Heavier Things: The Podcast for Parents by Youth Pastors

Mitch and Mike make up for lost time diving into the incredibly difficult task of determining our own values and then speaking those into our children. The guys offer up over an hour of thought provoking dialogue while landing on key thoughts for parents as they speak to their children--from toddlers to teenagers.

The Earth's gravitational pull is particularly strong in this episode as Mitch and Mike both share their frustration with with bullying. From altercations growing up, to shepherding teens and parents through current issues, the guys bring fresh and thoughtful insight to a very real struggle for many children and teens. Covering the whole gambit, our faithful duo works through perceptions, taking a stand, and loving your enemies in one of their best episodes to date.

Two exhausted youth pastors work through the current state of events with the novel coronavirus spreading through the country. Mike's solution is simple: stay home. The guys talk about issues they are facing and tragedy in their state. However, there is a silver lining and there are good things that are coming. Mitch also makes confesses that he is at a place in life where he needs quality underwear and Heinz ketchup.

Mitch and Mike have to work with new technology this week with both doing their best to shelter in place due to the Coronavirus. Mitch shares what he would say to his teenagers if they were able to be in church and Mike explains why he has chosen to stay home as much as possible. From wondering about when life will get back to normal to the start of the NBA playoffs, the guys think through these issues along with the rest of the country.

With the current COVID-19 crisis, Mitch and Mike chose to release their regularly scheduled podcast but intend on recording with the virus in mind very soon. Mitch recounts a disastrous experience trying to buy roller skates and Mike tells us about his first car purchase for the hefty price of $300. They guys think through the difficulty of making the first car purchase for our kids.

Mike reveals that he is in fact the Spring Break vacation expert and gives parents a few tips and ideas about making memories on the cheap. Mitch chips in with a few thoughts and a story of a 14 mile hike with his 9 year old. The memories means so much and the guys encourage parents to take advantage of the time they have.

The two grizzled Student Ministry veterans take parents through the "whys" of summer camp. After a discussion on Mike's auburn mane during his teenage years, Mitch launches into a full blown persuasive podcast on the value of camp and how a week at Campbell University and a golf cart ride with a cute athletic trainer changed him forever...well, sort of. All joking aside, Mitch and Mike walk through the benefits of camp as youth pastors treating the podcast almost like a conversation they wish they could have with parents.

Our fearless duo battles through the sniffles and possibly even the man-flu to bring an episode addressing the fame our students encounter like no generation before them. Which in turn creates issues that no parents before have ever dealt with. Mitch and Mike talk through the basic issues and give parents ideas to stay grounded in their values while not seeming like the curmudgeons--well maybe a little bit like curmudgeons.

The duo is back and getting real on the podcast about the stinky truth regarding finances. While Mitch and Mike seek to give guidance and help to parents, they also realize their own questions with how they spend their money. The guys discuss budgeting, wealth, comparison, generosity, and how to navigate the expensive world of having children and doing their best on a modest income.

Mitch goes turns on his inner Sunday School teacher when thinking through the idea of community from Ecclesiastes. Mike recounts the importance of community in his own life as well as the prowess Terrell Owens as a fantasy receiver. The guys eventually uncover truths and advantages of parenting in community. From being snowed in with friends to making a tough decision for your family, we always seem to do better when we do things together.

Mitch and Mike talk about Christmas at their house and the value of time around the holidays. The guys tell a few old stories and talk about what they are hoping for with their families this Christmas. From riding the Pink Pig to seeing your Uncle Sam with a Christmas tree from the woods behind the house, the guys tell stories and share times in their life everyone is somewhat familiar with hoping to spread a little Christmas cheer and revive a few great memories. Merry Christmas everyone!

In the second part of the first ever DOUBLE FEATURE on the podcast, Mitch finally begins to break down apps that fit into his 'categories' that are potentially more dangerous. Mitch and Mike discuss SnapChat and go on a snapchat tour while recording. With strange and interesting details of certain apps, the guys leave more convinced than ever to have conversations with their kids and to teach them 'survival skills' while online.

Mitch and Mike begin a discussion about social media apps that may be the first of many. Mitch makes Mike "go blind" for Mike's organic response to his assessment of certain apps. Mike reminds us all that he's "nothing if he's not organic." Take a listen as the guys discuss popular apps like Facebook and Instagram.

With their next scheduled podcast due to release on Thanksgiving Day, Mike and Mitch call an audible and talk about family time over Thanksgiving. Mike recounts a 5 hour drive in a Datsun and Mitch takes us to "the pack house." The guys share great memories in hopes that their listeners will recall some of their great Thanksgivings as well. Mike and Mitch talk about what they want their kids to get out of Thanksgiving and the legacy they pass on.

Mitch and Mike turn back the clock remembering the bag phone, Mitch's "brick" and Mike being a "late bloomer."As fun as corded phones and "the children's line" were, the crew laments over the current state of cell phones in the hands of our kids while giving great insight into their world with its benefits and dangers.

Mitch and Mike talk about Halloween traditions in a little bonus episode. Looking back at their own days as a hobo, astronaut, soldier, and racecar driver, the guys talk about new traditions, old school bicycles, and the Switch Witch!

Mike and Mitch take a look at the book "Nothing Less" by Jana Magruder. The two make a "groundbreaking discovery" when it comes to seeing our kids follow Jesus. Mitch affirms his undying love for summer camp and Mike sings "it gets sweeter as the days go by."

The guys discuss different parenting styles after a "volcano" moment for Mike and a possibly negligent moment for Mitch. While letting parents think through their own style, Mitch and Mike dive into the deeper purpose of a parents' style and a parental paradigm worth remembering. Also, Goldfish are apparently bad for your teeth!Mike also recommends iGen by Dr. Jean Twenge.

Mitch aims for "our best episode ever" as Mike recounts seeing Marie Osmond in a different light. The guys eventually land on goals, defining success, things to consider, and ultimately why we need to talk to our children about the birds and the bees.

Veteran Youth Pastors Mitch Norman and Mike Ricks open up their podcast with an unpolished chat about parenting. Beating around the bushes of aircraft carriers, NASCAR, and football practice on Wednesday night, Mitch and Mike share who they are and what their podcast will be about.