Podcasts about teens

What happens when teens can't use social media? They turn podcast comments into group chats. Jordan shares how Spotify became an unexpected gathering place for kids. Plus, a recording glitch leads to a new sync fix in Session, and we debate whether timestamped comments could make podcast conversations more useful.Contact BuzzcastSend us Fan MailTweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, and @JordanPodsThanks for listening and Keep Podcasting!

Our brains go completely WILD when we go through our teenage years. It's a time where it feels like every disagreement with our parents turns into World War III, and every idea that could get us killed sounds like the most fun we could ever have. In this episode, we get into the science of what the brain is doing during the teenage years with clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour. Lisa co-wrote the college textbook “Abnormal Psychology” and was a consultant on Disney's “Inside Out 2.” She takes us deep into the developing brain to explain what makes teens tick. Plus, we talk about mental health, how boys and girls are struggling in different ways, and tips for anyone who has big feelings.   Find our transcript here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceVsTeens Check out Lisa Damour's podcast, Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, here: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GIh790via4L7oGAJ2mz1b  In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Meet Lisa Damour (05:33) The teenage brain (11:20) Big feelings, what they mean, and how to respond  (19:56) The teenage brain and abstract thinking (22:34) Teenagers and risk-taking (29:18) How long does adolescence really last??  (33:47) The different kinds of popularity (41:58) Should we be worried about kids these days? (46:57) How boys are struggling and how can we help (51:49) Oddball questions Credits: This episode was produced by Wendy Zukerman with help from Ekedi Fausther-Keeys, Rose Rimler, Michelle Dang and Meryl Horn. We're edited by Blythe Terrell. Wendy Zukerman is the executive producer. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Video editing and sound design by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bobby Lord, Bumi Hidaka, So Wylie, Emma Munger and Peter Leonard.  Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. You can join us for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We discuss high school drama TV shows and films in light of the genre-breaking, star-birthing teen drama Euphoria. Mark, Lawrence, Sarahlyn and Al touch on Riverdale, Skins, Degrassi, John Hughes films, Buffy, Saved By the Bell, 90210, and many others. How much of the plots are driven by "affluenza?" What do they have to say about friendship? Is there something very white about even shows like Euphoria that have plenty of POC characters? Do the "genre" shows (e.g. The Craft) count? What about anime? Get more at prettymuchpop.com. Get an ad-free experience, plus bonus talking for nearly every episode at patreon.com/prettymuchpop. Sponsor: Get started with Claude AI at claude.ai/pmp.

When was the last time you jumped in a pile of leaves without taking a picture of it? And do you know what not doing this is doing to your nervous system? In this week's episode, Dr. Josh talks about what it means to go analog in a digital world. He covers why our screens have quietly become our masters, what half-attention teaches our kids, and the small two-degree shifts that bring us back to our own soul, our spouse, and our kids. You don't have to get rid of your devices. But you may need to get rid of your vices. Here are some highlights: Anything you can't fast from owns you.Connection comes from small two-degree shifts, not one radical decision.Kids notice your continous partial attention. When they say "look at me," they deserve all of you.Go analog: find what works for you (e.g. no dings, phone stays inside when you play, one screen-free room, one screen-free time of day.)Boredom isn't the enemy. It's where creativity starts.Use screens to create, not just consume.God often speaks in the silence, and our noise can drown Him out.Show Notes: Looking for one-on-one coaching with Dr. Josh to be famous at home? https://www.famousathome.com/individualcoachingMen, sign up for the Living Legacy Cohort. Starts Jan. 2027. Seats are limited. https://www.famousathome.com/menscoaching Looking for a marriage intensive with Famous at Home? Apply now.  https://www.famousathome.com/coaching Get a copy of the Famous at Home book: https://amzn.to/4cm9mRS Follow Josh on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joshua.straub Sign up for our email list and Famous at Home Starter Bundle: https://www.famousathome.com/newsletter*Thank you to Bernhardt Watches for sponsoring this episode! Click here and be sure to use the code FAMOUS at checkout for $100 off your timepiece! https://www.bernhardtwatch.com/

This is the noon All Local for Wednesday, September 30, 2026

https://clearforkacademy.com/teen-php-iop-grapevine/Teens today are getting drug info from social media, not house parties - and with fentanyl-laced substances now a real risk, waiting for one dramatic warning sign could be a costly mistake. So how do you know whether your teen needs IOP or PHP? Clearfork Academy City: Fort Worth Address: 7820 Hanger Cutoff Road Website: https://clearforkacademy.com/ Phone: +1-888-430-5149 Email: info@clearforkacademy.com

Should my PDA child stay in the public school system, move to a private school, or homeschool? There is no single answer, and this episode is not going to give you one. What it is going to give you is a framework for making the decision that fits your child, your constraints, and this specific season of your family.In this episode I walk through all five characteristics of PDA as they play out in a school or home setting, then move into the three schooling scenarios I see families navigate most: staying in the public school system and advocating for accommodations, finding a private school that is structurally more aligned with a PDA nervous system, and pulling your child out entirely to unschool, deschool, or homeschool. For each one I share what to watch for, what has worked for the families I have coached, and how to use the cost-benefit framework to make and hold a decision even when it is hard.Key Takeaways Why Traditional School Is Structurally Activating and What That Looks Like | 00:01:42 Traditional schools are designed to standardize: every child doing the same thing at the same time in the same way. For a PDA nervous system, that structure produces continuous perceived losses of autonomy, and the behavioral expression of that activation, whether it is equalizing behavior in the classroom or a collapse at home after a day of masking, is what most families are already living with when they find me. What I want parents to understand is that the equalizing and collapse is not defiance. It is not willfulness. It is a nervous system doing exactly what it is wired to do when it perceives repeated losses of autonomy and equality. Advocating in the Public School System: Be Strategic, Not Educational | 00:33:27 When advocating for a PDA child in a US public school, leading with the PDA label rarely works. I give families permission to describe their child as high functioning autistic with severe anxiety or a nervous system disability, using language that the people in the room already have a framework for. From there, the most effective tool is the PLATO nonviolent communication framework: making one specific, granular request that includes a person, location, action, time, and object, so the school can only say yes, no, or propose an alternative. Each answer is data, not a defeat. What to Look for in a Private School and Which Models Have Worked | 00:42:38 The question I ask every private school when evaluating fit is: does every child have to do the same thing at the same time in the same way? The models that have worked most consistently for families I have coached are Montessori and Reggio Emilia for their mixed-age classrooms, built-in choice, and absence of homework and grades; Sudbury Democratic Schools for their consent-based, student-governed structure; and trauma-informed schools that do not default to exposure as the primary intervention for anxiety. Even within the public system, some charter schools and schools of choice have been workable when a parent has been able to build a genuine relationship with specific staff. Unschooling Is Not Independent Play: The Four Regulating States | 00:53:59 The most common mistake families make when they begin unschooling is assuming the child will go off and self-direct once the external structure is removed. What I observe is that PDA children need nervous system scaffolding to engage with anything. The four regulating states that help during this period are screens, another safe nervous system offering undivided attention, special interest or flow, and dopamine-intense or sensory-seeking activity. If a child is in burnout, they may only be able to access two of these. Starting there, without expectation or timeline, is the beginning of recovery, not a sign that unschooling is failing. Strewing, Declarative Language, and Letting Go of the Timeline | 00:54:42 The three tools I return to most consistently with unschooling families are strewing, declarative language, and releasing the timeline. Strewing means leaving things out in the environment that the child can engage with or not, without expectation. Declarative language replaces direct questions and imperatives with observational statements so the child retains autonomy over whether and how to engage. And letting go of the timeline is the hardest but most necessary piece, because a parent's urgency about reading, socialization, or catching up is itself perceived by the PDA nervous system as an agenda, which activates the very resistance we are trying to reduce.Relevant Resources Paradigm Shift Program — My signature program where the five-characteristic framework, cost-benefit decision making, the PLATO advocacy tool, and the full unschooling and accommodation approach described in this episode are taught across twelve weeks of live coaching.Mentioned in this episode:Free Live WorkshopI'm offering a free live workshop this month: "Supporting your PDA child or teen through burnout without breaking yourself in the process."Free Live Workshop Registration

Bible studies of all kinds are a cornerstone of many Christians' personal faith practices. Whether you're walking through a book of the Bible, reflecting on a devotional, or going deeper into Sunday's sermon, the right study can help you connect with God in meaningful ways beyond your daily prayers.And while there are plenty of ways to study the Bible on your own, there's something special about learning alongside other believers.However, group Bible studies aren't ideal for everyone or every situation! Many people find it difficult to open up in larger groups, and it can be challenging for everyone to have a chance to share during a bigger discussion. On top of that, larger group Bible studies don't always have the capacity to address the nuances of each person's unique situation and needs.This is exactly why I'm excited to have two special guests joining me for this episode's conversation.Debby Gossett and Eileen De Sando are here to tell us about what's known as a One-On-One Bible Study. The personalization, sense of safety, and trust built through this type of study have been invaluable to Debby and Eileen as they've grown in both their faith and their individual life journeys.In this episode, you'll hear:What a One-On-One Bible Study looks likeThe benefits of this form of studyWhat it takes to lead an effective One-On-One StudyAnd more!Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes: jillsavage.org/de-sando-gossett-317Text us or leave a voicemail!Check out our other resources:Mark and Jill's Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources:Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You're the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources:New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest Moms

How teens can avoid falling for social media content that's harmful. Then, we meet an Oakland artist turned farmer. 

How teens can avoid falling for social media content that's harmful. 

Building Resilient Teens: 4 Lessons From an Oak TreeSome trees fall over in a light breeze. Others stand through tornadoes. The difference is underground, and it's the same thing that separates teens who get knocked over by peer pressure and setbacks from the ones who stand strong.When we lived in Phoenix, the smallest gust of wind would knock trees flat. Their roots stayed near the surface chasing water and never went deep enough to hold. In Oklahoma, where I grew up, the oaks stand through straight-line winds and tornadoes.On a walk this week I started thinking about oak trees, and how much they can teach teenagers (and the rest of us) about resilience and growth. Here are the four lessons:Dig your roots deep. Decide your values and standards before the wind comes. When your foundation is set, peer pressure, temptation, and other people's opinions can't uproot you.Bend, don't break. The roots hold the tree steady while the branches move with the wind. Never adapt your values, but be willing to adapt your approach. There's rarely one right way. Ask yourself: what's the next best thing I can do?Lose your leaves. This year I cut too many branches off the tree in our backyard and shocked it. It started dropping leaves everywhere to protect its base. Growth asks you to let go too: of some friendships, habits, or environments. You have to let go so you can grow.Ask for support. When we plant a new tree, we stake it with rebar and rope so it grows straight while its roots take hold. Asking for help gets harder when you're a teenager building your own identity, and it doesn't get easier as an adult. But you aren't meant to do this alone. Your circle doesn't just raise your ceiling. It raises your floor. And sometimes you need to find a new circle.Whether you're a teenager, a student leader, a parent, or an entrepreneur, nature has a lot to teach us about growing strong enough for the real storms.Which of the four do you need most right now? Tell me on Instagram. I'd love to support you.Do the three S's:Subscribe wherever you're listeningShare this with one other personStars - leave a five-star rating. It helps more than you know.Go find your one second of strength — and be happy.

When a teen gets defiant or starts with the back talk, most of us push harder. More rules, louder voice, fewer explanations. And the harder we push, the further they pull away or shut down completely. José Rolón, known as NYC Gay Dad, raised his son and twin daughters as a single dad for ten years. He's the first LGBTQ dad on the cover of Parents Latina and co-host of the Love Take Two podcast, and he shares how he stays strict and fair without the yelling.   IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN HOW TO: Find the one setting where a teen who won't talk finally opens up Understand the real reason your disrespectful teen goes from 0 to 100 Know what to say instead of "because I said so" when defiance hits Use the one thing that earns your teen's respect faster than stricter rules   RESOURCES MENTIONED José Rolón, @NYCGayDad  Love Take Two podcast   The Parenting Teens Academy The challenges we cover in this episode aren't happening in just one house. It's the exact thing we're talking about inside the Parenting Teens Academy, right now. The Academy is a membership where you get direct answers from Dr. Cam when something blows up in real time, plus a step-by-step plan to adapt your parenting approach to work with your teen's brain, not against it. The best part, you have the comfort knowing you're not doing this alone anymore. The Parenting Teens Academy is full of supportive parents cheering each other on. Parents inside go from walking on eggshells to actually enjoying their teen again.

Send us Fan MailEmail Lennie at lennielawson2020@gmail.com

"We have vastly overprotected our children in the real world. We have to give them more freedom."  —Jonathan Haidt Summary How much freedom should you give your children—and how do you know when they're ready for more? In this episode, we explore one of parenting's challenging balancing acts: offering children room to grow while providing the guidance and security they still need. Through the relatable picture of teaching a child to swim or drive, we consider why freedom is an art, not a formula, and why every child may need something different. We will tell you some stories from our own experience of our kids' small failures which become valuable preparation for bigger decisions.  We will also explain the danger of parents giving too much freedom too early and too little freedom later and why a strong relationship makes wise boundaries easier to receive. If you want to raise responsible, confident young adults while remaining a trusted and loving guide, listen in to this conversation to get some encouragement for your journey. Key Points Children need different levels of freedom depending on their maturity and readiness. Small failures help children develop the wisdom to handle bigger decisions later. Children thrive when parents combine loving relationships with confident, trustworthy guidance. Practice giving children freedom in areas of time management, social relationships, money and technology  Couple Discussion Questions How did our parents give us freedom to make choices growing up?  Do we think they gave us too much or too little?    Where can we give our children more freedom?

Power of Praying Scriptures over your Marriage: Special Patreon Release with Jodie Berndt   1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NIV) "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you."   *Transcription Below*   Jodie Berndt is bestselling author of the Praying the Scriptures book series, which includes volumes for Children, Teens, Adult Children, and Life, plus the new Praying the Scriptures for Your Marriage (2023). Jodie has been a trusted speaker, Bible teacher, and prayer warrior for over thirty years. She and her husband, Robbie, have four married children, and they live in Virginia Beach, Virginia.   Connect with Jodie through her website or Instagram.   Questions and Topics We Discuss: What are some ancient truths from Scripture that stand out to you, specifically as it relates to marriage? Will you share a few of the helpful questions for couples that you write in the book? How have you seen kindness open the door to changes in a marriage?   Thank You to Our Sponsors: Chick-fil-A East Peoria and The Savvy Sauce Charities (and donate online here)   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website   Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”   Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”   Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”   Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”   John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:10 - 2:47) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   I want to say a huge thank you to today's sponsors for this episode, Chick-fil-A East Peoria and Savvy Sauce Charities.   If this is your first time here, welcome! You may be wondering what it means to have a special Patreon release. So, here's the scoop. Patreon was a platform we used to generate financial support for The Savvy Sauce, and we expressed our thanks to those paying patrons by giving them a bonus episode every month. But, in 2024, we transitioned away from Patreon when we became a non-profit called Savvy Sauce Charities. The podcast is part of this non-profit, which exists to resource loved ones to inspire growth and intimacy with God and others.   So, people used to pay to support us through Patreon, but now they can just donate directly to our non-profit. We spend thousands of dollars each year to record and produce these episodes, and we do pray that they're beneficial and that God sees fit to use them to be transformational in your life. If that is the case, if you have ever benefited from an episode of The Savvy Sauce, would you consider showing your gratitude through your financial generosity? Any amount is greatly appreciated. In fact, if every listener gave only $1 per month, it would completely offset our costs. We have all the details on our website, thesavvysauce.com, but feel free to also reach out to our team anytime if you want to partner together. Our email address is info@thesavvysauce.com.   And now I'm pleased to share this episode with you that used to only be available to paying patrons. Jodie Berndt is my guest today. She is the bestselling author of the Praying the Scriptures book series, and today we're going to focus on the powerful way to pray the scriptures for our marriage. And I just want to give you a heads up that you may hear a lot of airplanes in the background during our conversation, but I hope it doesn't take away from all the goodness Jodie is about to share. Here's our chat.   Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Jodie.   Jodie Berndt: (2:49 - 2:53) Laura, thank you. It is just a huge treat to be able to chat with you today.   Laura Dugger: (2:54 - 2:59) Well, will you begin by just first telling us a bit about yourself and the work that you get to do?   Jodie Berndt: (3:01 - 4:19) Sure. Yes. Well, like you, I have four children. Mine are grown now, though. I have three daughters and then a son at the end, and they're all adults and married and having kids of their own. I met my husband back when we were in college. We both went to the University of Virginia and got married right after college, kind of jumped into the whole marriage and family thing. By today's standards, it seems ridiculously young. I look back and I think I don't know what we were thinking. But as Robbie, my husband says, when you meet the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, you want the rest of your life to start right now. And I think we both kind of felt that way. And so, we've been married now, I guess, nearly 38 years.   Your listeners may know that I write books. I write the Praying the Scriptures books. I've done others as well. But those are the ones that I am primarily focused on now. Praying the Scriptures for Your Children, your teens, your adult children, your life, because we needed ourselves too. And then most recently, Praying the Scriptures for Your Marriage. So, I never set out to become a prayer writer or even a book writer. But golly, I have realized the power of prayer and my desperate need for God's help in all things. So, I think it sort of fell backwards into it. And it's been a fun journey.   Laura Dugger: (4:20 - 4:37) Well, and I first encountered that book that you mentioned, Praying the Scriptures for Your Children, when I was a new mom, and it was so powerful. So, when you look back to that one, what are some of the stories or takeaways that really stand out from that resource?   Jodie Berndt: (4:38 - 9:31) Oh, gosh. Well, thank you for asking about that one. That was a book that was sort of born, as I said, out of my own need for the Lord, because nothing reveals your flaws and inadequacies and need for help beyond yourself as much as having children does. At least for me, that was the case. I'd grown up in a Christian home. Prayer was a natural part of life for me but not sort of the specific intentional prayers and not praying the scriptures.   And for anybody who doesn't know what that means, it just means taking the words that we read in the Bible, the things that God actually says to us there and using them to shape how we think about things, how we long for things, kind of creating our desires as based on what we read and then animating our prayers so that, as Jesus says in John 15, he looks at his disciples, he's getting ready to go to the cross, and you think of all the things he could have talked about. He chose to drill down on staying connected to him primarily through our prayers. He says, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you." And then he explains why. He says, "This is to my Father's glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."   And I think I read that chapter in those specific verses, probably a hundred times over my life without fully comprehending what he was talking about there. And I think what he's talking about is that as we abide in him, as we remain in him, as we stay connected day in and day out, whether we're doing the laundry or running a carpool or anything else, we can allow the things we read in the Bible to shape our thoughts, shape our longings, and then give voice to our prayers. And when we do that, that really is the secret to living a difference-making, transformational, impactful life, to bearing fruit.   I loved being able to kind of look back over a 20-year history. And the stories in that book, in all my books, are real-life people who have real-life struggles and real-life prayers. And some of them have very happy endings. Some of them are still being played out. All of them represent times when we're having to trust God. And as I looked back over 20 years of praying parents and watched these families, where when I first was interviewing the mom or the dad, their kids might be five or seven or ten years old. And now, you know, these kids are in their 30s, some of them. And I'm like, wow, God, you know, it's like watching hair grow sometimes when we're praying and we don't see the needle moving. But with the perspective of history and time, you can see how God works. And so that was a huge blessing to me that I didn't expect when I went back and re-read the book and updated the book to be able to see what God has done.   And one particular chapter that I loved in that book was the chapter on praying for your child to promote God's kingdom. And there's a story in there about two little second grade boys, Brandon and Eddie. And I was part of a moms in prayer group at the time. And we were praying a verse, Ephesians 5:16, that our kids would make the most of every opportunity, that they would be wise in the way they live. We really didn't know how God would answer that prayer. But what parent doesn't want their child to be wise in the way they live and to make the most of the opportunities? Well, sure enough, we prayed that prayer. And two weeks later, one of the moms in our group came in and told the most jaw-droppingly beautiful story of how her son, a second grader, as part of an in-class assignment, had chosen to write a persuasive essay. And you can imagine what a second-grade essay looks like. But most of the kids in the class thought, I'm going to persuade my grandmother to give me a bicycle or I'm going to persuade my mom to let me stay up late and watch a TV show, whatever it is. This child chose to write to one of his classmates, who had been known as a real troublemaker in that class and in the school, about why he should accept Jesus as the Lord of his life. And he put these 10 points, things like, you know, God loves you. Jesus loves you. You can have anything you want in heaven. Just is a second grader's viewpoint. And I'm telling you what, I did that interview and wrote that story 20 some years ago. And still today, as I look back on that child and again, getting to watch him grow up, he's now a father with children of his own. And seeing how God has worked in that child's life in answer to that Ephesians 5 prayer that our child will be wise, making the most of every opportunity. I'm just dumbfounded. First, by how God answered that in a second grader's life and how he's continued to have the answer to that prayer unfold over this young man's life as he's grown. It's just we never can know when we pray what God will do.   Laura Dugger: (9:33 - 9:53) Absolutely. Because the fruit looks so different than the seed. And that's incredible to have that gift of perspective. But now with your newest title, Praying the Scriptures for Your Marriage, first of all, how do you even respond to someone if they ask you, why does prayer matter in marriage?   Jodie Berndt: (9:54 - 12:29) Yeah, well, that's actually a question that I get more than you would think. And especially from people who aren't super comfortable praying. Because a lot of us, even if we've grown up in church-going Christian homes, the idea of praying with our spouse just might not come naturally. And even for Robbie and me. But I'll tell you one of the reasons we want to do it is because prayer really does matter. As I jumped into writing this book, I started doing some research and secular research points to all of these benefits that it reinforces the idea of prayer does that you're on the same team. Psychologists have found that prayer increases a sense of satisfaction in your relationship. It heightens your own sense of emotional well-being. If you're mad, it gives you a chance to calm down. It can lower your blood pressure. And there have even been studies done that shows that when couples pray together, it even leads to better sex. And so, you get all of these things that are completely separate from maybe the spiritual side of why God would want us to pray. This is just the secular research.   But when you take it a step further and look at why God wants us to pray, oh, my goodness. You know, it opens the door to intimacy, both with ourselves and with the Lord, because honestly, it's being vulnerable, isn't it? When we pray, you know, that is asking God for help. That's acknowledging our dependence on him, admitting we can't always be kind or selfless or forgiving on our own. And, you know, I don't know any husbands or wives who can do those things because we're all inherently flawed. We're broken. We're selfish people. And we can kind of start to shrivel up under what pressure to just get it all right, you know, to be a good wife, to be a good husband. And we can feel like we're failing. And yet, when we realize that through prayer, we've got this vehicle of inviting God into the mix, into our relationship, of letting the Holy Spirit step in and do the things that only he can do to work in us, giving us, as Philippians 2:13 says, the desire and the power to do what pleases God. I mean, that just changes the equation. It removes the burden from our shoulders of trying to build a strong marriage or be a good husband or wife. And just says, God, you know what? I can't do this on my own. I need you. Our marriage needs you. And that just opens up the runway, I think, for us in marriages and really gives us a new intimacy and a new confidence in our relationships.   Laura Dugger: (12:30 - 12:45) Well, and Jodie, you did so much research on marriages in preparation for this book. So, what are some of the ancient truths from Scripture that stand out to you specifically as it relates to marriage?   Jodie Berndt: (12:45 - 16:24) I'll tell you, an ancient truth that runs throughout Scripture is God's desire for us to talk to him about all of the details of our lives. There's nothing too big or nothing too small for him to care about. And I know you shared with me that you loved the Isaiah 7:11 verse in The Message translation, which is when Ahaz and the Lord are talking together. And God says, ask anything, you know, be extravagant, ask for the moon. And that's God's invitation to us to ask big. But there are also verses in Scripture where it says, you know, he delights in the details of our lives. He bends down to listen. So, we really can talk to him about the smallest things.   And I'll tell you, in terms of what you term ancient truths, I would say, and your listeners, I'm sure, know this, that the Bible is kind of one big story of God's love for us. And the covenant of marriage really is designed to reflect that. You know, we say this in our marriage vows, but I've yet to meet a bride or groom who really knows what they're talking about when they say those vows. I know for Robbie and me, we were just starry eyed and in love and speaking these vows without even really thinking what it would mean for better, for worse, you know, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish all of those things. But I'll tell you what, marriage gives us a chance to live out the gospel every day in a million little ways.   I love what Tim Keller says about the gospel. He says the gospel is this. It's that we are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe. And yet at the very same time, we are more loved and accepted in Jesus than we ever dared hope. And, you know, isn't that a picture of marriage? Because nothing reveals our flaws and our sins as much as taking two inherently selfish people and bringing them into close proximity with each other day in and day out. We are going to love against each other. We're going to be aware of our brokenness. Nobody knows my weak points as much as my husband. Nobody knows his as much as I do. So, we're so aware that we're flawed. And yet within the covenant of our marriage, we can honestly say, OK, we are more loved and accepted than we ever dared hope as we do what Christ did and give ourselves up for one another.   Ephesians 5, it's that classic New Testament passage about how human relationships are supposed to work. And Paul starts out, he says, Ephesians 5:2, "Walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." And you may blow by a verse like that because it sounds very theological and holy. And you think, OK, what does that really mean in my human relationships? And more specifically, what does that mean for our marriage? OK, walking in love, giving yourself up. It could be something as simple as getting out of bed to let the dog out so that your husband or your wife can sleep in. It may be going to the in-laws for dinner when everything in us wants to stay home because we know that's what our spouse longs to do. Anytime we choose to put our partner's needs and desires ahead of our own, that's partaking of the gospel. That is giving ourselves up for them as Jesus gave himself up for us. Even as we do that in the little decisions of our lives every day, we get to live out that gospel. And what a beautiful opportunity. So, if I had to take one ancient truth from all of scripture, it would be that the Bible is one big love story of God's love for us. And in our marriages every day, we can live that out in a million little decisions.   Laura Dugger: (16:26 - 16:50) Well, in your book, you open up about your journey of learning to listen to your husband instead of interrupting him. Oh, yeah. And just a crazy side note. I'm just going to quote you here where you write, the average person pays attention for about eight seconds and can only go 17 seconds before interrupting someone. 17 seconds.   Jodie Berndt: (16:50 - 19:53) Yes. I mean, I read that in my research. I think that was out of Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I think was the source there. But when I read that, I thought, oh, my goodness. A, that makes me just mortified. But B, it makes me feel better about myself because I am an interrupter. I always think that I have the answer, the solution or something that's going to be really either interesting to say or solving to say whatever it is. And I had to learn to give my husband space to speak because like a lot of men, I think he's not super verbose. He's not going to be letting his words tumble out. And so, I have to give space and time in our conversations for him to be able to get his words together instead of just leaping to a conclusion and saying, I know exactly what you mean or stepping in and trying to finish his sentence because he may have something that he's concerned about or worried about.   You know, I tell a story in the book, too, where when we taught a marriage class, we had to rate each other on all kinds of things, 20 different topics on a scale of like zero to four. I think it was. And he gave me a zero in meeting his emotional needs. And I thought zero, but that's not fair. I didn't even know you had emotional needs because you are such a steady, reliable, non-mercurial person. And I realized just because he's steady and not all over the map, doesn't mean he doesn't have fears and worries and concerns and emotional needs just like I do. I had to learn to kind of let him express those. And for his part, he had to learn to let me speak without immediately jumping in and wanting to fix something. I think men, a lot of our husbands are natural fixers. They love us. They want to solve our problems. They want to help us analyze what's wrong. And there have been times where I have had to just look at Robbie, sometimes even take a space in my hands and say, OK, I just want to tell you something. And I don't need you right off the bat to fix it. I just need to be heard. I need to know that you understand. So, will you just listen without trying to solve or analyze or fix and let me express myself, communicate? And that's been a really good listening tool. So so, between me trying to interrupt and him trying to solve and fix, we have really had to learn some some tools and some strategies that we talk about in the book for becoming better listeners.   And I think it only makes sense, right? We are not ever taught to listen or taught to speak. I've got grandchildren here and it's really fun to watch them at age one and two and three learn to mimic what we say when we say, can you say yes, please? Can you say, you know, I love you. And it's delightful to watch our children learn to form words. But nobody ever says to us, OK, let me teach you to listen. Let me teach you to wait. Let me teach you to reflect. Let me teach you to ask questions to help you understand more. All of those things may not come naturally to us. And so, there are things we have to be intentional in marriage and in every relationship about learning.   Laura Dugger: (19:54 - 20:07) Well, are there any of those game changing tools that you would like to elaborate on if someone really hasn't been trained to learn how to listen? Well, what has helped you and Robbie really listen and love?   Jodie Berndt: (20:07 - 22:13) Yeah, well, me not. Number one, expecting him to be a mind reader. I think sometimes we girls, because we intuit things, we think, oh, surely he'll pick this up. And I've had to learn that I need to really be clear in my communication. And just like I said earlier, you know, if I just want him to listen without fixing, I need to say that. And we've also had to learn things like I think sometimes listeners can try to reassure other people. We can minimize the problem saying, oh, it's going to be all right. You know, don't worry. That happened to me once, too. And while we might think we're doing someone a favor by that, what we're really doing is undermining their need to express themselves, to be heard, to say they really are afraid or concerned.   And so, I think a good listener doesn't just jump in immediately with the reassurance or another bad habit is deflecting, you know, saying, oh, yeah, that reminds me of the time I. And we think, oh, good, we're going to take their mind off the problem by telling them another story. And no, they don't maybe need to have their mind taken off it right then. What they might need right then is to know that they're being heard. Or even another bad habit that we had to learn to avoid is intellectualizing something or explaining something. You know, well, the reason it didn't go well for you at work today, honey, is that you probably started by just saying exactly what you felt without giving everybody else in the room a chance to speak or whatever it is. You know, we're going in trying to armchair quarterback our spouse's life by explaining and intellectualizing when, again, they just need to know we're listening, we're hearing, we're willing to be sympathetic and empathize, and we're willing to pray. And we don't have to have the answers.   We can say, gosh, that must be hard. You know, why don't we just stop right now and just say, God, we don't know what to do here. Just like Jehoshaphat had said, you know, he was facing vast armies. He said, God, I don't know what to do. We don't know what to do. But our eyes are on you. And we can say that in our marriage saying, I don't know how to help my spouse. We don't know what to do about this. But God, we're inviting you into this mix. And that's what a good listener can sound like. Sometimes you don't have to have all the answers.   Laura Dugger: (22:14 - 22:36) And I would even add, I guess it's part of the hope of this podcast, even, to ask really great questions. And our tagline is Practical Chats for Intentional Living. And the hope is that anyone listening would be inspired to also ask great questions and have their own practical chats for intentional living.   Jodie Berndt: (22:36 - 25:28) Yes, I love that you bring that up. Because in the book, there are questions at the end of every chapter. I didn't start out to write Praying the Scriptures for Your Marriage. But after these other four books came out, I kept hearing from people on Instagram or via my website saying, when are you going to write something about marriage? You know, I'm in this most important human relationship. And we are grating against each other. You know, we need God's help when it comes to knowing how to handle conflict, how to handle our finances, time with our in-laws, intimacy issues, or learning, as you and I have been talking here, how to talk well, how to listen well, how to communicate, how to make friends. You'd think that would come naturally, but sometimes it doesn't. And couples struggle to find people that they want to do life with.   So, all of these things, leaving our legacy, parenting, are things marriages want God to be involved in. And so, these are what the different chapters, the topics. And at the end of each one, there are questions that we can ask our spouse. You know, hit the pause button and say, you know, say it's the chapter on having fun together. We might get to the end of that chapter and say, what's something you'd like to do that might surprise me? Because we don't always know what our spouse's idea of relaxation or fun or laughter would look like. And so, the questions in there are designed to elicit conversation. And you know what? If your spouse isn't interested in talking to you about any of those things, you can talk to the Lord about them. You can open your journal, and you can just write things out. You can listen to God. So, the discussion starters are in there for husbands and wives to use together or for you to use in your own quiet times with the Lord.   And I'll tell you, this is the only book in the series that Robbie has really written with me. He read every word of every chapter before I would send it off to the editor. And time and again, he would come back to me, and he would say, Jodie, I don't think a husband's going to really know what you mean by that. Or I don't think you have dug deep enough on this one or been as helpful as you might be on that one. And that made it hard. I mean, talk about a chance to have conflict with your spouse, invite them to edit your book. But it was so valuable because it has created a resource where I think a wife might buy the book. But I really do think a husband now might be willing to pick up the book. And even if the husband's not digging deep into the stories of every chapter, any husband or any wife can pick it up. Pray the 10 or 12 verses at the end of each chapter or just pray one verse that seems to resonate. And then avail themselves of those discussion questions and conversation starters so that it can help communication both between husband and wife and between you and God. So, thank you for bringing up that part about questions, because that really is something we need to do more about in life. We can't ever know someone without asking those things.   Laura Dugger: (25:29 - 26:18) I agree. And so, we've covered now how listening is that one important ingredient in communication. But in addition, you write, it is still important to stay current with our spouse by also talking and sharing what's going on within and around us. And you write on page 49, The things we don't say can become wedges in our relationships. Communication involves two parts, talking and listening, and we need to be good at both. And Jodie, I think that you model a helpful way to think about this through something that you taught your children. So, will you share that illustration of serving the ball and hitting it back and how that applies to conversation?   Jodie Berndt: (26:18 - 29:16) That's so funny that you pulled that out. And its funny right now because I just read that in a very important intellectual article that showed up in my inbox from one of these institutes. I follow on family studies and different things. I thought that Robbie and I had invented this idea of serving the ball. Our son was an athlete and not much of a talker. And because he was an athlete all year round, he would go to different tournaments, different places. And I remember him being a young teen and not being super eager to engage in conversation. But because we had four kids and you can relate to this, we were not always taking our kids to all the different tournaments and activities. A lot of times they'd be riding in a car with another adult, another team dad or mom. And on one occasion, I remember popping him in the car with a friend of ours who was going to go meet a lacrosse team, you know, another state away. And we knew he'd be in the car for three or four hours. And we said, OK, you know, when Mr. So-and-so asks you a question, you can't just answer with one word, you know, like I'm good or yes, sir. We want you to hit the ball back. We want you to think of something that you can ask him. Think of a conversation. That's our son's name. We said, like you're in a game where the ball has to go back and forth, like say something to keep it in play. And for him, that was a real eye opener for how to learn to talk when he mostly knew how to hit balls back and forth.   And researchers noticed that couples who paid that attention, you know, if a spouse, if a husband said, hey, look at that bird. Isn't that a pretty bird? If the wife didn't even notice the bird, that planted a seed of contempt or indifference, coldness, the cold shoulder that could grow, whereas if the partner said, wow, gosh, that is a pretty bird, and, you know, that reminds me of the one we saw last week on our walk, and, I mean, that's a silly illustration, maybe noticing the bird, maybe it's a sunset, maybe it's saying, wow, this, you know, hamburger is really good, whatever it is, whatever the little tidbits of conversation, when we pick up, when we hit the ball back, when we pay attention and say, you know, yeah, that creates an interest in our spouse and a kindness.   Laura Dugger: (29:17 - 35:00) And now a brief message from our sponsor.   Did you know you can go to college tuition-free just by being a team member at Chick-fil-A East Peoria? Free college education. All Chick-fil-A East Peoria team members in good standing can take advantage of this incredible benefit. If you're looking for a workplace that invests in your future, Chick-fil-A East Peoria is the place for you. You don't have to go into debt for college. Visit Chick-fil-A.com/EastPeoria and click on the career tab. And if you aren't located near Chick-fil-A East Peoria, make sure you check with your local Chick-fil-A restaurant to see if they also participate.   Jodie Berndt: And I'll tell you, when I started doing the kindness research, I said to Robbie, do you think some people are just more naturally kind than others? And he said, yeah, I do. I think some people are just naturally more kind. And I think he's right, but I don't think you put a period there, because kindness is a fruit of the Spirit, right? Galatians 5:22 and 23, it does talk about how love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness is what the Holy Spirit does in our lives. And researchers have found that kindness actually works with them like a muscle. It gets stronger in our lives the more we commit to using it. And I love what folks at the National Marriage Project discovered. They discovered that when we are kind to our spouse with these simple things, you know, bringing them a cup of coffee in the morning, it doesn't even have to be super important, that creates an atmosphere in which generosity toward one another can flourish. And what it does is create an upward spiral. You know, we all talk about downward spirals and how we can just descend into contempt or coldness. We can also ascend. We can create that upward spiral through simple, small words and gestures that communicate kindness in marriage. And it can change the whole climate and allow intimacy and love to flourish.   And I will tell you what, Robbie and I are in the empty nest years, and we have friends who are in our same season, and a couple of couples in particular. For the last maybe four or five years have confided to us that they're not as kind to one another as they would like to be. Their marriage is strong. They're not getting a divorce, but their kids are raised, and they each have kind of their own lanes they're in, and they're in the empty nest, and they're recognizing that they just don't treat each other with the generosity and love in their words and in their actions that maybe they did when they were younger. And you would say, oh, what a shame. Except that it's not a shame because these couples have committed to praying about it and to inviting other couples who will keep that confidential into their lives to say, hey, will you pray this for us? And I will tell you what, we are seeing the needle move in our friends' lives. It is a beautiful thing to watch someone in their 60s who thinks, you know what, I'm just not that kind, actually begin to soften and change and be kind as the Holy Spirit goes to work. So, if you're listening and you're thinking, you know what, I'm just not that nice of a person. I'm just not that kind. Or my spouse, they've been kind of cool or cold all these years. Don't give up. Keep praying. Keep trying. Keep relying on the Holy Spirit. Invite other couples into the mix who can come alongside you and pray for you and even maybe hold you a little accountable saying, okay, you know, that word was maybe harsher than it needed to be. And watch what God can do. Kindness really matters.   Laura Dugger: (45:06 - 45:45) Yes, it does. And my husband, Mark, and I love to ask questions of couples who are in the next season of life. So, we have some friends at church who are empty nesters, and we've asked them similar questions around kindness. And it was really helpful that they said what really enhanced their marital satisfaction and enjoyment of one another in those years was their tone. And I thought that was a really practical application, just to be mindful of our tone. At any season, I think of us raising little ones as well to watch our tone with our kids and our spouse.   Jodie Berndt: (45:46 - 46:16) Yeah, absolutely. And even when we speak in a tone that might, you know, I believe me, can blurt something out and it comes out sounding snippier than I meant. And I have to recognize that and say, I know that came out like I was challenging you or that I was correcting you or whatever. I didn't mean it that way. That was a genuine question of, you know, do you think we should do this or that? And I'm sorry it sounded snippy. So, we have to be aware. And when those things slip out to quickly correct that and say, gosh, sorry, let me try that again.   Laura Dugger: (46:17 - 46:38) Yeah. And I guess it's reminded me of one other quote that was really helpful. On page 63, you shared that one husband was giving a really practical definition for respect. And he said, respect looks like paying attention when I am talking, even if you have better things to do.   Jodie Berndt: (46:39 - 48:11) Yeah, I remember that couple. And I'll tell you, this was a great illustration. I'm glad you brought that one up because this is a wife who loved her husband deeply, respected what he did, said good things about him publicly and in front of people. And she would think, well, so of course he knows I respect him. Like I just praised him in front of our small group, or I just told him what a great job I thought he did on that presentation or whatever he told me about from work. And she thought, so of course he knows I respect him, but he's watching their day in, day out encounters and realizing that like so many women, you know, we do five things, 10 things at once. And he's thinking, I don't even think you're paying attention to me because I'm over here talking and you know, you're cooking the dinner or checking something on your phone or whatever. And you're listening with kind of half an ear. And she had to learn that to him, respect meant stop what you're doing and pay attention to me. And of course we can't do that all the time. Like especially if we've got little kids and they're grabbing our legs and stuff, we might have to say, hold on. I really want to pay attention to what you're saying. Can you give me five minutes to, you know, get the child settled with a coloring book or put the baby to bed or get some food in this toddler, whatever it is, because this is important to me. And I want to pay attention. So sometimes when an important need for respect is, is happening, we have to just set the stage to reassure our partner that yeah, I love you. I want to listen. I want to pay attention. I want to respect you. Let me set it up so I can do that really well. So yeah, good one.   Laura Dugger: (48:12 - 48:17) Well, do you have any other favorite stories or lessons that stand out from your book?   Jodie Berndt: (48:18 - 51:06) Well, I think a big takeaway for me is the importance of community kind of at every stage. You know, the Bible says walk with the wise and become wise for a companion of fools suffers harm. You know, that's a proverb. And I think it's really true that we need to be intentional about who we surround ourselves with. Certainly, as we're starting out young in our marriages, there's going to be adjustment phases. Even the most well-suited couples come from two different families. And as we're trying to blend our expectations, our needs, our desires, our histories, they're going to be bumps along the way. And you want to be surrounded with couples who will be able to almost laugh with you and say, yeah, you know, we had that too. And let me just tell you, here's how we navigated that. Instead of somebody who will say, oh my gosh, my husband drives me just as crazy. Like literally, I had a running group one time where I realized that there was a lot of husband bashing going on in the early morning hours as we would get out on the street, you know, before the kids went to school. And I thought this isn't really healthy. We need to change the channel on this conversation. And so, you know, and sometimes that was doable by simply changing the topic of conversation or saying something positive or just saying, “Hey, let's all list three things we're grateful about, about our spouse.”   But I think how we surround ourselves with couples really makes a difference also in the empty nest years. And I think our friendships change. Robbie and I have had friends change significantly many times over the years. Sure. There are those people that we can look back on college roommates that we're still in touch with, and that's wonderful. But we have had cross country moves four times. We have had different seasons with our kids where all of our friends might be the ones we're on the bleachers with because we are seeing them two and three times a week and traveling on the weekends to games and things like that. And now we're in the empty nest years and our friends are starting to go visit grandkids. They are in retirement, some of them and traveling for fun. Others have taken up new hobbies, new volunteer commitments. So that landscape has shifted and we've had to say, all right, let's look for life giving people, be intentional about who we want to invite over to our house for dinner, who we'd like to co-chair a project with, something where we are constantly thinking about how we can surround ourselves with people who share our faith, who will sharpen us. Again, that proverb about iron sharpening iron, our friends really matter. We want to be around people who keep us sharp and who will be intentional about pouring into our marriages. So, you know, they say divorce is catching, and it really is. If you're in a community where people are just quick to give up or quick to bash their spouse, change that, change that in your life. Look for folks who are leaning in and helping one another love well.   Laura Dugger: (51:07 - 51:27) And I think you're very encouraging to those couples that are entering or in the midst of the empty nest phase of life. And you drew out a proverb that I'd never heard in The Message version in Proverbs 4:18, where it says the longer they live, the brighter they shine.   Jodie Berndt: (51:28 - 51:58) Yeah. Isn't that a great one? I mean, you could read Proverbs 4:18 and in the NIV and the ESV and the King James, all that. And it's always good. But boy, when I hit it in The Message, and I don't know, I might've seen it around my 50th birthday or something, but I thought the longer they live, the brighter they shine. Amen. God, I want to put that on my refrigerator. Just remind me that, you know, you don't necessarily have to have all the Botox to keep shining bright. You can just have the Holy Spirit living in you and through you animating your life and making you radiant. So yeah, I love that one. I'm glad you called that out.   Laura Dugger: (51:59 - 52:06) Yeah. Are there any other ways that you see that play out as people do start to navigate these empty nest years?   Jodie Berndt: (52:07 - 53:52) I think you can become kind of insular as you get older. If we weren't being intentional about trying to have new experiences, make some new friends, your world can start shrinking because maybe your responsibilities at work aren't as demanding. So, you have more time away from work or your kids are gone. So, you're not seeing all the friends that you've done life with all that time. So, emptiness can be a time of loneliness for couples. And it can be a time when you are thinking, gosh, I'm not as active or having as much fun. But we have a friend named Jim Burns. He's written a lot of books on marriage and family issues. And he writes, he says, who would have thought that the most intimate times in a marriage aren't necessarily in the first few years, but in the empty nest. And he and his wife have navigated this transition so successfully. And I think it's in large part because they have been intentional about having fun together, about trying new things. And another couple, I know Susan and Johnny Yates, they're in their seventies. And they were like, Hey, we've never gone snowmobiling. You want to try it? Yeah, let's try it. And I just think, you know, the more we're willing to get out there and try new experiences, a new place to visit, it might even be as simple as a restaurant we've never been to, but just kind of ensuring that your world stays bigger, your friend groups stay bigger, and that you can be leaning into the fact that, you know, I think about Job where it says, God blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the former. And there is a real, a real beauty to knowing that you have a lot of runway left when you hit the empty nest years and asking God, how do you want to use me in my family, in my church, in my community, and being open to the things he puts in front of you?   Laura Dugger: (53:53 - 54:02) I love that. And Jodie, you are just such an encourager. So where can we go online to learn more from you after this conversation?   Jodie Berndt: (54:03 - 55:19) Thank you for asking that. My website is jodieberndt.com. And I would really encourage people to check that out and kind of scroll around. There's an area called resources and printables where there's a lot of free stuff like 31-day prayer calendars. You can download and print to help you pray for your marriage, a verse every day, or pray for your children or your adult children, your teens, your life, all of those calendars are on there, as well as little prayer cards, things you can tuck into your kid's lunchbox or leave on their bedside table. If you have a teenager who maybe would roll their eyes, you know, if you want to walk in there and say goodnight prayers, you might say, well, you know what? I'm just going to leave this little thing on their pillow, so they know that mom or dad is praying. And again, even if they're acting like they don't want it, I've never yet met a teen, my own included, who used to sometimes roll their eyes who will now tell me, you know what mom? I really was listening. I really did appreciate that. So, a little hang in there strategy, but yes, at jodieberndt.com all those resources. And then I'm pretty active on Instagram and that's just @jodie_berndt. So, if people want to follow there, I love to share different prayer prompts or encouragements. People can DM me with questions and it's just a fun way to, to make friends in a digital way that you might not ever be able to see someone in real life, but we can all learn from each other.   Laura Dugger: (55:19 - 55:40) Well, we will add links to all of those places in the show notes for today's episode. And you may already be familiar that we're called The Savvy Sauce because yes, I love it. I love it. And savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, Jodie, what is your savvy sauce?   Jodie Berndt: (55:41 - 57:21) That is such a great question. I love that you asked all your guests that I think for me, this might sound boring or even holier than thou, but I don't mean it that way. For me, a scripture is my savvy sauce. Like I turn to the Bible for my answers. I turn to it to shape my prayers. Like I can be so given to worry about something. I can just naturally go to a place of panic or uncertainty. And yet in the pages of scripture, I find promises that I can hold on to in a way that I can exchange my panic for peace and just trust God's provision. And the circumstances might not have changed, but what has changed as I lean into the Lord and read of his faithfulness in the past, they can help me trust for the future and it doesn't have to be this long. Like the other thing is there was a time when I thought, oh gosh, if I don't spend a half an hour, an hour, you know, reading my Bible with a candle smelling up the room and a nice cup of coffee and my journal open, it's not going to count. And I really, especially when I had younger children, it was so beautiful. An older woman, older mother set me straight. She said, Jodie, you know, you can talk to God in the carpool line. You can read three verses of scripture and meditate on those during the day. That may be more transformational than reading an entire book of the Bible and just having permission to take that in small bites, especially if you've got little ones. I think that is a great savvy sauce. Just find yourself a verse or two, hold onto it, write it out on an index card and meditate on it during the day and see what it does.   Laura Dugger: (57:22 - 57:43) That is so good. And going back to what we had talked about earlier, I experienced so much kindness in you and have really enjoyed this conversation and appreciate all that you've brought to encourage marriages. And I'm wondering if you would just close us out now with a prayer over all the marriages that are represented right now.   Jodie Berndt: (57:44 - 59:43) Oh, I would be so honored to do that. And right back at you. I mean, you're just, your voice is so very kind and welcoming. I just know your listeners love tuning in because it's like,  just having a conversation with a dear friend. So, thank you for that. But I would love, love, love to pray.   Heavenly Father, I just thank you so much for this conversation. I thank you so much for every marriage, every household represented as folks who are listening. And I just want to pray that prayer that I think I start the book with because it just jumps out at me day in and day out from 1 Thessalonians 3:12, "May our love overflow and increase for each other and for everyone else." That's something that Paul prayed for the Thessalonians. And I just want to pray it over all of our marriages, over all of our lives, over our parenting, that our love would increase, that it would overflow for one another, for our families, for our communities. And that that would be the sign that people can look at and say, you know, that as that old song says, they'll know we are Christians by our love. And it is so true in the way that we love one another, in the way that we are kind to one another. That just speaks volumes, Lord, about your love for us. I pray that we really would, as Paul writes in Ephesians, make the most of every opportunity. I pray we would live lives marked with wisdom, that we would, as he goes on in that same chapter, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Let our marriages, let our families, let our friendships be marked by that mutual submission, by that desire to not look just to our own interests, but to the interests of others, just being humble, God. Let us live humble lives, glorifying you, looking out for one another, and growing in the knowledge and grace of your son, Jesus Christ. It's in his name we pray. Amen.   Laura Dugger: (59:44 - 59:47) Amen, Jodie. Thank you so much for being my guest.   Jodie Berndt: (59:47 - 59:55) Laura, thank you so much, and Lord bless you in the work that you are doing to just equip and encourage so many. It's just wonderful.   Laura Dugger: (59:55 - 1:03:39) Thank you. One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.   First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.   You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

Teens, or twenty-somes, decide a rickey old cabin in the woods, on the far side of a rickey old bridge without phone service, but one hell of an electric hook up, is a great way to spend some free time together. Never mind, someone who rented out the place earlier decided to read from something called the Book of the Dead and opened a rift to a dimension of demons ready to possess everyone. Join Joe, Ken, Andy, and Dan as they recall their history with this early 80s horror film and determine if it still holds up.

We're joined by Jason Gale, VP of content and production for TAN Books, talks about the new release called The Harmonized Gospel: The Life of Christ in One Continuous Story. Alan Migliorato, founder of Adventure Catholic, talks about raising teens: teens and driving- how much freedom is too much? Dr. David Whidden, Fran U Theology Professor in Baton Rouge, talks about St. Francis. 

College application season can bring excitement about the future, but it can also come with deadlines, decisions, comparison, and pressure to have everything figured out. In this episode, NSAC students talk about managing expectations, making time for themselves, and finding realistic ways to practice self-care during a busy season. Because planning for your future is important but so is taking care of yourself along the way. For more information and resources, visit: Work2BeWell#college #applications #mentalhealth ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Dayle Annand interviews Andrea Crum from Genuine Family Ministries about the importance of biblical worldview education for teenagers. They discuss how to equip families to navigate cultural challenges, the significance of biblical literacy, and practical ways to teach kids to think biblically about today's culture.   Links: To purchase Worldview Prepared: https://genuinefamilyministries.com/worldview-prepared/ To find out more about Andrea Crum and Genuine Family Ministries: https://genuinefamilyministries.com/   To contact Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ: https://homeschoolminnesota.org/   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Worldview and Discipleship 02:02 Andrea Crum's Background and Genuine Family Ministries 03:09 The Importance of Biblical Worldview for Teens 05:54 Cultural Influences on Faith and Family 09:57 Experiencing God's Goodness in Parenting 11:55 Navigating Difficult Conversations with Teens 16:55 Consequences of a Weak Worldview 20:16 Teaching Critical Thinking in Today's Culture 24:38 The Fear of the Lord and Its Importance 27:07 Recognizing Cultural Influences on Beliefs 28:56 Encouraging Open Dialogue with Teens 30:47 Transformative Goals of the Curriculum 33:52 Overcoming Parental Fears in Conversations  

Ask Rachel anythingIt's one thing hearing what experts think, but I'm always left wondering how their advice translates into the real life of a parent. If you're wondering too then you're going to love this chat between Katharine Radice and me. In it, we discuss what was said in my interviews with Dr Leonard Sax and Dr Tara Porter. Basically we cover the reality of setting healthy boundaries around gaming and phones, talking with teens about online risks, choosing supportive schools, mentors & building trust, confidence, and independence—without chasing perfection.Don't forget to tell us what you think. What helped and what advice deserves to go in the bin?Links mentioned in the show:Rachel Richards website & SubstackKatharine Radice website & SubstackDr. Tara PorterDr. Leonard SaxBrendan Kwiatkowski Melanie SandersonMalcolm GladwellEileen GuAngela DuckworthMitchell OsmondDr. David YaegerSupport the showPlease hit the follow button if you like the podcast, and share it with anyone who might benefit. You can review us on Apple podcasts by going to the show page, scrolling down to the bottom where you can click on a star then you can leave your message. Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.Find all the tips from the episode on Substack: My email teenagersuntangled@gmail.comMy website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact meInstagramFacebook

Tentacles, twisted puzzles and teenage trespassers—the Amigos revisit Maniac Mansion to see how well the first SCUMM adventure holds up.

Tentacles, twisted puzzles and teenage trespassers—the Amigos revisit Maniac Mansion to see how well the first SCUMM adventure holds up.

Become a Ctrl-Alt-Speech supporter to get extended episodes of the podcast plus the chance to submit stories for us to cover. In this week's episode, Mike and Ben cover:Trump dismisses concerns about AI risks at UN, says he won't rein it in (PBS News)A.I. Gone Rogue? Trump Proposes Not New Rules but an ‘A.I. Force.' (New York Times) 22 countries back call to keep AI ‘under human control' (POLITICO)If AI is going to destroy humanity, Scott Bessent says hyperscalers, not government, must take the fall: ‘We cannot absolve you of responsibility' (Fortune)Meet the algorithm you can actually control and understand (New_Public)YouTube's Custom Feeds Give You More Control Over the Algorithm (Wired) YouTube CEO dismisses the idea of joining Meta's multistate child safety settlement (CNN)Harry Potter Survey Results & Final Decision (Reddit)And in the extended episode for Patreon supporters, they cover:Safer for Teens, Same Discord for Adults (Discord)Age Assurance on Discord: Vendors, Methods and Your Data (Discord) How Discord Estimates Age Without Collecting Your Identity (Discord) Ofcom launches investigation into Pornhub's age checks (Ofcom)Aylo Defends Apple Age Assurance in Response to Ofcom Investigation (Aylo) Discord's age verification era is upon us, despite community backlash (TechCrunch)Angry reaction to Discord's age assurance (X/Twitter)Our fun links this week include Jev, the super fast new AI classifier, and Persodex, the context layer for your Contacts (PS. hit Ben up if you're in New York in mid-October).Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and Bluesky.Ctrl-Alt-Speech is the podcast where we make sense of the major debates shaping online speech, platform power, content moderation and the future of the internet. It's co-hosted by Mike Masnick (Techdirt) and Ben Whitelaw (Everything in Moderation).

Send us Fan MailYour teenager doesn't need you to be a mind reader, a private investigator, or a walking grade portal. They need you to be a safe place. I'm Dr. Beth Trammell, and I'm unpacking what a group of teens directly asked their parents to do differently, plus the small communication shifts that make a big difference in connection, trust, and long-term influence.We talk about the pressure teens carry today: identity, friendships, big emotions, body changes, social media, and rising academic expectations. Then we get practical about parent teen communication skills that lower defensiveness, including modeling feelings language, using tools like a feelings wheel, and validating without automatically agreeing. You'll also hear what teens want around trust and repair, including why “I'm sorry” matters, why “I'm sorry, but…” is not an apology, and how your first reaction can either open the door or slam it shut.From there, I share three places parents can reorient: grades, risk, and respect. If your teen is generally doing fine, constant grade checking can create avoidable conflict and weaken trust. For risk, we move from controlling every variable to coaching better judgment with simple questions like “What could go wrong?” And when “attitude” shows up, we consider brain development and how to stay warm and firm while still requiring respectful speech.If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with another parent of a teen, and leave a review so more families can find the show. What part of parenting a teenager feels hardest right now?This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcastIf you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: Podcast Application FormFeel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at Beth@makewordsmatterforgood.comSupport the showwww.bethtrammell.com

In this episode, we sit down with Diana Feldman to discuss her book Stuck in a Role: Releasing Trauma in Teens through the ENACT Drama Therapy Method. Drawing on more than 30 years of work in NYC schools, Feldman shares how drama therapy helps adolescents break free from protective roles and reconnect with their authentic selves. Through improvisation, role play, and empathy-driven communication, her method offers powerful tools for educators, therapists, and parents to support at-risk youth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailWe're BACK!It has been a hot second since we last recorded an episode together and of course we're starting with an emotionally charged subject, just to get you thinking.In this episode, we spoke about the messages kids absorb from our own relationship with food and our bodies.How do we feel if our child or a friend's child gains weight?  Is it ever ok to talk about a child's weight, even if it from a place of concern?Key Takeaways from this episode: Children hear far more than we think they do. They absorb a great deal from how we perceive our own bodies as well as our relationship to food and movement.A child's growing body isn't a problem to solve. Growth, including changes in weight and body shape, is a normal part of childhood and puberty.Our own fears/ fatphobia can affect how we see our children. Sometimes our fears are more connected to our experiences of diet culture, weight stigma or our own body image Curiosity is more useful than judgement. Instead of immediately thinking “They're eating too much,” can we get curious about what is going on for the child. Eating for comfort can serve a purpose. Food can provide pleasure and comfort and the concern is when it becomes someone's only coping strategy.Parents aren't to blame. Parents are more often than not doing their damndest with the resources they have.  However, when you know better, you can do better.You don't have to have your own relationship with food sorted.  This is an important one. Working on it can also send a very valuable message to our childrenHow can we help our kids realise that a changing body is not code for, "there's something wrong."Connection with the body matters. Movement can be an opportunity for children to experience being IN their bodies rather than just focussing on how they lookAnd perhaps the biggest takeaway: the aim isn't to raise children who never think about their bodies. It's to help them develop a relationship with themselves, their bodies and food that isn't built around shame.RESOURCES:Fat Talk - Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture. Virginia Sole SmithAdultish, The Body Image Body for Life. Dr Charlotte MarkeyEmbrace Your Features. Christina TestutIntuitive Eating for Teens. Elyse Resch  Support the showPlease reach out if you would like some support with your relationship to food OR movement. Ela currently has limited spaces for Intuitive Eating coaching and if you'd like to reconnect with movement, contact Christine.  If you'd like exclusive access to our supporter-only channel click here.We appreciate you 

In September 2021, Tess pressed record on her first parenting podcast episode while feeling absolutely terrified that millions of people might hear it. They did not—but that vulnerable beginning became the start of five years, 300 episodes, and a body of work centered on one essential belief: the relationship is the intervention.At the time, Casey was 12 and entering seventh grade after spending much of sixth grade doing “sofa school” during the pandemic. Parenting was hands-on, the business was still taking shape, and the podcast—then called The Parenting Reset—gave Tess a place to develop her voice, explore her ideas, and grow alongside the parents listening.There were periods when business advisors told her the podcast cost too much, reached too few people, and was not worth continuing. But like training for the Boston Marathon at 25, podcasting taught Tess the value of consistency: meaningful work grows one step, one conversation, and one episode at a time.In this milestone episode, Tess shares five lessons parents can apply immediately:Why the parent-child relationship matters even more than the perfect strategyHow fear makes loving parents lose sight of the child in front of themWhat tweens and teens need from us—even when they push us awayWhy one grounded, supportive parent can make an enormous differenceWhat “the relationship is the intervention” looks like in ordinary family lifeYou will also hear the message Tess most wants struggling parents to remember: One difficult season does not get to write the ending of your relationship.If conflict has been taking over your relationship with your tween or teen, download Tess's free Tween and Teen Conflict Reset Kit. It includes practical scripts and a First-Ten-Minutes Plan to help you lower the temperature and reconnect.If this podcast has helped you, follow the show, leave a review, and share Episode 300 with one parent who needs encouragement today.⭐️ If your family is stuck in repeating school-morning conflict, book a Parent Reset Strategy Session.⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal here: https://www.mindfulkidsandfamilies.com/join-the-family (Get ready for lessons, podcast leads, offers for parents, and ways to win free parent coaching or masterclasses)

Play The Mighty Challenge, Thursday September 24 edition to see if you have the answer! 

It's not Gwyneth Paltrow's head, that's for sure! This week, Jack and Meredith investigate the treasure that was recovered from The Astral Wake...

In this episode, Douglas Wilson considers how social media can blur the line between personal and electronic identity for teenagers, then examines noseo, “to dote,” and the danger of fixating on obscure doctrines, before reviewing Churchill and the Jews and Churchill's long support for the establishment of Israel.For more from Doug, subscribe to Canon+: https://canonplus.com/   IT'S HERE! Pre-Order the 4th installment of the Ashtown Burial Series at ashtownburials.com.

After-school meltdowns don't always look like meltdowns. Some autistic children come home yelling, arguing, or provoking their siblings. Others head straight to their bedrooms and refuse to talk. And some follow Mom from room to room, asking repeated questions or needing constant reassurance.In this episode, Lisa Candera, The Autism Mom Coach, introduces three after-school patterns: the Collider, the Cocooner, and the Clinger. She explains how these patterns can change as autistic children grow into teenagers and young adults, and why understanding your child's pattern can help you recognize your own reactions before the afternoon goes off the rails.In this episode, you'll learn:How to recognize the three after-school patterns and what they may tell you about your child's dysregulation.Why after-school dysregulation can look like defiance, withdrawal, or excessive reassurance-seeking, particularly as autistic children enter adolescence.How to identify your own predictable responses to your child's behavior, whether that means correcting, pursuing, or repeatedly reassuring them.Before you decide how to handle the yelling, the slammed bedroom door, or the tenth question about Saturday, pay attention to what happens when your child gets home and what you do next. In the next episode, we'll tackle the practical question: What needs to happen now, and what can wait.Build Your Meltdown Action Plan (MAP) Live WorkshopWant a plan for your child's meltdowns? Join Lisa for MAP Live on October 8 @ 7PM EST.In this 90-minute workshop, we'll identify YOUR triggers, understand your reactions, and build a personalized plan for what to do before, during, and after your child's meltdowns.You will walk away knowing what to do, and what not to do during a meltdown and a clear strategy for staying in control while your child is spinning out.Early bird: $10 until September 25 | regular pricing: $20.Register for MAP Live Here.

After talking Talking Heads we decided to take an easy week and snooze our heads down on a Car Seat Headrest. I am pretty sure I have COVID right now so you legally have to pretend that was funny even though it wasn't. Anyways this week's record is Teens of Denial and we teens (pushing 40) are looking at it with clear eyes, which is the opposite of denial, so you know its true when we say its a 10/10. Also up for exploring our teen feelings: We do the worm on a bifurcated bev, laundry is the way that god punishes renters, and the Ed Sheeran pushback causes our Grinch hearts to grow 10/10 sizes. 10/10 You're Great is presented by The Alternative. Support the site and our show on Patreon.Follow us on Instagram. You can also find Chris @ChrisFavata on most social media sites.Call the Hot Hotline: 360-559-2371Send an email: 1010youregreat@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are toddler or teen years worse for parents?

Parenting teenage boys can feel like a never-changing adventure filled with growth spurts, big emotions, tough questions, and endless pantry raids. In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Sara sit down with father-son authors Tim and Mark Shoemaker to discuss how parents can help their sons grow into men who love and follow the Lord.Drawing from their book, 72 Questions (and Answers) About Life and Becoming the Man God Designed You to Be, Tim and Mark share practical wisdom for navigating the teen years with intentionality and biblical truth. From building self-control and character to having meaningful conversations about identity, friendships, technology, dating, and faith, they offer encouragement for parents who want to disciple their sons well.You'll also hear why living out your faith at home matters more than perfection, how side-by-side activities can open the door to deeper conversations, and learn the five foundational truths every young man needs to understand as he grows.Whether you're raising a young boy or walking through the teenage years right now, this conversation will equip and encourage you to point your son toward a lifelong relationship with Christ.Resources:72 Questions (and Answers) About Life and Becoming the Man God Designed You to Be by Tim and Mark ShoemakerThe Very Best Hands-On Kinda Dangerous Family Devotions by Tim Shoemaker--Question of the Week: What is the best and worst part about being the exact age you are right now?-- Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara JonesGuest: Tim Shoemaker and Mark ShoemakerProducers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun--Learn more about WinShape Camps: winshapecamps.orgInstagram: @winshapecampsFacebook: @winshapecampsTikTok: @winshapecamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Visit Crossmap.com — your trusted source for inspiration and life-changing stories from people of faith.Top headlines for Wednesday, September 23, 2026A North Carolina church baptizes 458 people in a single day, setting a 137-year record. Federal investigators probe a Massachusetts district accused of secretly transitioning a Catholic couple's daughter. Trump warns Tehran at the UN and spotlights Christian persecution. Plus, The Chosen announces a new Christmas special on Fox.0:11 Trump threatens to 'annihilate' Iran at UN, highlights Christians0:54 Dallas Jenkins reveals 'The Chosen' Christmas special1:40 British teens rank lowest for life satisfaction for second time3:20 Feds probing removal of trans-identified teen from parents4:06 Grand jury finds no evidence of crime in death of Nolan Wells4:51 North Carolina church baptizes 458 people in a single day5:41 Great American Media taking nominations for small-town churchesSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsGreat American Media taking nominations for small-town churches | Church & MinistriesNorth Carolina church baptizes 458 people in a single day | Church & MinistriesGrand jury finds no evidence of crime in death of Nolan Wells | U.S.Feds probing removal of trans-identified teen from parents | PoliticsTrump threatens to 'annihilate' Iran at UN, highlights Christians | PoliticsBritish teens rank lowest for life satisfaction for second time | Living Dallas Jenkins reveals ‘The Chosen' Christmas special | Entertainment

Kyle Worley is joined by Samuel James to discuss his book on teens & technology: “Scroll Less, Live More: 10 Healthy Tech Habits for Teens.”Questions Covered in This Episode:Why do you feel like a book for teens is important to add?Is it too far gone? What meaningful change can happen? How?What is one habit that is explored in the book?Guest Bio:Samuel James is Director of Content Development at Crossway. He is the author of Digital Liturgies, a regular newsletter on Christianity, technology, and culture. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with his wife, Emily, and their three children. Resources Mentioned in this Episode:John 17“Scroll Less, Live More: 10 Healthy Tech Habits for Teens” by Samuel James“Digital Liturgies” by Samuel JamesCrossway+This episode is brought to you by Crossway, a nonprofit ministry publishing gospel-centered, Bible-based content to honor our Savior and serve his church. Create a free Crossway+ account to receive 30% off all books and Bibles along with other member perks. Learn more at crossway.org/plus. Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI makes it easy to create fake sexual content — changing what a person is wearing, the pose they are striking, or generating a video of them engaging in sexual acts. Teens regularly encounter these images on social media and in their group chats. The result: complex social, emotional, and legal ramifications. We're joined by Dr. Supreet Mann, author of a new report about AI and deepfake nudes from Common Sense Media. She explains how AI-generated sexual content is affecting young people; the role social media plays in its spread; and what parents, platforms, schools, and policymakers can do to protect teens. Show Notes: Common Sense Media Study: Teens in the AI Era – Pornography + Sexual Consent Summary of study Watch the full episode on Youtube! Join the LESS AWKWARD MEMBERSHIP HUB Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to https://heypolo.com/awkward or use code AWKWARD and get 40% off your first year! Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/TISA #rulapod Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/qxx6ozii #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement, for the Sutton debit flex card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-sutton and for the Bancorp debit flex card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-bancorp. Savings and Offers provided by Cash App, a Block Inc. brand. Offers may not be affiliated with third party merchants. Parents and legal guardians can open a managed account for kids 6-12. Cash App will pass through a portion of the interest paid on your savings balance held in an account for the benefit of Cash App customers at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. To earn interest on your Cash App savings balance, you need to have sponsor approval. Exceptions may apply. Savings yield rate is subject to change. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Go to Quince.com/AWKWARD for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.  Download the FREE Playbook for Getting Your Kid to Talk Order our book This Is So Awkward Check out all our speaking and curriculum at www.lessawkward.com and our super comfy products at www.myoomla.com To bring us to your school or community email operations@lessawkward.com To submit listener questions email podcast@lessawkward.com Produced by Peoples Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What just happened? I came into that scenario with the best intentions, and yet somehow they still snapped at me!Doing the right thing is not a guarantee that we will get the right response in return. There are many reasons why we might receive a negative reaction from someone despite our efforts. These can include our own heart attitude, the kind of day the other person had, and even the lens through which our actions are being interpreted.When this happens, we can leave an interaction feeling discouraged, disappointed, ticked off, and wondering if we could have done anything differently. Whether it's in our marriage, our friendships, or even our work relationships, we've all been at a loss for what to do next when somebody doesn't respond well to us.In this episode, you'll hear:Some of the causes for a negative responseWhat our strongest motivation should be for doing the right thingEncouragement for when things don't go the way you expectedAnd more!Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes: jillsavage.org/effort-response-316Text us or leave a voicemail!Check out our other resources:Mark and Jill's Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources:Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You're the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources:New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest Moms

Cities around the world are passing or considering laws that restrict social media. We'll hear what teenagers think and how they are choosing to get involved. Plus, we hand the mic to the Inaugural Alameda County Youth Poet Laureate.

A round-up of the main headlines in Sweden on 22nd September 2026. You can hear more reports on our homepage www.radiosweden.se, or in the app Sveriges Radio. Lyssna på alla avsnitt i Sveriges Radios app. Presenter/producer: Kris Boswell.

We talk with Stephanie Lachenauer, the 2025 New Jersey Teacher of the Year, about her work as a middle school teacher and her focus on global leadership, skills for success, and teen mental health. We also discuss her travel experiences in southern Africa and her participation in an international student program focused on environmental stewardship. We talk about her book, *Let the Glitter Settle*, and the glitter jar metaphor she uses to teach mindfulness and emotional regulation through a workbook format for students. We also cover her classroom routines, her emphasis on sleep and structure, and the practical systems she uses to manage work, schedules, and daily responsibilities. Check out the link below to order your copy of Stefanie's book “Let the Glitter Settle:  Mindfulness for Teens”   Let the Glitter Settle Also you can find more information about the book and Stefanie at the websites below.   www.lettheglittersettle.com www.stefanielachenauer.com Season 4 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/4mQC27G⁠⁠⁠ Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. Select Episodes from Season 4 sponsored by: For more information about ⁠⁠NJSchoolJobs.com⁠⁠ check out their website for up-to-date job postings for teaching, admin, support staff and coaching opportunities. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don't forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!    Follow  Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - ⁠⁠The Balancing Act - YouTube⁠⁠ Part of the⁠⁠ Human Content⁠⁠ Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin is released from jail, lawmakers get an update on the housing outlook in the state, getting Kentucky teens workforce-ready, the doors open on a new center focused on helping Kentuckians grow better food, and a behind-the-scenes look at the world's largest bourbon, food and music festival.

Donna from New Jersey joins me to share about her family's first cruise - a 7-night Alaska sailing aboard Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas! Donna traveled with her husband and two teenager kids, ages 13 and 15, plus her sister's family, including her 18-year-old nephew, for a summer 2026 adventure cruising round-trip from Seattle.We're talking about what it's like to cruise Alaska with teenagers, what they loved about Anthem of the Seas, how to pack for unpredictable Alaska weather, and the excursions that made this trip unforgettable — from whale watching in Sitka and riding the White Pass Railroad in Skagway to seeing Dawes Glacier and visiting a summer musher's camp in Juneau. Plus, Donna shares why, if you can swing it, she believes a balcony is a MUST for an Alaska cruise — especially when the scenery is this spectacular.This episode is available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygravesIf you'd like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: kelsey@triptalespodcast.comBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygravesFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_gravesFollow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygravesJoin us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879Mentioned in this episode: - Alaska Cruise- Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas: The Key, Port Valet- On ship cruise activities: iFly, ping-pong, pickleball, bumper cars, sushi making, The Solarium, - Seattle Marriott Waterfront- SEATTLE: Puget Sound, Pike Place Market, the original Starbucks, The Great Wheel, Bite Society cookies- How to pack for Alaska- Inside passage vs. outside passage- SITKA: Free shuttle, cute harbor town, shopping, restaurants, Sitka Sound, bald eagles, Sitka National Historical Park, Tongass National Forest, Totem Trail, whale watching tour with Captain Brad, sea lions, - SKAGWAY: Alaska Shore Excursions: White Pass Railroad - Dawes Glacier, Endicott Arm- JUNEAU: Summer Musher's Camp, - VICTORIATrip Tales is a travel podcast sharing real vacation stories and trip itineraries for family travel, couples getaways, cruises, and all-inclusive resorts. Popular episodes feature destinations like Marco Island Florida, Costa Rica with kids, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani in Hawaii, Beaches Turks & Caicos, Park City ski trips, Aruba, Italy, Ireland, Portugal's Azores, New York City, Alaska cruises, and National Parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Yosemite. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

Send us Fan Mail What if staying awake longer to study is actually making it harder to remember what you learned?Sleep is not time taken away from studying, emotional regulation, or productivity. It is part of all three. In this updated episode, Cynthia explains how sleep affects learning, memory, anxiety, mood, decision-making, and academic performance.You will also learn how much sleep teens and young adults need, why teenagers naturally become tired later at night, and how to use the 4 N's of Anxiety to improve sleep without expecting a perfect bedtime routine.Cynthia shares realistic strategies for managing screens, caffeine, naps, inconsistent schedules, dorm-room distractions, racing thoughts, and all-nighters. She also explains when sleep difficulties may require support from a healthcare provider.Whether you are a teenager, college student, or parent trying to help a tired young person, this episode will remind you that sleep is not wasted time. It is part of building a healthier, more independent life. Bonus Sleep Meditations  Struggling with anxiety in your family? If anxiety is causing tension, fights, or disconnect in your home, you don't have to face it alone. I help parents bring more peace, confidence, and connection to their families. Let's talk—schedule a free consultation today or email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com Find my podcastEmail me:  ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.comText me:  785-380-2064More information

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I'm sharing some of the phrases I use with my teenagers when conversations start to feel disrespectful, repetitive, or completely exhausting.I talk about the power of not engaging in every argument, walking away, and giving everyone time to cool down. Sometimes saying, “I'm going to pretend you didn't say that,” or “This conversation is over,” works much better than getting pulled into a power struggle. I also share how I'm learning to stay firm when my kids keep pestering me after I've already said no—and why changing my decision just teaches them that pestering works.But honestly, this episode is just as much about me as it is about them. I talk about reminding myself, “I'm the grown-up here,” recognizing when I'm already too worked up to be effective, and accepting that my kids are allowed to be upset with my decisions. I also get real about how much I tend to people-please my kids because saying yes is often easier in the moment—even when I know I'll regret it later.With four kids, growing desires, competing demands, and teenagers who sometimes seem completely unimpressed by everything, I'm learning that setting boundaries is a skill. It takes practice to say no, protect my energy, and let my kids have their feelings without immediately trying to fix them. Support the show

Are you raising your teen to follow directions—or are you helping them become someone others want to follow? In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms with Teens, I talk with Dr. Pam Manfredo-Curtis, author of The Origin of a Leader: Transforming Family Patterns into Leadership Power. Pam shares a fascinating idea: our earliest experiences at home shape how we communicate, handle conflict, build relationships, and ultimately lead. And because our kids are learning these skills first from us, developing leadership in our teens starts with looking at what we are modeling at home. We explore the difference between dictating and influencing. When moms are afraid—afraid our teen will fail, make a bad choice, or get hurt—it's easy to move into telling, correcting, and lecturing. But Pam explains that leadership grows when we create emotional safety, listen with empathy, stay curious about our teen's perspective, and give them opportunities to think for themselves. Sometimes the most powerful question isn't, “How do I get my teen to do this?” but “Why are they showing up this way?” We also talk about the importance of pacing—knowing when to push and when to pause. Moms often feel pressure to address everything immediately, but our teens don't need one big mother lecture; they need thousands of small conversations over time. When we calm ourselves, listen, and connect our guidance to what our teens want for their own lives, we move from controlling their behavior to helping them develop confidence, self-agency, and genuine leadership. 3 Takeaways Leadership starts at home. Your teen is learning how to communicate, handle conflict, listen, and influence others by watching how you do it. Trade dictating for curiosity. Instead of immediately telling your teen what to do, ask: What do you think? Why is this important to you? How do you think you should handle this? Know when to pause. You don't have to teach every lesson in the moment. Creating emotional safety and choosing the right timing can make your influence far more powerful. Follow at https://www.instagram.com/pammanfredocurtis/ Learn More at: https://www.manfredocurtis.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nuova puntata dell'appuntamento domenicale di «Giorno per giorno»: le repliche dell'editorialista alle domande e osservazioni che avete mandato via WhatsApp al 345 6125226ChatGpt for Teens, la versione pensata per aiutare gli adolescenti a studiare. Che cosa devono sapere i genitoriEdilizia scolastica: servono interventi urgenti su tetti, climatizzazione e controsoffittiL'ombra della Cina: cosa c'è davvero dietro agli allarmi apocalittici dei giganti dell'Ai (e cos'è la «distillazione», che fa impazzire gli americani)

Trigger warning - this episode contains mention of suicide and severe depression.For years, the warning has been: smartphones are destroying a generation. But developmental psychologist Candice Odgers says that decades of data on teens tells a different story — violence, alcohol use and pregnancy are at historic lows, and research shows social media may not actually be the culprit for mental health problems. Hear her analysis of what's really troubling kids these days, and why banning them from online spaces may make things worse. And stick around after her talk for a deep dive conversation with our guest host for the week, author and podcaster Manoush Zomorodi, into the ideas she shared on stage and beyond.This is episode two of a seven-part series airing this week on TED Talks Daily, where Manoush — and the seven speakers she curated for TED2026 — explore how you can live a healthier life in our high-tech era.To hear more from Manoush, listen to TED Radio Hour wherever you get your podcasts. Check out her new book, Body Electric, to learn more about the hidden health costs of the digital age. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if you had learned the Enneagram when you were a teenager? In this replay of my conversation with Ainsley Britton, author of The Enneagram for Teens, we explore what self-awareness can look like during adolescence and how parents can use the Enneagram without turning it into another way of labeling or controlling their kids. Ainsley and I talk about why she believes teenagers can benefit from learning the Enneagram, why it should be held loosely, and why parents should never force it on a teenager who isn't interested. We also discuss parenting, curiosity, vulnerability, mental health, relationships, and one of the most important things we can remember about the Enneagram: We are more than our numbers. In this episode: The significance of the Enneagram for teens and its potential to aid in self-discovery. The challenges and joys of being an Enneagram Type 2. Practical advice for parents on introducing the Enneagram to their children without forcing it. The role of mental health awareness in today's youth and how the Enneagram can facilitate important conversations. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about the Enneagram, this episode is packed with insights and laughter that you won't want to miss! *This episode is a replay of an earlier conversation with Ainsley.   ABOUT AINSLEY BRITAIN: Ainsley Britain is an Author, Podcast Host, and Enneagram Coach dedicated to helping young adults build confidence and foster healthy relationships. A Cajun at heart and native of Lafayette, Louisiana, Ainsley's journey took her through New York City and Nashville, shaping her relationships, experiences, and career. Her book, The Enneagram for Teens, offers young adults an introduction to the Enneagram during formative years of their lives and her podcast, Wild Confidence, shares insights from Ainsley's experiences, aiming to empower others. Now residing in Baton Rouge with her family, Ainsley embraces the vibrant culture of South Louisiana.