Raising Boys & Girls

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 practical, doable ways parents can help at home, from modeling kind disagreement to creating opportunities for face-to-face connection. This hopeful, practical conversation reminds parents that social skills are built through practice, and that small, intentional shifts can make a meanin...

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 “love tank” is running low. The conversation offers practical, hope-filled guidance for adapting love languages as kids grow, navigating different personalities within one family, and building daily rhythms—like shared meals and one-on...

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 help us respond with patience, presence, and grace. With practical encouragement for overwhelmed parents, he reminds us that habit change is about responding to God’s love, not earning it, and that starting small can lead t...

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 schedules. They also speak tenderly to families carrying grief, give guidance for managing family dynamics and gift overload, and remind listeners that the holidays don’t need to be magical—just manageable, honest, and connected. They close by sharing a favorite family t...

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 tender benediction for parents doing the sacred work of raising boys and girls.

Resources mentioned:

The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile

The Path Between Us b...

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 from his book Letting Go, Finding You, inviting parents to see their Enneagram type not as a box but as a pathway toward virtue, healing, and surrender, while Jill offers practical wisdom on stances, compassion, and loving kids in ways that fit...

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 highlight both the gentleness and complexity of this peaceful number.

Hillary and Andy reflect on how their nine-ness shapes their parenting—helping them create a calm, grounded environment, while also challenging them to build clearer boundaries...

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 through with boundaries, stay present in conflict, and help Nine kids step into their own desires and decisions without losing their beautiful gift of peace.

Resources mentioned:

The Enneagram Made Easy

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 help children feel deeply safe and supported.

Amy and Brian also talk honestly about the harder parts of being an eight parent: quick overreactions, bulldozing with intensity, needing to be heard and “right,” and how fear can sit unde...

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 their power for good, feel respected, and grow into balanced leaders.

Resources mentioned:

The Enneagram Made Easy by Elizabeth Wagele and Renee Baron – used as a simple tool to help kids identify their number.

The Road Back to...

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 own family, walking with her daughter through significant anxiety. 

Together they discuss navigating grief, rethinking traditions, setting kind boundaries, and the beautiful overlap between faith and psychology, offering a hopeful, groun...

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 reframing. They also offer a glimpse into Daystar’s building expansion and the hope of a new podcast studio on the way.

As parents, Mary and Aaron reflec...

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 also hear practical encouragement for Seven parents learning to sit with hard emotions, and guidance for raising Seven kids who are curious, adventurous, and grounded.

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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” Six: an inner world full of what-ifs and how her anxiety can be palpable in parenting. She talks about learning to trust her own instincts, tolerate discomfort, and surround herself with people who stretch...

​​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 (reassure safety, give age-appropriate choices, and nudge into small risks). The theme: Sixes hold families and communities together more than they realize.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

The Worry-Free Parent by Sissy Goff — and its Workbo...

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-energy mindsets, stepping back to observe rather than engaging in hard moments, and turning kids’ challenges into a referendum on their own preparedness. Practical help includes building daily downtime, modeling conscious tech boundaries, asking “Is this about me or about my child?”, showing vulnerability, and finding mentor paren...

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 common stretches: retreating into the mind, mistaking self-protection for not needing relationships, cynicism/sarcasm when fear rises, and feeling drained by the constant demands of family life. The episode offers grace (manna for today) and practical growth step...

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 self-awareness and compassion. Both bring such insight into what it means to live and parent from a place of depth, emotion, and authenticity. Together, they explore the gifts and challenges of being a Four—the ability to sit with sadness and...

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 right, and letting feelings define identity. Helpful practices include simple, steady routines for the mundane, channeling empathy outward, and remembering that many feelings pass more quickly than they seem—often in about 90 seconds.

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 name the hard places (kids feeling pressure to perform, our tendency to “manage” outcomes, the pull to keep moving instead of feeling) and offer practical ways forward: stop and pause, sl...

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 how Threes’ productivity and polish can sometimes overshadow their emotional world, and how kids of Threes may feel like they need to “keep up” or perform, too. Together, we unpack the difference between bei...

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 life—and how that same deep empathy can sometimes make it hard to step back and care for themselves.

We loved hearing them talk about learning to set boundaries...

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 to a crowd, we always look for a Two—someone smiling, nodding, and radiating warmth that makes us feel right at home.

We also talked about the c...

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 and the struggles of being a Type One.

What strikes us most is how these parents are leaning into self-awareness, understanding that their desire for perfection can sometimes create tension, especially...

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 recommendation for 1’s:

The Serenity Prayer (2 part of prayer): “Living one day at a time, enjoying...

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 quite some time. We had the chance to fly to Dallas,TX and interview our favorite Enneagram teachers and spen...

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.

It honestly feels appropriate that we would kick off this part of the Parenting Personalities series on the Enneagram wi...

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 to love this one with Dr. Alison Cook!

Ways to Follow Dr. Alison Cook:

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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 later relationships.

The difference between holding information wisely vs. fearfully.

The four styles of attachment—starting with what a secure attachment looks like.

Real-life...

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 sense when he talks about his birth order and how that translates to often be true for that particular bi...

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 talk. We meet with their parents at a later point. During my time with just the kid, I love to no...

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 helping introverted kids who might feel a bit overwhelmed in going to church. So hang in there to the very e...

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 Hidden Gifts of the Introverted Child, by Marti Olsen Laney. Listen to this description of the differences, introverts generally prefer stimul...

We are so excited about this new series! It is something we wanted to talk about for a really long time. It’s something we talk about in our offices with kids and families all the time in our parent consultations. 

One of the single biggest obstacles when growing up can be not knowing or understanding our personality. Understanding your personality can change the game in parenting and in early development. Parenting Personalities is a series for understanding more of yourself, understanding your kids personalities. We will do a deep dive into Enneagram numbers, Bir...

Ya’ll it was the first time in history that we have had a contestant from the Bachelor, and let me tell you in my counseling office how many years I’ve been talking about the Bachelor. So one of my questions was at what age and should moms and girls watch it together. And she had some great thoughts along the line.

We are super excited for you to hear this conversation with Madi Prewett Troutt.

I want you to stick around to the end. Because there was this incredible moment, wher...

Melanie Shankle is the New York Times bestselling author, a popular speaker, and cohost of The Big Boo Cast podcast. A graduate of Texas A&M, she loves writing, checking to see what's on sale at Anthropologie, and looking for the bright side. Most of all, she loves being the mother of Caroline and the wife of Perry.

Caroline is Melanie's daughter and an animal science major at Texas A&M. She graduated in May 2025 and is planning to pursue a master's degree. In addition, she hopes to write more books and speak to...

With a PhD in Education, Dr. Kelly Cagle is the founder of the IQ network. Which includes Mom IQ Community and Coaching the Parenting IQ Podcast, where she helps parents use the little daily moments as big learning opportunities. Fun fact, she was born in Brazil, married her husband at 19, homeschools her three sons and daily seeks to create a world where families find freedom from the negativity of an ADHD label. And live with intentionality, connection and legacy driven purpose.  

Follow her passionate work on ⁠Instagram 

Subscribe to the IQ Parenting Podca...

Dr. Caroline Leaf is a clinical and research Neuroscientist who specializes in Psychoneurobiology, the science of how the mind can change the brain. She’s known for pioneering techniques that help people manage stress, overcome trauma and break toxic thought patterns. Through her bestselling books like Switch on Your Brain and her Podcast Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess, she offers practical tools for building mental clarity and emotional well being.  

And You all Buckle up for this episode, because Dr. Leaf has so much rich wisdom, practical information and she jumps right in!

Duration: 00:28:20

Dr. Stacy Furlow is a dedicated Pediatrician with 25 years of experience. Caring for children and guiding families through every stage of their child’s health and development. Passionate about making medicine approachable and empowering parents with knowledge. Stacy blends science with compassion. To provide expert advice in a way that is both relatable and reassuring.   

As a firm believer in preventative care, and holistic well being. Stacy helps families navigate everything from new born concerns to adolescent health challenges to transition to adulthood.

You will want to listen through to th...

Happy Back to School! In this episode, we’re going to talk about two things we want girls to know going back to school, two things we want boys to know going back to school. And two things we want parents to know when your kids are going back to school.

Stay tuned, for the teaser of the new RBG season coming out soon, which we’ll be studying temperaments, and more.

Books referenced in this episode for more practical ways, ideas and context: Strong & Smart by David Thomas, and...

Bart Millard is a Christian singer songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist for the contemporary Christian band MercyMe. He is also the author of the book and the subject of the movie "I Can Only Imagine," which is based on his life and the story behind the hit song of the same name.The song was inspired by the death of his father and his reflections on faith and the afterlife.

Married to his childhood sweetheart, Shannon Millard, they have been married for over 20 years and have five children: Sam, Gracie, Charlie, Sophie...

In the summer months, not only am I the director of our little summer camp program called Hopetown. I’m also the worship leader and worship music chooser for kids in 2nd - 12th grades. And let me tell you, as a therapist for kids for over 30 years, I am very choosy when it comes to the lyrics that these kids sing. They are kids who have known heartache, who have experienced loss of all shapes and sizes, trauma, anxiety, depression, and more. They are kids who have questioned whether God loves them in the midst of their pain. Wh...

Jessica Turner is a content creator and taste maker for busy moms looking for hacks to live life with more intention and less stress. Jessica is trusted by beloved brands and services that help make life easier for busy women. She is also the best selling author of the Wallstreet Journal best selling book, The Fringe Hours and Stretched too Thin. How working moms can lose the guilt, work smarter and thrive. In her newest book, I Thought it Would be Better than This, she also speaks at events nation-wide on work-life balance and blogging best practices. 

S...

Ginna Claire Mason is a Broadway actress and singer best known for her role as Glenda the Good Witch in Wicked, both on Broadway and the US National Tour. While in Wicked she had the opportunity to perform on the Tonight Show and on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Mason toured nationally with Wicked, Newsies and Flashdance and in Las Vegas with Duck Commander Musical. She has also starred in Hallmark Channel movies such as: A Holiday Spectacular, A Heidelberg Holiday, A Carol for Two and Hats Off to Love. Loosely based around the Kentucky Derby and stay tu...

Adam Doleac is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter and rising country music star. Taking the Nashville scene by storm with his unique signature sound. Born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi Doleac initially chased his big league dreams with a baseball scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi. But soon realized his true calling was creating music. Self-taught on multiple instruments, Doleac became proficient in guitar, drums and piano and soon decided to leave the sports world behind to pursue a music career. 

Adam spent several years pinning lyrics from notable names including Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, D...

Candace Cameron Bure, is an actress, producer, director, and bestselling author, best known for playing D.J. Tanner on Full House and Fuller House. She’s starred in over 40 romantic comedies and mysteries, including the hit Aurora Teagarden series. Candace competed on Dancing with the Stars, co-hosted The View, and voiced Pinky in the Emmy-nominated Reindeer in Here. In 2024, she starred in and produced Unsung Hero with Lionsgate. 

Beyond acting, she’s the CEO of Candy Rock Enterprises and Chief Creative Officer of Great American Media, where she develops family-friendly content focused on faith and l...

Ginny Owens has spent the past two decades sharing her heart with listeners and readers as a singer-songwriter, author, teacher and advocate. Her unique musical style and inspirational lyrics have transcended gender definition and taken her to diverse venues that include, the White House, the Sun Dance Film Festival, Lilith Fair and the National Day of Prayer in Washington, D.C.

As a toddler, Ginny picked out melodies on the piano before she was able to put words together in a sentence. Even as vision left her eyes, a degenerative eye condition left Ginny...

Ziggy Marley is an eight-time Grammy winner, he’s also a deeply grounded human, who leads with kindness, purpose and a whole lot of love. 

Ziggy grew up as the eldest son of reggae icon Bob Marley and he’s carried that legacy with so much grace. But here’s what we love most. Ziggy isn’t just creating music that moves people, he’s raising a family with intention leading with character and showing his kids and all of us what it means to live with integrity and joy.

He is a d...

Justin Whitmel Earley is a writer, speaker and lawyer. He is the author of the Common Rule Habits of the Household and Made for People. Though he spends most days running his business law practice.

Through his writing and speaking Justin empowers people to thrive through life giving habits that form them in the love of God and neighbor. He continually explores both how physical habits are more spiritual than we think and how spiritual habits are more physical than we think. 

He lives with his wife and four b...

Colony House is an Indie rock band made up of brothers Will and Caleb Chapman. As well as Scott Mills and Parke Cottrell is playfully self described as land lock surf rock. Their personal genre designation is as much inspired by their hometown of Franklin, TN as their new album the Cannonballers is. The band's music is built on pillars of honesty, accessibility and family.

The Cannonballers marks the band's 4th full length release. Their 3 previous studio collections take listeners on a journey through stories of loss, grief and heartbreak. While welcoming them into...

Brown Bannister, a Grammy Award-winning American record producer and songwriter, widely regarded for his pioneering work in contemporary Christian music. He has produced landmark albums for artists such as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, and MercyMe, helping define the sound of the genre.

A member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Bannister has earned multiple Dove Awards and continues to influence the industry through both his artistry and mentorship. He currently serves as a professor in the School of Music at Lipscomb University, where he also launched a faculty-led, student-run...

In a career that expands more than 3 decades, Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history. With 60 GMA Dove Awards, 5 Grammy Awards, an American Music Award and a historic 50 Number 1 singles. He has sold more than $17 million albums with 10 certified Gold or Platinum albums to his credit. In 2017, Chapman also became a best selling author with his memoir Between Heaven and the Real World, My Story.

Mary Beth Chapman, is the co-founder and chairman of the board of Show Hope an internationally recognized nonprofit in adoption advocacy and support. She...

Amy Brown is co-host of the Bobby Bones show. The ACM and CMA award winning program and heard on 190 stations and the #1 Country morning show in the US reaching millions of listeners! Amy also co-host Country Top 30 with Bobby Bones, a 4-hour music program airing on more than 240 stations in the US and Canada and hosts Women of iHeart Country. A show devoted to supporting female artists and voices airing on more than 150 iHeart Country radio stations nationwide. 

Additionally she hosts Feeling Things with Amy and Kat, an Outweigh Podcast and oversees and produces t...

Jodi Benson is best known as the voice of Ariel in Disney’s Little Mermaid. Jodi also gave a voice to Barbie in Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3. She delighted her fans with a cameo in Enchanted before reprising her role as Ariel in Ralph Breaks the Internet. In 2011, Disney honored Jodi’s contributions by making her a different Disney legend.

An accomplished singer, dancer and mattress. Jodi made her starring role debut on Broadway. She earned a Tony nomination for role as Polly Baker in the hit Gershwin musical Crazy for Yo...

Demi-Leigh Tebow is an entrepreneur, influencer, model, author AND philanthropist. She uses her platform as Miss South Africa and Miss Universe to educate and inspire on a global scale. She has a deep passion for making every individual feel seen, heard and loved. She uses her philanthropic vision working with The Tim Tebow Foundation, raising awareness for the fight against human trafficking and supporting children with profound medical needs. 

You will LOVE this conversation with our new friend talking about how to help kids find their identity and place!

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Christy and Nathan Nockels have had a long career in music. They began as the duo Watermark and eventually joined the Passion movement in 1997. After their time with Passion, they moved back to Nashville, TN as a family of five with their three children. Since then, Christy has launched her podcast, The Glorious in the Mundane, as well as written the book The Life You Long For. Nathan has continued to write, produce and compose music, and released his record When the Light Leads earlier this month. 

We have LOVED and listened to the m...

In a society where modern marriages experience increased stress and emotional burnout, best-selling authors, speakers, and podcasters Gabe and Rebekah Lyons guide couples towards healing in their powerful new book, The Fight For Us. They share their emotional health journeys and provide relatable next steps for their readers. We are so thankful for them joining us today and we can’t wait for you to be encouraged through our conversation! 

. . . . . 

Purchase The Fight For Us.

Listen to the Rhythms of Life Podcast.

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Today we are joined by singer-songwriter Tim Timmons and his delightful wife Hilary Timmons.  After two decades of ministry and a lifetime of looking for Jesus, Timmons is no stranger to pain, cancer, sorrow, failure, joy and hope. Tim’s greatest desire—whether the catalyst is his cancer diagnosis, his theology, his blog or his songs, he just wants to keep the conversation going so people can discover for themselves the real life found with Jesus. Today he joins us to do just that along with his wife and you are going to LOVE this conversation.

We are so excited to have our two brilliant friends, Kelly Corrigan AND her daughter, Claire Corrigan Lichty on the podcast today! 

Kelly Corrigan has been called “the voice of her generation” by O, the Oprah magazine. She’s a New York Times Bestseller, and hosts her podcast, Kelly Corrigan Wonders. 

Claire Corrigan Lichty graduated from the University of Virginia with a double major in computer science and drama. She writes code, stories, and jokes for stand-up. 

You are SO going to enjoy this amazing c...

Today we are joined by the AMAZING Megan Piphus. Megan is a FOUR TIME Emmy winning producer and artist who has been performing since she was just ten years old. She became nationally recognized as a ventriloquist on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno as well as from America’s Got Talent and is now the first black female puppeteer to perform on Sesame Street. She’s released a children’s album, Spaceships & Dreams, that helped provide recording experience for 60 girls across the country. She is a mom of two boys and is sure to share some incredible insights that y...

Speaker, singer, songwriter, author and local pastor, DawnCheré Wilkerson, LOVES encouraging people of all ages to never give up. While doing SO much amazing work, DawnCheré and her husband Rich are also pastors at Vous Church in Miami, FL. She shares her story of being raised all around music, and her stories of infertility. We absolutely loved this conversation about how to use music when your kids get stuck along with so many other insightful things that could be so helpful to you and your family. 

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Follow DawnCheré on Insta...

We have been wanting to get these two on the podcast for SO long and feel so grateful today is finally that day! Charles Kelley is one third of the Grammy award winning Lady A and has also released music as a solo artist, including his album The Driver. He’s also written hit songs not only for Lady A, but other incredible Country artists like Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker and Brett Young. We talk all things music, parenting and what things we can learn from kids with Charles and his delightful, talented and generous wife, Cassie. You will ab...

This summer, we’re bringing back one of our favorite series of all time - the Music City Series! Living in Music City, we are surrounded by the most fascinating and incredibly talented people. From Charles Kelley of Lady A, to THE voice of The Little Mermaid, Jodie Bensen, you are sure to hear from people you know and love. You’ll laugh, sing along and you will walk away with so much wisdom on family and the stuff that matters.

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If you have been around either of us very long, you know how much we both ADORE Kelly Minter! Kelly is not only a dear friend, but she’s one of our most trusted voices when it comes to speaking truth into our lives and the lives of kids. Kelly is the author of 2 books, 9 Bible Studies, 5 Bible Studies for teenagers (and one cookbook!) In this episode, we talk about how desperately kids need Scripture in today’s world and what we can do to help them fall in love with it. It’s an episode you’ll want to liste...

Dr. Robert Brooks is not only a professor at Harvard Medical School, but is one of the world’s leading experts on the topic of resilience. In this episode, we get to listen to and learn from Bob, as he asked us to call him, on this crucial topic for kids today! He has so much wisdom and offers so much help in terms of how we help the kids we love learn that they can do hard things. We can’t wait for you to listen in on this important episode. And would love to hear any of your...

And now, it’s Owen’s turn! Sissy had so much fun getting to interview our very own David Thomas on why he wrote this wise and wonderful book called Owen Finds He Has What it Takes! Make sure to listen…so many important ideas on helping the kids we love develop resilience! And make sure to grab a copy of Owen, too! We love this book, David Thomas!!!!

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⁠Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience

Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage⁠

Grab your tickets tod...

We are SO excited to introduce one of our heroes in the therapeutic world to our Raising Boys and Girls family today! Dr. Tamar Chansky, who you have heard us quote countless times, joins us as we talk about all things anxiety, OCD and negative thinking. There are so many pieces of wisdom in this episode we are sure you are going to want to come back to it many times. Dr. Chansky, we’re so grateful for this conversation and for the impact you have made in our work over the years! 

Purchase Dr...

On today’s episode of the podcast is our very own Sissy Goff! It’s so fun to turn the tables and for David to interview Sissy not only on why this book on courage is important today, but what we can do to help the kids we love find their own brave—from the very earliest of ages! Make sure to listen in for what Sissy is seeing now in terms of anxiety and kids and practical ideas on what we can do today to make a difference!

Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courag...

Okay, podcast friends…get ready to have your hearts melted because we have the most adorable podcast guest on Raising Boys and Girls today: Henry Weber! Henry is Sissy’s 6 year old nephew who shares lots of his thoughts on what’s helped him learn to be more resilient and courageous. We share our favorite tricks on helping the kids we love discover both how resilient and brave they truly are!

Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage

Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience

The Worry-Free Parent...

Jonathan Rogers is a podcaster, teacher, husband, father, and author of the best-selling Wilderking Series. We were thrilled to sit down with our friend Jonathan to talk about inspiring not only creativity in kids, but helping them learn to love to read and write. You’re going to love this episode with the brilliant, highly creative and widely well-read Jonathan Rogers. 

The Habit

The Rabbit Room

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Preorder ⁠Owen and Lucy⁠ today!

Grab your tickets today for the ⁠Raising Capable Kids Conference⁠ with David Thomas, Sissy Goff and special...

On today's episode, David and Sissy share three things kids need this summer! Courage and resilience are certainly two of the things based on what they're seeing in their counseling offices, which is exactly why they wrote two new children's books that you can pre-order today! And, we guess you’ll just have to listen in for the third!

Preorder ⁠⁠⁠⁠Owen and Lucy⁠⁠⁠⁠ today!

Are My Kids on Track? Spotify Playlist

Ep 181: The Benefits of Camp and the Upside of Being Homesick with Glenn & Carter Breazeale<...

Mental health has made so many advances in the past several years and, with it, our understanding not only of the impact of trauma, but also what we can do to heal ourselves and help the kids we love do the same. In this important conversation, our dear friend and coworker Amy Jacobs talks about the important work she and our colleagues at Daystar Counseling are doing with kids on a daily basis at the little yellow house. This is an important conversation for all of us and Amy, we’re so grateful for your wisdom and friendship!

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We have been quoting the work of Dr. Lisa Miller for decades! She’s a NYT bestselling author and a leading psychologist and scientist on faith, mental health and flourishing…and who doesn’t want those things for their kids! We loved this conversation with Dr. Miller and were so honored she’d join us on the podcast. This is a must listen for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles…anyone has the privilege of speaking into the lives of kids today!

The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life 

The Spiritu...

We recently made a new friend “across the pond” who happens to be a part of our amazing podcast network family at the That Sounds Fun Network! Greer Jones is a mom of and the host of a podcast called The Unfinished Idea, where she talks about the joys and challenges of being neurodivergent or raising a child who is.

Raising Neurodivergent Kids Playlist

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Preorder Owen and Lucy today!

Grab your tickets today for the Raising Capable Kids Conference with David Thomas, Sissy Goff and spec...

You all—have we got a TREAT for you! Not only do we have the wise and beloved Melissa Trevathan back, but we are thrilled to introduce you to another therapist and dear friend at Daystar. Don Logan is one of the most discerning, deeply devoted and dear human beings that we know. He helps kids and families (and Daystar staff) every single day discover more of the hope of Christ. And we have a feeling he will you, too! And, in this episode, he and Melissa together not only talk about how to give the teenagers we love an...

This past year, we have had the joy of getting to know the wise and wonderful Jodie Berndt! So many of you have read Praying the Scriptures for Your Children (of all ages) and are now watching her new show, Mom Life Unscripted! If you haven’t, you’re sure going to want to by the end of this episode! We got to talk with Jodie about praying for kids (and grandkids) and helping them fall in love with Scripture at each stage of life. This is going to be one you’re going to want to take a LOT of...

We are so excited to have Cleere Cherry Reaves on the show today as she shares all of the amazing, truth and grace-filled things she’s putting out into the world! We loved talking with her about what it looks like to parent through the frustration of life not being what you thought it would…and maybe you’re kids, too! We have a feeling you’re going to laugh (and maybe cry) and love this episode just as much as we did!

Cleerely Stated

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Preorder Owen and Lucy today!

Duration: 00:51:07

We had the privilege of speaking recently with the delight that is Trillia Newbell. Trillia is an author, a speaker, and editor and a mom of two amazing kids. Trillia’s books include Creative God, Colorful Us, a Bible Study on Hebrews 11, God’s Very Good Idea and more. Her newest release for grown-ups is a cookbook called Celebrating Around the Table and her newest book for kids is called 52 Weeks in the Word: Student Edition. You’re going to want to buy both of these and more! In this episode, Trillia talks about the power of the table and wh...

Did you know that nearly 70% of youth who grow up in the church don’t return after high school? Well, we certainly want to change those numbers…as does our friend Cameron Cole! Cameron is a father, author, and the founding chairman of Rooted Ministry, a ministry we believe in wholeheartedly. In this episode, Cameron talks about helping kids build faith that lasts. If you have kids of any age, this conversation with our friend Cameron is a must-listen!

Rooted Parent Podcast

Heavenward: How Eternity Can Change Your Life on E...

April is Autism Awareness month. As you may know, one in 36 children have been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Talking about not only how to understand but how we can help these amazing kids has never been more important. In this episode, we’ve got a wise parent in the trenches, who also happens to be Sissy’s step-sister helping us learn more about what we can do to support the kids and families in our lives who are living with this diagnosis. We also have a podcast playlist on our websi...

How many of you have middle schoolers? We are so excited to be moving into the milestone of Mercy, in our Are My Kids on Track series. And this week, our favorite Bible teacher for middle schoolers—or any schoolers—is back, Melissa! In this episode, she talks about how we bring the Gospel to middle schoolers (or kids of any age, really), right where they are. This is one you’re not going to want to miss!

Thy Mercy, My God by Sandra McCracken

Ep 62: The Power of Vintag...

How many of you are already subscribed to Go Minno for kids? If you’re not—or are—or have anything to do with kids—stop right now and listen to this episode with our dear and wise friend, Jess Wolstenholm! In this episode, Jess discusses the ages and stages of spiritual development—with such grace and practical insight! This is one you’re not going to want to miss—whatever age and stage your kids are in today. AND, you’re also going to want to head over to gominno.com to sign your kids up for their platform for all t...

It is always a happy day when we get to sit down with our dear friend, Elisabeth Hasselbeck. On today’s podcast, we’re talking about her newest children’s book, God’s Masterpiece and helping kids discover their God-given identity (plus some inside scoop on parenting teens!). Go buy all of the kids in your life a copy of God’s Masterpiece TODAY! It’s the sweetest and so filled with grace and truth, just like Elisabeth!

If you enjoyed this episode go check these out!

Ep 16: Parenting with Faith, Hope, and Survivor...

Have you seen or listened to Slugs and Bugs? We are BIG fans. Sissy’s nephew, Henry, made us listen to Tractor, Tractor almost every day of his toddlerhood. And…Sissy even got to guest star on an episode in Season 2 called Modern Kid. We’re so grateful for this incredible resource from our talented friend, Randall Goodgame, who joins us on the podcast this week! Randall shares so much wisdom on Singing Scripture with Kids and helping them develop a faith foundation. Parents of littles, you’re going to love this one…and want to download the show today!

It was such a treat to have our friend Kari Kampakis back on the podcast. We are asked often about devotionals for teenagers…and Kari is one of the voices we trust most in that department. You and your teenage girls will glean so much from this conversation and her new book, Yours, Not Hers: 40 Devotions to Stop Comparisons and Love Your Life.

If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!

Ep 64: Navigating the Tough Seasons of Motherhood with Kari Kampakis

Ep 160: Parenting Teenagers and Beyond with Kristen Hatton

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We discovered Tabitha Brown on social media during the pandemic and she truly was one of the brightest lights during that time. She has continued to be one of our favorite follows and one of our favorite voices in the world…speaking so much good and hope and bringing so much SUNSHINE! You have got to hop over to Youtube to watch this one, to see us grinning from ear to ear during this conversation. She has a new children’s book our called Hello There, Sunshine! hat you’re going to want to buy for every little person in you...

Today, our dear friend and Senior Director at Daystar, Melissa, talks about the second spiritual milestone (from Are My Kids on Track) called Identity and how deeply important it is in the lives of kids. We have the high and holy calling of echoing the truths that God is speaking into the lives of the kids we love…of helping to remind them not only of who they are, but whose they are. You will love this conversation with Melissa on how to do just that. 

Ep 1: The Daystar Story



Grab...

Have you ever heard of play therapy? It’s based on the idea that play is the language of kids. Well, our friends Georgie Wisen-Vincent and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson have written the book that decodes that language for us all, The Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Calm and Confident Kids! We had the privilege of interviewing Georgie about the new book and can’t wait for you all to listen. She gives such great tips for us on how to not only understand, but connect with, help kids regulate and more through the...

It was such a gift to sit down with Savannah Guthrie and laugh with and learn from her. She is every bit as delightful and warm and hilarious and kind and deep and wise as you would guess her to be. So much truth and so much hope infused in this podcast and her new wonder of a children’s book, Mostly What God Does is Love You.

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We talk sometimes, in counseling, about how it feels like there is one child in your home who is reflecting outside what the temperature is like outside—kind of like our own, dysfunctional barometer. As much as we wish, in certain seasons, that our marriages didn’t impact our kids, they certainly do. This week, we have Rebecca St. James and her husband Cubbie Fink on the podcast talking about how they have walked the ups and downs of marriage together, and have used each season to strengthen both their relationships with their kids individually and their life as a fa...

Teens and dating is a tough one! But, we can’t think of anyone better to tackle the tough topics…as she’s made a career out of it. We are so grateful for this conversation with our dear friend Paula Faris and the wisdom and honesty and real-ness she brings to the conversation, as she does each and every conversation. We hope this will be a helpful—and fun—listen.

The Paula Faris Show

More episodes you may enjoy:

Ep 176: Parenting Teens & Young Adults with Dave & Julie Hunt...

Amy Fenton is a mom of three amazing kids, an Orange Specialist (an amazing organization that equips and supports churches in their ministry to families), the Executive Director for Orange VBS and a dear friend of both of ours. She has been helping churches and helping kids’ grow and deepen their faith for decades. And we are thrilled to have her back on the podcast this week to continue the conversation on Supporting Your Kids’ Spiritual Development.

Parenting Beyond Your Capacity: Connect Your Family to a Wider Community

NIrV, Adve...

We are so excited to be moving into the spiritual milestones in our Are My Kids on Track Series. In this episode, we get to interview Melissa Trevathan, whom you know from past season of the Raising Boys and Girls podcast and from being our Daystar Counseling Founder and Senior Director. She’s also our resident Bible teacher at Hopetown and the best Bible teacher we know for kids. We are so grateful for Melissa’s wisdom and insight when it comes to the spiritual lives of kids of all ages. We know you’re going to love this episod...

Jemar Tisby has been a 6th grade teacher, middle school principal, now college professor, historian, author, activist, and all around great guy. We were delighted to sit down and learn from the history he has taught and the legacy he has lived for today’s podcast. We have a feeling you will have the same experience: you’ll laugh, cry, learn more about all of the things that bring us together way more than divide us, and hear his heart for both kids and parents in this tumultuous world. Plus, we all talk about losing our biggest fans, our Moms...

Melanie Shankle, who one of your favorites and undoubtedly one of ours, is back on the podcast this week, talking about her amazing new book, Here Be Dragons: Treading the Deep Waters of Motherhood, Mean Girls, and Generational Trauma. You’re going to want to listen to this episode, buy the book, follow along with all she’s doing and especially with The Big Boo Cast! Melanie is wise and hilarious and you will know immediately why she’s our first third time-er.

Past episodes you will love with Melanie:

Ep 50: How to Hel...

Esau McCauley is a professor of New Testament and Public Theology at Wheaton College, as well as the bestselling author of seven books. In this week’s episode, we’re talking about his newest book, How Far to the Promised Land, in which he shares his own story of hope and his family’s legacy. We also dive into his two fantastic children’s books: Andy Johnson and the March for Justice and Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit. Through it all, he shares so much rich truth about what it looks like to advocate for justice and anti-r...

It is a topic more of us need to be talking about, in our own lives. And it’s certainly a topic we need to be helping the kids we love navigate. We were deeply honored to have Annie F. Downs and her remarkable sister, Tatum Green, share their story of loss on this week’s episode. If you’ve suffered loss, we believe this episode will be one that brings you comfort and hope. If you haven’t, it will equip you to walk alongside the people in your life who have. We all need to listen and learn ho...

Boundaries are hard at home. Some kids don’t respect them. Some kids have lots of them. It can be tough to know how to help build healthy boundaries at home. This week, our dear friends and wise co-workers at Daystar, Sherman Bucher and Emma Pasquale are talking about just that. Grab a pen and paper because you’re going to want to take notes on this one!

Grab a copy of Are My Kids on Track? to follow along with us through the season!

Are My Kids on Trac...

Sexual Integrity…sounds like a hard concept to grasp and an even harder concept to teach the kids we love. But our new friend Jim Burns and our long-time friend, Erin Mashaw, have written a book to help us do just that! We’re so excited about this book and about our conversation with Jim and Erin that brings such grace, hope and wisdom to the topic. We can’t wait for you to listen in on this one. 

A Student's Guide to Sexual Integrity: God's Plan for Sex and Your Body (For Ages 10-17 or...

Where do your kids struggle, in regard to boundaries? Your sons? Daughters? When we wrote Are My Kids on Track, one of the things we talked about was how boys struggle in respecting boundaries, whereas girls struggle in setting them. Has that been your experience? What have you found that has helped? In this week’s episode, we talk about both…teaching the kids we love to set and respect boundaries.

Grab a copy of Are My Kids on Track? to follow along with us through the season!

Are My K...