitts Franklin shares how grief, faith, and family shaped her understanding of capability and identity. She reflects on her early acting role in War Room, the loss of her mother Winter Pitts, and how God’s steadiness carried her through seasons of fear, insecurity, and growth. Throughout the episode, Alena encourages parents to lead with peace, encouragement, and authentic f
Episode 375: Capable the Young Adult Years with David and Sissy
In this episode, Sissy Goff and David Thomas discuss the growing challenges many young adults face, including entitlement, emotional fragility, difficulty handling feedback, and struggles with responsibility and relationships. They explain how capability is built through real-life experiences like disappointment, inconvenience, accountability, conflict resolution, and service to others. The conver
Episode 374: The Cornerstone of Resilience and Capability with Dr. Ken Ginsburg
In this episode of the Raising Boys and Girls podcast, Dr. Ken Ginsburg explains that resilience is built through strong, loving relationships and introduces his “7 Cs” of resilience: confidence, competence, character, connection, contribution, coping, and control. Drawing from his work with adolescents, he encourages parents to guide rather than control their children so they can develop confiden
Episode 373: Capable the High School Years with David and Sissy
This conversation highlights a growing “capability gap” in teens, where some, often girls, are overwhelmed by pressure and perfectionism while others, often boys, are disengaged and avoidant. David and Sissy connect this to factors like digital communication, lowered relationship standards, and increased screen use, all of which can hinder resilience and healthy development. They emphasize that tr
Episode 372: When to Push and When to Pull Back in the Middle School Years with Dr. Lisa Damour
Dr. Lisa Damour explains that resilience comes from learning to handle discomfort, not avoiding it, and reminds parents that mental health isn’t about always feeling happy. Especially in the middle school years, kids face rapid changes and self-doubt, making it crucial for parents to support rather than rescue. By allowing kids to work through hard moments while staying gently connected, we help t
Episode 371: Capable the Middle School Years with David and Sissy
Middle school is a crucial but often overlooked stage where kids need practice, not perfection, as they navigate social disconnection, increased screen use, and deep self-consciousness. By creating opportunities for real-life interaction, responsibility, healthy voices, and manageable discomfort, parents can help kids build the resilience and capability they’ll need for what’s ahead.
Resources
Episode 370: From Trauma to Regulation to Resilience with Neurobiologist Dr. Bruce Perry
Dr. Bruce Perry unpacks the difference between stress, adversity, and trauma, helping parents shift from asking “what’s wrong with you?” to “what happened to you?” He explains how moderate, predictable stress actually builds resilience, while overprotection can limit a child’s growth. He also highlights the powerful role of relationships—especially how a regulated parent can calm a dysregulated ch
Episode 369: Capable the Elementary Years with David and Sissy
Elementary school is a critical window where kids begin asking, “Am I capable?” and moments of struggle, not success, are what build that belief. Anxiety, anger, lack of regulation, and low agency are showing up more than ever, but they’re also opportunities. When parents pause before rescuing, hold steady boundaries, and give kids space to problem-solve, they’re actually building resilience and m
Episode 368: Building Independence and Resilience in Toddlers with Zee Pendleton and Angela Rice
Zee Pendleton and Angela Rice talk about how kids today are dealing with more anxiety, screen time, and big emotions, and remind us that raising capable, confident kids really comes back to the basics. Staying present, setting clear boundaries, and giving kids chances to try, fail, and grow in everyday moments makes all the difference.
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newslet
Episode 367: Capable the Toddler Years with David and Sissy
Toddlers’ “I do it myself” moments aren’t defiance, they’re signs of healthy development and a deep drive for autonomy. When parents pause before stepping in, allow struggle, and offer both empathy and boundaries, they create space for confidence and capability to grow. David and Sissy talk about how separation, independence, and small responsibilities all play a key role in helping toddlers build
Episode 366: Helping Boys Become Capable Men with Sherman Bucher
Sherman Bucher shares that while boys today are more open to getting help, many are also more anxious, less confident, and unsure how to take their next steps. He highlights the impact of online messages shaping boys’ views of strength and encourages parents to redefine it through emotional awareness and resilience. The conversation emphasizes helping boys take healthy risks, build real-world frie
Episode 365: Boys' Challenges to Capability with David and Sissy
This episode highlights how boys develop true capability by practicing risk, emotional regulation, and perseverance in everyday moments. David and Sissy explain that modern life often removes these growth opportunities, and encourage parents to allow healthy struggle, teach regulation tools, and step back from rescuing—so boys can grow into resilient men whose strength becomes safety.
Resources
Episode 364: Helping Girls Feel Ready and Capable in Today’s World with Kari Kampakis
Kari Kampakis shares why today’s girls need both grace and grit—the ability to stay kind while also developing strength and resilience. She encourages parents to help their daughters build discernment, confidence, and identity, while preparing them for challenges like comparison, friendship struggles, and fear of failure. Ultimately, Kari emphasizes raising kids who are willing to take risks, trus
Episode 363: Girls' Challenges To Capability with David and Sissy
This episode explores how to raise capable girls by addressing three key challenges—feelings, failings, and fear. Sissy Goff shares how girls often feel deeply, internalize failure, and face increasing anxiety, but reminds parents that these struggles don’t define them. By helping girls understand their emotions, practice kinder self-talk, and face fears with courage, we can guide them toward livi
Episode 362: The Key Ingredients to Finding Happiness as a Family with Dr. Arthur Brooks
Dr. Arthur Brooks shares that happiness isn’t a feeling to chase, but a direction shaped by habits—cultivating enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning. He highlights the importance of investing in faith, family, friendships, and meaningful work, while cautioning against the impact of screens and constant distraction. With practical insight, he encourages parents to prioritize time together, model lov
Episode 361: The 5 Principles of Parenting with Dr. Aliza Pressman
Dr. Aliza Pressman shares five research-based principles—relationship, reflection, regulation, rules, and repair—that empower parents to raise resilient, capable kids, emphasizing that growth comes not from perfection but from consistent connection, healthy boundaries, and allowing kids to experience manageable challenges.
Resources mentioned:
The 5 Principles of Parenting: Your Essential
Episode 360: The Crisis of Capability in Parents with David and Sissy
David and Sissy explore how modern parenting has shifted toward anxiety, over-helping, and outsourcing wisdom to experts—often at the cost of building real capability in kids. They encourage parents to move from relief-driven reactions to resilience-building practices by combining empathy with clear boundaries, trusting their instincts, and giving kids space to struggle and grow. Ultimately, capab
Episode 359: A Roadmap to Technology (and Fun) for Families with Catherine Price
Catherine Price explores how technology is shaping kids’ attention, mood, relationships, and development, while offering a hopeful path forward for families. She emphasizes that the goal isn’t just reducing screen time, but helping kids build fuller lives through real friendship, freedom, and fun. Catherine encourages parents to delay smartphones, create phone-free rhythms, model healthy habits, a
Episode 358: The Crisis of Capability in Kids
Sissy Goff and David Thomas explore what they call a growing “crisis of capability” among kids today. Drawing from what they see in their counseling offices, they discuss cultural shifts that have contributed to kids feeling less able to handle normal challenges—including the rise of smartphones, the loss of play-based childhood, “language inflation” around mental health, and increasing avoidance
Episode 357: Increasing Kids Capacity and Capability with Jay and Katherine Wolf
Sissy Goff and David Thomas sit down with Jay and Catherine Wolf to talk about resilience, suffering, and what it really means to raise capable kids. After Catherine survived a catastrophic brainstem stroke shortly after the birth of their first son, their family’s life was forever changed. Through their journey of disability, grief, faith, and hope, the Wolfs share how suffering can actually expa
Episode 356: Raising Capable Kids with David and Sissy
Sissy Goff and David Thomas introduce the idea behind their book Capable and discuss the growing mental health struggles they are seeing in kids today—anxiety, isolation, and a lack of confidence in handling challenges. They explain that being “capable” doesn’t mean being fearless or perfect, but having practiced coping with emotions, developing real-life competence, and learning through challenge
Capable Kids Series Coming Soon!
Sissy Goff and David Thomas introduce the Capable series—a conversation about the growing “crisis of capability” they’re seeing in kids today. Drawing from decades of counseling experience, they share why many kids feel anxious about growing up and how parents can intentionally build resilience, confidence, and emotional strength through everyday moments.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me
Episode 355: How to Help Kids Understand, Love and Engage with God’s Word with Tara-Leigh Cobble
In this conversation with Tara-Leigh Cobble, founder of D-Group and host of The Bible Recap, Tara shares how moving from “Bible exposure” to true “Bible engagement” transformed her faith and led to the creation of The Bible Recap for Kids and its companion podcast. She encourages parents to model a genuine love for Scripture, invite kids into conversations about who God is (not just behavior modif
Episode 354: Helping Kids (And Grown-Ups) Grow in Friendship with Jesus with Sally Lloyd-Jones
In this deeply moving conversation, Sissy and David sit down with beloved children’s author Sally Lloyd-Jones to talk about her newest book, Jesus, Our True Friend. Sally shares how her own childhood—being sent to boarding school at eight and clinging to Jesus as her best friend—inspired her lifelong desire to help children know they are never alone. The conversation weaves through themes of perfe
Episode 353: Helping Your Kids Move From Feeling to Fact with Dr. Lee Warren
This episode features a powerful conversation with neurosurgeon Dr. Lee Warren about trauma, faith, and the science of hope. Drawing from his experience serving in Iraq, battling PTSD, and losing his teenage son, Dr. Warren shares how we can’t always control what happens to us—but we can influence how we experience it. Through the lens of his book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery, he e
Episode 352: Five Things Kids Need Now Spiritually with Melissa Trevathan
In this deeply grounding conversation, Sissy and David sit down with longtime mentor and educator Melissa Trevathan to talk about what kids need spiritually right now. Melissa shares that while children’s core longings—to feel safe, loved, and significant—haven’t changed, the intensity of anxiety and pressure has. She emphasizes that spiritual formation happens primarily through relationship, not
Episode 351: AI and the Tech Wise Family with Andy Crouch
Sissy and David sit down with Andy Crouch to talk about what kids need in a tech-saturated world—and why their deepest needs haven’t changed. Andy explores how today’s screens foster “parasocial” connection, how AI companions could become adolescents’ most trusted voices, and why frictionless digital relationships can keep kids from growing through real-life conflict and disappointment. He encoura
Episode 350: Porn Proofing Your Kids in a Technology and AI Driven World with Kristen Jenson
Kristen Jenson, founder of Defend Young Minds and author of Good Pictures Bad Pictures, talks with Sissy and David about why parents need to start conversations about pornography early—ideally as soon as kids have access to screens. She explains how porn often finds kids through friends’ devices, social media, apps, and even AI, and why proactive, calm conversations help build an “internal filter”
Episode 349: Talking with Kids about Faith, Sexuality and Gender with Dr. Preston Sprinkle
Sissy Goff and David Thomas talk with Dr. Preston Sprinkle about how parents and the church can help kids navigate identity, gender, and sexuality with both clarity and compassion. Preston emphasizes being a non-anxious presence, starting age-appropriate, Jesus-centered conversations early, and building strong relationships that keep hard conversations open. Together, they explore how conviction a
Episode 348: Protecting Kids Online, In the Real World and All the Awkward Conversations with Mary Flo Ridley and Megan Michelson from Birds and Bees
Sissy and David are joined by Megan Michelson and Mary Flo Ridley from Birds & Bees for a practical, hope-filled conversation about protecting kids in today’s fast-moving, tech-saturated culture. Together, they share how resilience, discernment, and safety are built through connection, calm parental leadership, and ongoing age-appropriate conversations—rather than one big “talk.” From body boundar
Episode 347: Helping Kids Have Conviction and Compassion In These Tumultuous Times with Justin Giboney
In this episode, Sissy Goff and David Thomas sit down with Justin Giboney for a timely, thoughtful conversation about what kids need right now in an increasingly polarized world. Justin weaves together faith, history, and parenting wisdom to explore how compassion and conviction are not opposites but essential partners in forming resilient, grounded kids. Drawing from the Civil Rights Movement, pe
Episode 346: Five Things Kids Need Now Culturally with David and Sissy
Sissy and David unpack five things kids need culturally right now: conversation (parents as the calm, safe first source), protection in the real world (body-safety skills and wise supervision), online protection (tools + ongoing check-ins), critical thinking (helping kids evaluate what they see and hear), and a spiritual foundation (identity, hope, and guidance). Their main point: culture will sha
Episode 345: Parenting Without a Roadmap: Not Carrying Your Childhood Trauma into Theirs with Dr. Juli Fraga
Dr. Juli Fraga invites parents into the often-overlooked work of tending to their own emotions as a foundation for raising emotionally healthy kids. Drawing from her book Parents Have Feelings Too, she explains how parenting can activate old wounds, how to tell when a big reaction belongs to us rather than our child, and why calm, repair, and self-compassion matter more than getting it “right.” Ju
Episode 344: How To Raise Emotionally Intelligent Kids with Dr. Marc Brackett
Sissy Goff and David Thomas sit down with Dr. Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, to talk about helping kids—and parents—understand, express, and regulate emotions with wisdom and compassion. Drawing from his own story and decades of research, Marc unpacks why all emotions are information, explains the RULER framework in a practical, parent-friendly way,
Episode 343: Transforming Toddlerhood with Devon Kuntzman
Sissy Goff and David Thomas welcome Devon Kuntzman, founder of Transforming Toddlerhood, for a practical conversation about what toddlers need most right now. Devon reframes challenging toddler behavior as communication—not defiance—explaining how immature brain development, limited language, and sensory overload shape big emotions. She encourages parents to focus on co-regulation, connection, and
Episode 342: Five Things Kids Need Right Now Emotionally
This episode emphasizes that kids grow emotionally strong through five key needs: healthy boredom that creates space for creativity and self-direction, agency that helps them feel capable and in control within boundaries, opportunities to experience discomfort so they learn they can handle hard feelings, fortitude built by sticking with challenges over time, and parents who trust their own instinc
Episode 341: Why Your Kids Need You To Play at Every Age and How To Do That with Whitney and Alex Kimerling
Sissy Goff and David Thomas explore the powerful, research-backed role of play in reducing anxiety, building resilience, and strengthening family connection. They unpack why unstructured play has declined, how play shapes kids’ brains and emotional health, and why adults need play just as much as kids do. The conversation offers five practical ways to bring play back into everyday family life—with
Episode 340: A Story of Autism and Hope with Leland Vittert
Sissy Goff and David Thomas sit down with journalist and author Leland Vittert to talk about his memoir Born Lucky and the profound impact his father had on his life growing up with autism. Leland shares candid stories of adversity, resilience, and learning to navigate a world that wasn’t built for him—highlighting how character, hard work, and perseverance are formed not by removing hardship, but
Episode 339: Five Things Kids Need Right Now Socially with David and Sissy
Sissy Goff and David Thomas kick off a new series by exploring five things kids need most socially right now. Drawing from decades of counseling experience and current research, they unpack why today’s kids are struggling with civility, empathy, reciprocity, belonging, and real-time social practice. They discuss how screens, cultural tone, and isolation are shaping kids’ relationships—and offer pr
Episode 338: 5 Love Languages for Families with Dr. Gary Chapman
In this episode, Dr. Gary Chapman joins Sissy Goff and David Thomas to explore what kids need most right now: feeling deeply and consistently loved. Drawing from decades of counseling families and his work with the Five Love Languages, Dr. Chapman explains how children uniquely receive love, how parents can identify a child’s primary love language, and why behavior is often a signal that a child’s
Episode 337: Helpful Habits for the New Year with Justin Whitmel Earley
Sissy Goff and David Thomas talk with Justin Whitmel Earley about his new book The Body Teaches the Soul and how our everyday physical habits—like breathing, sleep, movement, and technology use—quietly shape our spiritual lives and parenting. Justin shares how burnout and anxiety led him to discover that lasting change comes not from trying harder, but from practicing small, embodied habits that h
Episode 336: Managing the Holidays with David and Sissy
In this warm and super-practical holiday episode, Sissy and David share 10 grounding tips to help families navigate Christmas with more connection and less overwhelm. They normalize the big feelings kids—and parents—experience this time of year, offer simple tools like previewing plans, using calm-down kits and code words, practicing gratitude, and building gentle rhythms instead of rigid schedule
Episode 335: The Enneagram Comes Home with David and Sissy
Sissy and David reflect on the meaningful conversations and listener feedback from their Enneagram parenting journey, offering a quick, hope-filled recap of each number’s core parenting strengths and how to support kids of every type. They remind us there’s no “right” way to parent—only the unique goodness each number brings—share a few favorite resources for further learning, and close with a ten
Episode 334: Moving from Knowledge to Relationship with Kids / Enneagrams Wrap Up with Jill Phillips and Hunter Mobley
In this rich and hope-filled conversation, Sissy and David are joined by beloved friends and Enneagram teachers Jill Phillips and Hunter Mobley to explore how the Enneagram can help parents show up with more grace, humility, and curiosity. Together, they unpack how understanding motivations—not just behaviors—can transform parenting, reduce reactivity, and deepen connection. Hunter shares insights
Episode 333: Finding Your Peace as a Parent (and Finding Your No, too) with Enneagram 9’s, Hillary Rector & Andy Gullahorn
Hillary Rector and Andy Gullahorn share an honest, thoughtful look at what it’s like to move through the world—and parent—as Enneagram Nines. They discuss the genuine ease, adaptability, and steady presence that come naturally to them, along with the quieter struggles: delayed emotions, difficulty voicing desires, and the instinct to “smooth the ice” for everyone around them. Their stories highlig
Episode 332: Understanding the Peacemaker and Enneagram 9's with David and Sissy
In this episode, Sissy and David dive into Enneagram Nines—their calming presence, deep empathy, and quiet, steady love that makes home feel like a safe place for kids’ big feelings. They also gently name the harder parts for Nines: avoiding conflict, losing their voice, procrastination, and numbing out, especially in parenting. You’ll hear practical ways Nine parents can use their voice, follow t
Episode 331: When to Speak, When to Listen with Enneagram 8’s, Amy Fenton & Brian Camp
In this Enneagram 8 episode, Sissy and David sit down with longtime friends (and parents of six young adults between them) Amy Fenton and Brian Camp. They share how their “eightness” showed up early—taking charge in childhood, pushing back on authority, and feeling fiercely independent—and how those same traits now benefit their kids through strength, decisiveness, advocacy, and protection that he
Episode 330: Understanding the Challenger and Enneagram 8's with David and Sissy
Sissy and David explore the bold, protective world of Enneagram 8s, celebrating their fierce loyalty, honesty, and justice‑driven strength while also naming common struggles like intensity, difficulty showing vulnerability, and quick reactions. They offer practical guidance for eight parents and caregivers—soften tone, stay calm, practice vulnerability and repair—and ideas to help eight kids use t
Episode 329: Managing the Holidays with Niro Feliciano
Author and therapist Niro Feliciano joins Sissy and David to talk about her new book, All Is Calm-ish, and how we can find contentment and calm in the middle of a busy, often overwhelming holiday season. She shares simple, doable practices—like five minutes of stillness, tiny wellness habits, and choosing connection over perfection—and opens up about writing the book during a heavy season in her o
Episode 328: The Power of Pause in Parenting with Enneagram 7s, Mary Killett & Aaron Weber
In this episode, Sissy and David sit down with Enneagram Sevens Mary Killett and Aaron Weber, who share how their natural optimism, humor, and energy shape their lives at Daystar and at home. They talk about the joy of being wired for positivity, the pressure to always be “on,” and the growth that comes with learning to slow down, feel hard things, and meet people with presence instead of quick re
Episode 327: Helping Kids Find Fun & Feelings with Enneagram 7’s with David and Sissy
In this episode, Sissy and David turn their attention to Enneagram Sevens—the Enthusiasts, Optimists, and Adventurers who bring joy, imagination, and energy to the world. They explore the unique strengths Sevens offer their families, like creativity, flexibility, and a contagious zest for life, as well as the struggles they face with avoiding pain, overscheduling, and following through. You’ll als
Episode 326: Anxiety, Trust, and Parenting with Courage / Enneagram 6's with Melissa Trevathan and Allye Gray
In this episode, Sissy and David sit down with two beloved Enneagram Sixes: longtime Daystar founder and leader Melissa Trevathan and Daystar counselor Allye Gray. They explore how differently Sixes can look—phobic and counterphobic—and how both expressions are driven by the same core issues of fear, loyalty, and a deep desire for safety and goodness.
Allye shares candidly about being a “phobic”
Episode 325: Understanding the Loyalist and Enneagram 6's with David and Sissy
Sissy and David celebrate the strengths of Enneagram Sixes—their loyalty, courage, diligence, and care for the common good—while naming the real challenges of worst-case thinking, indecision, and hypervigilance. They offer practical ideas for Six parents (trust your gut, build steady routines, model bravery “even when you feel afraid”) and simple ways to support a child who might be a Six (reass
Episode 324: You're More Prepared than You Think / Enneagram 5's with Kris Plunkett & Lauren Rupley
Enneagram 5 parents Lauren Rupley and Kris Plunkett talk curiosity, intentionality, and energy management in family life. They describe how fives’ love of learning, patient problem-solving, and reflective nature become strengths—sparking great questions, thoughtful rhythms, and delight in kids’ unique wiring.
They also name common struggles: over-researching instead of trusting intuition, scarce-
Episode 323: Understanding the Investigator and Enneagram 5's with David and Sissy
Enneagram Fives—the Investigators—bring curiosity, insight, independence, and a calming, steady presence to both life and parenting. Sissy and David highlight how Fives notice patterns others miss, think objectively, set healthy boundaries, and dive deep into learning. Their measured energy and calm in crisis can be a superpower at home, helping kids regulate and feel safe.
They also explore comm
Episode 322: When you Struggle with the Practical in Parenting / Enneagram 4's with Jon McLaughlin & Kendra Allen
What a heartfelt and deeply human conversation with two incredible Enneagram Fours—therapist Kendra Allen and artist Jon McLaughlin. Jon McLaughlin is a Nashville-based recording artist, songwriter, and pianist who also co-hosts a parenting podcast with his friend Dave Barnes. Kendra Allen is a therapist and mom whose work centers on authenticity, emotional health, and helping people grow with sel
Episode 321: Understanding the Individualist and Enneagram 4's with David and Sissy
Fours bring depth, texture, and beauty to the world—helping all of us see what’s true and lovely through story, song, nature, and the poetry of everyday life. Their superpower is sitting with complex emotions and holding nuance, which can anchor families in grief and hard conversations. We also name a few common traps: chasing the “exceptional,” push–pull dynamics when others don’t respond just ri
Episode 320: Letting Go of Pressure & Performance with Enneagram 3 Parents, Kelli Haywood & Brandon Verner
We loved this honest, hopeful conversation with two dear friends—Kelli Haywood and Brandon Verner—who both live as Enneagram 3s at home and at work. If you’re a Three (or love one), you’ll hear so much of your own story: the high energy and discipline, the adventurous “let’s go!” spirit, and the quiet temptation to substitute charm and productivity for feelings and presence.
Kelli and Brandon nam
Episode 319: Understanding the Achiever and Enneagram 3's with David and Sissy
In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of Enneagram Threes—the Achievers. Threes bring incredible energy, focus, and drive into everything they do. They’re natural leaders, quick thinkers, and inspiring motivators who help teams (and families!) move forward. But behind that determination can be a deep pressure to perform and a tendency to confuse “who I am” with “what I do.” We talk about
Episode 318: Not Getting Tangled Up in Our Kids Emotions / Enneagram 2's with Sherman Bucher & Heather Flener
In this week’s episode, we sit down with two of our favorite Twos—Heather Flener and Sherman Bucher—for a conversation full of warmth, laughter, and self-awareness. These two embody the best of what it means to be “The Helper,” and their stories bring the Enneagram Two to life in such relatable ways. Heather and Sherman share how their caring hearts show up in parenting, friendships, and everyday
Episode 317: Understanding the Helper and Enneagram 2's - David and Sissy
In this week’s episode, we’re diving into one of our favorite Enneagram numbers—Twos, “The Helpers.” We love Twos. They’re the nurturers of the world—nurses, teachers, counselors, and caregivers who instinctively know when someone needs a little extra kindness.
We shared how much we admire their hearts, but also how easy it can be for Twos to lose sight of their own needs. Whenever we’re speaking
Episode 316: Parenting Beyond Perfectionism / Enneagram 1's - with Briana Pitt & John Allen
Oh, friends, what a beautiful conversation about the heart of Type Ones! We love how this episode unpacks the inner world of these incredible, responsible souls who care so deeply about doing things right. Can you hear the tenderness in how these parents, Briana Pitt and John Allen, talk about their journey? There's such grace in their vulnerability - the way they acknowledge both the strengths an
Episode 315: Understanding the Reformer and Enneagram 1’s with David Thomas and Sissy Goff
As 1’s, we want to do good things in the world, we want to redeem things in the world. We want so much to bring goodness and rightness to the world…
Stay with us during this episode, we will give an overview on 1’s, including the positives and negatives and helpful tips on how to see what’s right, before seeing what’s wrong. Things to consider if you’re raising a 1.
Daily prayer recommendat
Episode 314: Enneagram Intro with Suzanne Stabile and Rev. Joe Stabile
Folks, when we began dreaming about the Parenting Personalities series, we had a lot of fun ideas about what we’d hoped to cover. The central idea for the two of us was that we would use this incredibly valuable tool of the Enneagram that we use in the everyday of our work at Daystar. As a foundational piece of this Parenting Personality series.
So we’d been holding on to a little surprise for
Episode 313: Enneagram Intro with David Thomas and Sissy Goff
Okay I’m going to read a quote, “If you’re not paying attention to how you affect other people, you’re missing a big piece of what makes life work. What you don’t know about yourself can hurt you, others, and your relationships.” This wise quote is from Suzanne Stabile, of course. This feels so true and it feels exactly why we’re diving into what we’re diving into over the next several weeks.
Episode 312: Understanding Attachment Styles with Dr. Alison Cook
We are so excited for you to listen to this conversation with our friend Dr. Alison Cook. Folks are going to feel so hopeful! It’s so easy to just feel overwhelmed by the topic of attachment and she makes it feel practical, manageable, graceful, possible, hopeful.
You guys, make sure you stick through the end, cause she gives us the most practical things to do in the carpool lane. You’re going
Episode 311: Understanding Attachment Styles with David Thomas and Sissy Goff
Attachment has become a buzzword in parenting circles—but what does it really mean for your kids and your family? In this episode, we unpack the history of attachment theory, clear up common misconceptions, and share practical ways to think about what your child truly needs.
We’ll cover:
Why “attachment” has resurfaced as such a hot topic.
How attachment impacts early development and l
Episode 310: A Deeper Dive: Understanding Birth Order with Dr. Kevin Leman
Okay you guys, Buckle up! We just interviewed Dr. Kevin Leman, whose work on Birth Order, we have talked about, referenced, more times than we could possibly count. We are so excited about having this conversation with him. We knew without a doubt we’d learn a lot.
We were not expecting to laugh as much as we did. And we were doubled over in some moments. He is so funny, which will make more s
Episode 309: Understanding Birth Order with David Thomas and Sissy Goff
We’re jumping back in with another episode in our Parenting Personalities series, and we are excited about this episode! This episode is on Birth Order, and can I tell you something fun that I love to do. When kids come for their very first visit at Daystar, we call it an assessment. We take kids on a tour around the Daystar house, they get to meet the dogs, we get them a snack, and we sit down to
Episode 308: Raising Introverted Kids in an Extroverted World and the One Question Every Parent Needs to Ask with Holley Gerth
Holley Gerth is an expert on introversion and extroversion and what a great conversation we had, I loved it! Every bit of it. I feel like I learned so much about myself, about kids that I counsel, it was fascinating! She said one question that I think would be a game changer in understanding kids. So make sure you listen all the way through.
At the very end, she had some incredible ideas for h
Episode 307: Understanding Extrovert and Introvert with David Thomas and Sissy Goff
We’re so excited about this episode, because we want every kid who may be extroverted or introverted to know that their gifts are amazing and that their limitations are amazing too!
We’re going to talk about 3 things parents of extroverted and introverted girls need to know and 3 things parents of extroverted and introverted boys need to know.
There’s a great book that we both love, The Hidd
