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The Christian Parenting Podcast - Motherhood, Teaching kids about Jesus, Intentional parenting, Raising Christian kids
The Christian Parenting Podcast - Motherhood, Teaching kids about Jesus, Intentional parenting, Raising Christian kids
The Christian Parenting Podcast offers practical tips and spiritual guidance for parents who want to raise their children with love and intentionality. Host Steph Thurling and guests discuss how to give kids a full picture of God's love while navigating the challenges of parenting. The show encourages parents to set aside perfection and grow into the imperfect parents God made them to be.
Episodes
Raising Spiritually Strong Kids Without Trying to Control the Outcome with Charles Fay
In this episode, Steph talks with psychologist, author, and Love and Logic expert Dr. Charles Fay about raising kids whose faith goes deeper than simply knowing how to behave like a Christian.Charles shares why spiritually strong kids aren't perfect kids, why faith is ultimately a gift from God, and how parents can nurture faith without trying to control the outcome. They talk about allowing k
Can my child live out their faith in public school? with Kori Pennypacker
For many Christian parents, sending a child to public school can feel intimidating. Questions about faith, culture, religious freedom, and discipleship often create anxiety. In this episode, Steph sits down with Kori Pennypacker, CEO of Bible2School and author of Backpack Faith, to discuss practical ways parents can prepare their children to confidently follow Jesus in public school.Kori shares wh
How to help your kids grieve with Sissy Goff
In this episode, therapist and author Sissy Goff joins Steph to talk about what kids really need when they're experiencing loss and how their grief can look very different from ours.Sissy explains why grief isn't linear, how kids often revisit loss as they grow and reach new developmental milestones, and why behaviors like anger, anxiety, or even risk-taking can sometimes be signs of sadne
What the Bible promises about the new earth with Randy Alcorn
What will heaven actually be like, and how do we talk to our kids about it?In this episode, I’m sharing a conversation from the Faith & Clarity podcast with Dr. Mark Turman and author Randy Alcorn about his children’s book, Heaven on Earth, and the biblical promise of a new heaven and new earth.We talk about resurrection, grief, losing loved ones, miscarriage, disabilities, animals, and some o
How to talk about faith without lecturing with Katheryn Saunders
As we wrap up our discipleship series, we're talking about one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of raising children who continue following Jesus into adulthood: having meaningful spiritual conversations.In this episode, Steph talks with Katheryn Saunders, author of Having Spiritual Conversations with Your Kids, about how parents can create safe spaces where children ask honest
Why listening to Christian music matters more than you think with Jason Houser
What if one of the simplest ways to disciple your children was as easy as pressing play?In this episode of our discipleship series, we're looking at another practice that research from Lifeway identified as having a significant impact on helping children develop a lasting faith: listening to Christian music.Steph is joined by Jason Houser, Executive Director of Seeds Kids Worship, a ministry t
How serving helps kids build a lasting faith with Eric and Sarah Holmstrom
What if one of the most important things you can do for your child’s faith is help them become part of the church, not just attend it?In this episode of our discipleship series, I’m joined by Sarah and Eric Holmstrom to talk about why regularly serving in church can have such a lasting impact on our kids’ faith.Sarah and Eric share how serving has shaped their own family, why kids are never too yo
How to teach kids to pray for a lasting faith with Erica Renaud
In this episode, Steph continues the discipleship series by exploring one of the strongest predictors of lasting faith: regular prayer. We know prayer is important, but many parents feel unsure where to begin or worry they aren't "good enough" at praying out loud.In this episode, Steph sits down with author Erica Renaud to talk about how prayer becomes the foundation of a child's r
Why Scripture is the foundation of lasting faith with Andrew and Charlotte Ollerton
The Bible can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to read it with your kids. Where do you start? How do you help them understand it? And how do you make it something they actually enjoy?In this episode, Steph continues the discipleship series by exploring one of the strongest predictors of lasting faith: regularly reading Scripture at home. Joined by Andrew and Charlotte Ollerton,
What actually helps kids follow Jesus for life? With Jana Magruder
Every Christian parent wants to raise kids with a lasting faith, but with so much parenting advice available, it's easy to wonder where to focus your time and energy.In this episode, Steph kicks off a special discipleship series by sitting down with Janet Magruder of Lifeway Christian Resources to discuss the groundbreaking research behind the book Nothing Less. After years of studying what in
What college students need most spiritually with Paul Worcester
The college years can be one of the most defining seasons in a young person's faith. So how can parents prepare their kids to stand firm long before they leave home?In this episode, Steph sits down with longtime college ministry leader Paul Worcester to discuss the spiritual habits that help faith last. They talk about the power of Scripture memory, daily time in God's Word, the challenges
Why the things we pray for can still exhaust us with Melissa Miller
Have you ever received an answer to prayer only to discover it was much harder than you expected?In this episode, author Melissa Miller talks about "change fatigue," the emotional exhaustion that can come even during the seasons we've prayed for.Melissa shares her family's adoption story, the surprising challenges that followed, and how God met her in the middle of overwhelming cha
Should Christian Parents Be Worried About AI? With Ben Peterson
Artificial intelligence is changing the way our families learn, work, communicate, and even seek advice. For many parents, it feels like this technology appeared overnight, leaving us wondering how to help our kids navigate it wisely.In this episode, combat veteran, speaker, and author Ben Peterson sits down to discuss why AI is more than a technology conversation. It's a discipleship conversa
Helping Kids Experience God, Not Just Learn About Him with Jen Weaver and Gayle Veitenheimer
Teaching our kids Bible stories is important, but discipleship doesn't stop there. We also want our children to recognize God's guidance in their own stories, bring him into everyday conversations, and develop a genuine relationship with him that grows over time.In this episode, Bible teachers and co-authors Jen Weaver and Gayle Veitenheimer talk about helping kids move from simply knowing
The Gospel for real-life parenting messes with Scarlet Hiltibidal
Today we are joined by Scarlet Hiltibidal, who is the new host of Pardon the Mess. Scarlet is a wife, mom of four, author, speaker, and follower of Jesus who is passionate about helping parents see the gospel in the middle of everyday family life.In this episode, Scarlet shares about her own parenting messes, including loving each of her kids well in very different seasons and needs. We talk about
How to talk to your kids about sex without shame with Kelly Edmiston
Many Christian parents want to talk to their kids about sex and sexuality in healthy, biblical ways, but feel unsure where to begin. In today’s episode, Kelly Edmiston talks about how to move away from fear, silence, and shame-based messaging and instead help our kids understand the goodness of their bodies, God’s design for sex, and the importance of open, ongoing conversations in the home.We dis
You haven’t ruined your kids with Abbey Wedgeworth
If you’ve ever felt weighed down by guilt after a hard parenting moment, this conversation will encourage your heart.In this episode, Abbey Wedgeworth talks about the fear many parents carry that they’ve somehow “ruined” their kids. We discuss parenting failures, repentance, repair, and the freedom that comes when we stop trying to be perfect parents and start trusting God’s grace.Abbey and I talk
Growing in gentleness when you’re tired and stretched thin with Christie Thomas
In today’s episode, Christie Thomas is back to talk about the quiet strength of gentleness and why it matters so deeply in our homes. Christie shares how gentleness is not weakness or passivity, but strength held under control for the good of others. We discuss parenting through the fruit of the Spirit, responding instead of reacting, and how our kids learn about the character of Jesus through the
The mom burnout conversation we need to have with Alli Worthington
Motherhood is beautiful, meaningful, and holy work, but it can also leave moms completely exhausted. Somewhere between raising kids, managing schedules, carrying the mental load, and taking care of everyone else, many women slowly lose sight of themselves.In today’s episode, Allie Worthington is here for an honest conversation about burnout, identity, and why so many moms struggle to care for them
Parenting on purpose from the very beginning with Michael and Angela DeAquino
In this episode Michael and Angela DeAquino discuss the importance of pre-parental counseling, building a shared family vision, navigating disagreements in marriage, and understanding how our own upbringing shapes the way we parent. They talk honestly about family trauma, generational patterns, survival mode parenting, apologizing to our kids, and the freedom that comes from letting go of perfecti
Build Your Marriage with Prayer with Brad and Heidi Mitchell
In this episode, Brad and Heidi Mitchell share wisdom from over 40 years of marriage and ministry on what it looks like to build a marriage rooted in prayer. We talk about why prayer is so impactful for both marriage and parenting, why it can feel intimidating to pray with your spouse, and simple, practical ways to begin. Brad and Heidi also share encouragement for couples who feel spiritually mis
What 40 years of marriage has taught Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman
In this episode, Steven Curtis Chapman and Mary Beth Chapman share honestly about what 40 years of marriage has looked like through parenting, grief, counseling, career changes, and the constant transition of family life. We talk about how differences that once felt charming can become challenging over time, why repentance and humility have been essential in their marriage, and how they’ve learned
Giving our kids words for their faith through liturgical prayer with Doug McKelvey
In this episode, Doug McKelvey shares how prayer and liturgy can become powerful tools for discipling kids through all of life’s stages, but specifically the transition to adulthood.We talk about the value of written prayers alongside spontaneous prayer, how ancient rhythms can help reorient our hearts in a noisy world, and why giving our kids words for their faith matters more than we might reali
How God changes our parenting over time with Kelly Karpe and Kate Hann
In this episode, I sit down with my two closest friends, Kelly Karpe and Kate Hann, for an honest conversation about how our parenting has changed over time. We talk about the expectations we had as young moms, how God reshaped our hearts through different seasons, and what it looks like to release control and trust God more as our kids grow.These women have known me for a long time, so we share p
How to prioritize your time without guilt as your kids grow Sarah Colbert
What do you do with yourself as your kids get older and your roles and rhythms begin to change? Parenting our kids while managing the shifting seasons of motherhood can feel overwhelming and weird! In this episode, Sarah Colbert shares wisdom on navigating time, identity, and priorities in the in-between years of parenting. We talk about how to balance caring for yourself, your family, and the eve
Why our kids need discomfort to grow with David Thomas and Sissy Goff
Raising kids who are confident, resilient, and grounded in their faith is a deep desire for most parents, but in today’s world, it can feel like we’re constantly pulled between protecting our kids and preparing them for real life.In this episode, Steph sits down with Sissy Goff and David Thomas to talk about what they call a “crisis of capability” in kids today. Steph, Sissy, and David talk about
Raising Kids with Character in an Entitled World with Monica Swanson
As part of our Best of The Christian Parenting Podcast series, we’re revisiting some of our most helpful and encouraging conversations for families.In a culture that often encourages entitlement, many parents wonder how to raise kids who are grateful, responsible, and grounded in strong character.In this episode, Monica Swanson joins the conversation to talk about practical ways parents can push b
Healing, boundaries, and raising emotionally healthy kids with Melanie Shankle
As part of our Best of The Christian Parenting Podcast series, we’re revisiting some of our most helpful and encouraging conversations for families.Raising emotionally healthy kids often begins with doing our own work as parents. When we address our own wounds and learn to set healthy boundaries, we create a stronger foundation for our children.In this episode, Melanie Shankle shares insights on g
Discipling our kids doesn’t have to be intimidating with Sarah Holmstrom
As part of our Best of The Christian Parenting Podcast series, we’re revisiting some of our most helpful and encouraging conversations for families.Discipling our kids to know, love, and follow Jesus is one of the most important callings of Christian parenting, but it can also feel complex and uncertain.In this episode, Sarah Holmstrom shares wisdom on what discipleship can look like in everyday f
How understanding God's character changes our parenting with Ruth Chou Simons
As part of our Best of The Christian Parenting Podcast series, we’re revisiting some of our most helpful and encouraging conversations for families.Many parents feel the pressure to control outcomes, do everything perfectly, and make sure their kids turn out “right.” But the Christian life, and parenting within it, is ultimately a journey of trusting God.In this episode, Ruth Chou Simons shares en
Investing in your kids’ faith with Lisa Clark
As part of our Best of The Christian Parenting Podcast series, we’re revisiting some of our most helpful and encouraging conversations for families.Raising kids in the Christian faith often means balancing many priorities, family life, church involvement, and helping children build their own relationship with God.In this episode, Lisa Clark shares practical encouragement for parents who want to ma
Discipling the next generation with Jen Wilkin and J.T. English
As part of our Best of The Christian Parenting Podcast series, we’re revisiting some of our most helpful and encouraging conversations for families.One of our most important callings as parents is discipling our kids in the Christian faith. To do that well, we need to understand what we believe, why we believe it, and be familiar with God’s Word.In this episode, Jen Wilkin and J.T. English join me
Bringing joy back to discipleship at home with Amanda Jass
Hey friends,What if discipling your kids didn’t feel heavy… but actually felt joyful again?I don’t know about you, but sometimes the pressure to “do it right” as a Christian parent can slowly steal the fun and freedom out of faith. What starts as a beautiful calling can start to feel like another thing on the list. And that’s exactly why this conversation felt so refreshing.Today I’m joined by my
Rethinking your time with purpose and peace with Elaine Franklin
Have you ever felt busy all day long but still wondered if any of it really mattered?This week’s episode is a little different and so special. I’m sharing a conversation from another Christian Parenting podcast, Pardon the Mess, hosted by the wonderful Courtney DeFeo. I first heard her interview with Elaine Franklin years ago, and honestly, it stuck with me in such a meaningful way. So when I saw
Navigating faith, doubt, and parenting with grace with Kristin LaValley
Hey friends,Have you ever felt like you’re trying to pass on faith to your kids while quietly wrestling with your own? If so, this episode is for you.This week I’m joined by Kristin LaValley, writer, retreat host, and mom of five, who brings so much vulnerability and hope to the table. Kristin’s story is one many of us can relate to: growing up in the church, facing seasons of doubt and deconstruc
What 3 years of interviews have taught me about parenting with faith
Hi friends,This week’s episode is a little different and really special. It's just me, Steph, reflecting on the past three years of hosting the Christian Parenting Podcast. As I look back on the many conversations I’ve had with incredible guests, a few themes have come up over and over again. And I wanted to take a moment to name them, reflect on them, and remind you (and myself!) that faithfu
Teaching kids to handle money with wisdom with Stephen Day
Hey friends,Let’s be honest, talking about money with our kids can feel a little awkward. Whether it’s figuring out allowance, answering “Why can’t we just buy that?” at Target, or teaching the value of hard work without turning into the fun police, we’ve all been there.That’s why I’m so excited for you to hear today’s episode with Stephen Day. He’s a dad of four, a professor, and the author of Te
How to help kids calm their thoughts with Pastor Max Lucado
Hey friends,I am so glad you’re here today because this episode is such a gift. I had the absolute honor of welcoming back Pastor Max Lucado to the podcast, and his gentle wisdom and encouragement are exactly what we need as we navigate parenting in an anxious world.Max has spent decades speaking into our hearts with truth and grace. And now, he’s turned his attention to helping our kids better un
No more boring Bible study with Faith Womack
Hey friends,Let’s be honest, studying the Bible as a busy parent can feel overwhelming. We want to be in the Word, but sometimes we just don’t know where to start. Today’s episode is a lifeline if you’ve ever stared at your Bible and thought, “I want to read this… I just don’t know how.”I’m so excited for you to hear from Faith Womack (aka Bible Nerd), who is on a mission to help people fall in lo
When faith hits you fresh with Cynthia Yanof
Hey friends,You know those conversations that feel like sunshine and strong coffee at the same time? That’s what today’s episode is. I’m sitting down with the one and only Cynthia Yanof, OG host of the Pardon the Mess podcast and someone who knows how to bring laughter, truth, and grace into every room she walks into.We’re talking about her brand new book, How’d I Miss That? and it’s all about tho
Navigating mental health with faith and community with Erin Kerry
Hey friends,You know those conversations you know are important, but they still feel a little intimidating to start? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. In this episode, I’m joined by Erin Kerry who’s bravely sharing her story and helping us hold space for the hard things, especially when it comes to mental health in our homes.As parents, we’re often navigating silent battles, whether it’
How to navigate culture with a Biblical worldview with Connor Jones and Micah Tomasella
Hey friends,If you’ve ever looked at the world and thought, “This is too much, I don’t even know where to start,” you are not alone. Culture is moving at warp speed, and as Christian parents, it can feel impossible to keep up, let alone know how to guide our kids through it all with clarity, calm, and conviction.In today’s episode, I’m joined by my Denison Ministries teammates and friends, Connor
A Christmas reflection for parents
Hey Friends!I’ve never done a solo episode before, but Christmas felt like the right time to try. In the middle of a season that can feel loud, full, emotional, and a little overwhelming, this episode is an invitation to take just ten minutes to pause and breathe and remember the gift that never fades.Whether your home feels busy and chaotic or quiet and tender this year, remember Emmanuel, God wi
Unwrapping the truth about Christmas with Lee Strobel
Let’s talk about Christmas. Not just the cozy traditions or the sparkling lights, but the actual story of what happened in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago.This week on the podcast, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Lee Strobel and together we explore the deeper truths of the nativity story, why the details matter, and how we can share that with our kids in a way that builds their faith.
When Christmas doesn’t go as planned with Sheila Walsh
The lights are twinkling, the carols are playing, and everything should feel magical... but sometimes, it just doesn’t. Whether your kids are navigating big feelings of disappointment or you're trying to balance joy and weariness in your own heart, this conversation is for you.This week I’m joined by author and speaker Sheila Walsh, and we’re talking about what really matters this Christmas: G
Parenting was never meant to be done alone with Elisa Morgan
Let’s be honest, parenting can feel incredibly isolating at times. Whether you're in a full house or navigating solo moments between the chaos, it’s easy to feel like no one really sees what you're carrying. But here’s the good news: you were never meant to do this alone. This week’s conversation is a beautiful reminder of that truth.I had the joy of sitting down with Elisa Morgan. And let
Finding faith in unanswered prayers with Kara Stout
Hey friend,We all know the ache of unanswered prayer, the kind that keeps us up at 2 a.m., whispering desperate prayers into the dark. This week on the podcast, I sat down with Kara Stout, who knows that ache all too well. From infertility and adoption to financial stress and deep grief, Kara’s story is one of wrestling with disappointment, surrendering expectations, and still choosing to trust a
Holding on to hope while you wait with Alice Matagora
This week’s conversation is tender, powerful, and one that so many carry quietly: the journey of waiting for a child. I’m joined by Alice Matagora and she shares her story of infertility with such grace and vulnerability, offering encouragement for anyone walking through a season of waiting or supporting someone who is.Whether you’ve walked this road yourself, are in the middle of it, or love some
Living in the tension of overwhelmed and grateful as a parent with Jillian Benfield
Have you ever felt pulled between being deeply grateful and totally overwhelmed? You’re not alone, and today’s conversation will meet you right in that tension.I’m joined by author and TV journalist Jillian Benfield, who shares her powerful story of navigating unexpected challenges and discovering a deeper, more honest relationship with God along the way. We talk about avoiding toxic positivity, e
How to start your mornings with God (even if you’re not a morning person) with Tara Beth Leach
If your mornings feel more like survival mode than sacred space, this week’s episode is for you.I’m joined by Tara Beth Leach, she's pastor, author, and mom, and we’re talking all about how to make mornings with God doable and deeply meaningful, even in the busiest seasons of parenting. Tara Beth shares how a personal valley led her to create a simple rhythm that invites God into the start of
The power of a shoebox & how one gift can change a life with Izabella McMillon
Hey friends,Have you ever packed an Operation Christmas Child shoebox and wondered where it might end up? Or what kind of impact something so small could really make?This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Izabella McMillon, who received one of those shoeboxes as a child growing up in Romania. Her story is deeply moving, a real glimpse into how God can use simple acts of generosity to open hearts
Living out loud with kindness with Jimmy Darts
This week’s episode is one you’re going to want to listen to with your kids! I’m talking with Jimmy Darts, yes, that Jimmy Darts from social media, whose videos of undercover kindness and radical generosity have touched millions. But what you might not know is the incredible faith journey behind it all.Jimmy’s story is a beautiful reminder that even the smallest act of love can ripple into somethi
Motherhood isn’t your only identity with Vicki Courtney
This week’s conversation is such a refreshing encouragement for every stage of motherhood. I’m joined by author, speaker, and seasoned mom Vicki Courtney, and she brings so much wisdom and honesty about the changing roles we face as moms.From the early years of raising little ones to navigating an empty nest, Vicki reminds us that while motherhood is deeply meaningful, it’s not our highest calling
Raising kids rooted in God's truth with Hosanna Wong
This week’s episode of the Christian Parenting Podcast is such a life-giving conversation, one that will fill your heart and equip you with fresh encouragement for the days ahead. I got to sit down with Hosanna Wong, who is a powerhouse of wisdom and truth. She’s a spoken word artist, pastor, and author, and she joined me to talk about raising kids who know who they are and whose they are.Hosanna
Listening to truth in a world full of lies with Brendt Blanks
In this week’s episode Brendt Blanks shares how so many of us, especially moms, wrestle with thoughts that aren’t true. And if we’re not careful, those thoughts become beliefs. Brendt helps us learn how to pause, notice, and replace those lies with God’s truth, and her insight is incredibly freeing.Here are a few things we talk about:• How to recognize and disrupt negative thought cycles• Why scri
Raising emotionally healthy kids with Debra Fileta
If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to help your kids navigate their big feelings, or if you’re still figuring out your own emotional landscape, this episode is for you.I’m joined by Debra Fileta, and she’s bringing a fresh perspective from her brand-new children’s book, Any Day Emotions. We talk about raising emotionally healthy families, what it looks like to model emotional regulation as a par
When we can’t fix our kids’ hurt with Vanessa Siso
This episode is for every parent who has ever felt helpless watching their child go through something hard. You know that ache, that deep desire to step in and fix it all?Today’s guest is Vanessa Siso, a registered psychologist and author, and she brings such a gentle, wise, and hope-filled perspective. She reminds us that while we can’t always protect our kids from hardship, we can walk with them
How to embrace adventure as a family with Dan and Sam Matthews
Welcome back to the Christian Parenting Podcast! I hope you’re ready for a really fun, really doable conversation that might just spark your next memory-making moment.This week, I’m chatting with Dan and Sam Matthews. They are parents, content creators, and big believers in family adventures. You might know them from their videos online, but today, we’re going beyond the highlight reel and digging
BONUS: Praying for your kids this school year
Hey friends, today we’ve got something special for you: a bonus episode straight from the Pardon the Mess podcast!Every Monday, host Courtney DeFeo shares a short prayer to help you lift up your kids. This year’s series follows Christian Parenting’s brand new prayer journal, A Great Cloud of Witnesses. Each week highlights a biblical hero of the faith, paired with Scripture-based prayers for your
Helping our kids find their identity in Christ with Emma Mae McDaniel
This week’s episode is one that speaks straight to the heart especially for those of us raising kids in a digital world.I’m joined by joy-filled Emma Mae McDaniel, a speaker and writer who shares her powerful story of navigating cyberbullying and learning to root her identity in Christ rather than the words of others. Her story is raw, redemptive, and full of practical encouragement.We talked abou
Making room for what matters with Kari Kampakis
In a world that constantly pushes us to hustle harder and do more, this week’s conversation is a breath of fresh air. I sat down with the wise and grace-filled Kari Kampakis, and she reminded us of something so important: sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is make peace with accomplishing less in a day.As parents, it's easy to feel like we need to keep up with everything: our careers,
Building a strong, grace-filled family with Jessica Smartt
Hey Friends,What does it really mean to build a strong family? Not a perfect one, but one grounded in love, grace, and connection? That’s exactly what we’re digging into this week on the podcast. I’m joined by the wonderful Jessica Smartt, and this conversation is the cozy encouragement every parent needs right now.From navigating sibling squabbles to embracing the uniqueness of your kids, Jessica
Raising Justice-Minded Kids with Elisa Johnston
Have you ever wondered how to talk to your kids about justice in a way that’s rooted in Scripture and lived out with compassion? This week’s conversation is one that will both equip and encourage you. I’m joined by Elisa Johnston and we’re talking all about raising kids who care deeply about others and live out their faith in practical ways.This episode isn’t about having all the answers, it's
The power of wonder and outdoor living with Ginny Yurich
Have you ever felt like your kids are too bored… or maybe like you’re the only one swimming upstream when it comes to slowing down family life? This episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. I’m joined by Ginny Yurich, homeschooling mom of five and founder of the Thousand Hours Outside movement and she brings the most encouraging reminder that less structure can sometimes lead to more growth.W
Faith over fame in youth sports with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith
If you’re navigating the world of youth sports with your kids, this episode is for you. I sat down with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith, two seasoned sports dads with decades of experience in athletics and ministry to talk about one of the biggest parenting pressures today: how do we raise kids who love sports without losing sight of their faith, values, and family life?Whether you're in the early
You’re not underqualified, you’re just underestimated with Mary Marantz
Have you ever felt like you were faking it in life or parenting? Like God may have something more for you, but you're unsure if you’re ready or even worthy? You are so not alone.This week I’m joined by Mary Marantz, and wow, what a conversation. Mary shares her journey from deep-rooted self-doubt to walking confidently in God’s calling. Her words will breathe courage into the parts of you that
When faith feels fragile, a conversation on deconstruction with Nicholas McDonald
Have you or your kids ever wrestled with hard questions about faith? If so, you're not alone and you’re definitely in the right place today. This week, I’m talking with Nicholas McDonald about his personal journey through disillusionment, deconstruction, and ultimately a deep renewal of his hope in Jesus. His honesty, wisdom, and compassion are such a gift to parents who are navigating this wi
Letting go, leaning in, and raising brave kids with Katie Davis Majors
What do we do when God’s calling for our child’s life looks nothing like we expected? This week’s episode is such a gift. I’m joined by Katie Davis Majors, a mom, missionary, and founder of Amazima Ministries who shares her journey from a planned gap year to a lifelong mission in Uganda. Her story will stretch your perspective on calling, parenting, and what it means to truly trust God with your k
When the school plan changes - our online school story with Brittaney Devane
We’ve reached the final week of our school choice series, and I’m so excited for you to hear this conversation. Today, I’m chatting with my friend, Brittaney Devane about what it looks like to choose online school even when it wasn’t the original plan. Her family made a big pivot, and what followed was growth, flexibility, and a deeper sense of purpose in their schooling journey.Here are four key
Faithfully navigating public school with Ashley Grutzmacher
We’re continuing our school choice series, and today’s episode is such a thoughtful one. I’m joined by Ashley Grutzmacher—a public school teacher, mom, and passionate advocate for loving your neighbor and showing up well in your community. Ashley offers such a grounded and honest look into the public school experience, and I think this conversation will leave you feeling both encouraged and equipp
Is Homeschooling for Us?
We’re continuing our special series on school choices today, and I’m so excited to share this conversation with Leigh Nguyen, a mom who never planned to homeschool but followed God’s nudge and hasn’t looked back. Her story is honest, inspiring, and full of practical insight for anyone wondering if homeschooling could actually work for their family.Whether you’re curious about it, overwhelmed by it
Is private Christian school right for your family with Katelyn Freitas?
We’re continuing our special series all about school options, and today we’re diving into private Christian education. This is a conversation that I think will really help if you’re trying to figure out what role faith can (and should) play in your child’s school life. I'm joined by Katelyn Freitas, the middle school principal at my kids’ school, and her insight is full of heart, wisdom, and p
Choosing a school - our story & why it’s okay to pivot with Trevor Thurling
We’re kicking off a brand-new series all about school choices because let’s be honest, it’s something many of us didn’t realize would be such a big parenting decision. Over the next five weeks we will be covering the pros and cons of multiple different school options: public school, private school, homeschool, and online school.In this first episode, I’m joined by my husband, Trevor, as we share o
Choosing joy and peace in parenting with Tauren Wells
This week we’re diving into something every family longs for...Joy. I’m joined by Tauren Wells, and we’re talking about how to create a home filled with lasting joy, not just fleeting happiness. We unpack what it looks like to live out the beatitudes, how our identity shapes our parenting, and why emotional health matters so much in our homes.Here are four key takeaways from this episode:Joy >
Breaking free from the screen time trap with Clare Morell
Today’s conversation is so timely and practical. I’m joined by Clare Morell, author of the upcoming book The Tech Exit, and we’re talking all about how digital technology is shaping our kids—and what we can do about it. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by screen time, smartphone battles, or social media pressure, this episode will leave you feeling hopeful and empowered.Here are four key takeaways
Faith, apologetics, and the supernatural with Lee Strobel
Hello Friends,This week’s episode is incredibly special to me. I’m joined by Lee Strobel, whose book The Case for Christ played a huge role in reigniting my faith back in college. Getting to sit down with him felt like a full-circle moment—and I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation. Lee shares his personal journey from atheism to belief, and we dive into the fascinating topic of the supern
Building emotionally resilient kids with Sissy Goff and David Thomas
I’m so excited about this week’s episode because I’m joined by two of my favorite guests Sissy Goff and David Thomas from the Raising Boys and Girls podcast! They’re sharing incredible insights from their counseling practice and offering encouragement for every parent navigating the emotional ups and downs of raising kids today.Here are four key takeaways from this episode:Anxiety and emotional ov
Rethinking kids’ spiritual growth and role in the church with Pastor Brian Suter
This week’s episode is special because I’m sitting down with my friend and pastor, Brian Suter. Brian and his wife Courtney, planted Branch Church here in Minnesota about four years ago, and my family has been part of it since the beginning. We’re talking all about how our church approaches kids’ ministry, and it’s a little different than what you might expect!Here are four key takeaways from this
Answering kids' hard questions - faith, science, and suffering with Justin Brierley
Today’s episode is such a fascinating and encouraging conversation. I’m joined by Justin Brierley, journalist, author, and Christian apologist—and we’re diving into how we as parents can guide our kids through some of life’s biggest questions about faith, doubt, and belief.Here’s what you’ll hear in today's conversation:Helping kids ask honest questions about God and faith builds a stronger fo
God’s faithfulness in the midst of grief with Lori Apon
Today’s episode is powerful, tender, and full of hope. I’m joined by Lori Apon, a widow, a single mom of eight, and now a grandmother to twenty! Lori shares her deeply personal story of walking through grief and the chaos of early widowhood, and how God’s promises sustained her through it all.Here’s what you’ll hear in today's conversation:Even in deep grief, Lori shares how clinging to God’s
