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As believing parents, we know how important it is to raise our kids with love and intentionality. We want to give our kids a full picture of God's love for them every day! But some days, it's really hard! We are stretched thin, tired, and often feel unequipped. The Christian Parenting Podcast gives parents the space and resources to set aside perfection and grow into the perfectly imperfect parents God made them to be.
Join host Steph Thurling and her guests as they discuss practical tips and spiritual guidance for your parenting journey.
All Episodes:
The power of wonder and outdoor living with Ginny Yurich →
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Have you ever felt like your kids are too bored or maybe like youre the only one swimming upstream when it comes to slowing down family life? This episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. Im joined by Ginny Yurich, homeschooling mom of five and founder of the Thousand Hours Outside movement and she brings the most encouraging reminder that less structure can sometimes lead to more growth.
We talk about parenting with confidence in a culture that loves hustle, the value of being outside, and why you dont have to do it all to be doing it right.
Here are four big takeaways from our conversation:
- Why boredom is not a problem to fix but a gift to embrace
- How outdoor time can actually help with emotional regulation, creativity, and confidence
- What it looks like to parent boldly without apologizing for your convictions
- A beautiful reminder that just showing up is a win in homeschooling (and in parenting in general!)
Ginny is a homeschooling mom of five and the founder of Thousand Hours Outside, a global movement encouraging families to spend more intentional time outdoors. She is also the author of Homeschooling, Youre Doing It Right Just By Doing It and The Power of Outdoor Living for Your Childs Development. Through her writing, speaking, and advocacy, Ginny champions slower, simpler, joy-filled childhoods rooted in nature and connection.
This episode will leave you feeling lighter, freer, and more grounded. I hope it blesses you like it did me.
(00:00) Introduction to Christian Parenting Podcast
(00:57) Meet Ginny Yurich: A Homeschooling Mom's Journey
(03:50) The Benefits of Homeschooling and Outdoor Living
(07:55) Navigating Parenting Pressures and School Choices
(10:42) The Importance of Boredom in Child Development
(18:28) Fostering Independence and Creativity in Kids
(27:06) Final Thoughts on Parenting and Homeschooling
Connect with Ginny
Resources Mentioned
A Great Cloud of Witnesses Prayer Journal
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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Faith over fame in youth sports with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith →
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If youre navigating the world of youth sports with your kids, this episode is for you. I sat down with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith, two seasoned sports dads with decades of experience in athletics and ministry to talk about one of the biggest parenting pressures today: how do we raise kids who love sports without losing sight of their faith, values, and family life?
Whether you're in the early stages of weekend games or juggling high-stakes club teams, this conversation offers so much wisdom and practical advice for keeping Jesus at the center.
Here are four takeaways from our conversation:
- How to keep your childs identity rooted in Christ not in their performance
- Why character development > championship rings (and how to model that)
- Questions to ask when its time to set boundaries or take a step back
- The importance of re-centering your family's values in the middle of a busy sports season
Ed and Brian are the co-authors of Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. With deep backgrounds in athletics, family ministry, and discipleship, they speak directly to the heart of Christian parents trying to balance competition, character, and calling. Their passion is helping families honor God both on and off the field.
Im so grateful for this timely conversation, and I hope it encourages you to lead your kids through sports with peace, confidence, and kingdom perspective.
(02:49) The Youth Sports Industrial Complex
(05:30) Parental Pressures and Identity in Sports
(08:21) Recognizing Warning Signs as Parents
(11:21) Navigating the Balance of Support and Pressure
(14:06) Character Building Through Sports
(17:07) The Impact of Social Media on Youth Sports
(19:58) The Dangers of Specialization in Youth Sports
(21:33) Integrating Faith and Sports for Holistic Development
(26:00) Balancing Sports and Family Spiritual Life
(28:55) Navigating Sundays: Sports vs. Church
(34:41) Encouragement for Parents in the Sports Landscape
Resources Mentioned
A Great Cloud of Witnesses prayer journal
Connect with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com
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Youre not underqualified, youre just underestimated with Mary Marantz →
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Have you ever felt like you were faking it in life or parenting? Like God may have something more for you, but you're unsure if youre ready or even worthy? You are so not alone.
This week Im joined by Mary Marantz, and wow, what a conversation. Mary shares her journey from deep-rooted self-doubt to walking confidently in Gods calling. Her words will breathe courage into the parts of you that feel small, unseen, or not enough. If fear has been holding you back, this ones for you.
Here are four things youll take away from this episode:
- Why feeling unqualified doesnt disqualify you from Gods calling
- The real reason we play small and how to step out of that trap
- Practical ways to push past fear and move forward with purpose
- Encouragement for using your God-given gifts even when youre scared
Mary is the bestselling author of Dirt and Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots. Shes also the host of The Mary Marantz Show and a powerhouse speaker who inspires women to rise from insecurity and step into their God-given purpose. Her newest book, Underestimated, is all about embracing the truth that you dont have to prove yourself, you just need to trust the One who called you.
I know this conversation will encourage you in both your parenting and your personal journey. Let it be a reminder: God doesnt call the qualified, he qualifies the called.
(00:00) Mary's Journey from Humble Beginnings to Ivy League Success
(02:49) The Struggle of Underestimating Oneself
(05:40) Understanding Fear and Its Impact on Creativity
(08:39) Flipping the Script: From Fear to Purpose
(11:29) The Gap Between Success and Significance
(18:09) The Cost of Achievement
(21:01) Overthinking and Its Consequences
(25:58) Neuroplasticity and the Power of Small Steps
(30:26) Confronting Fear and Embracing Change
Connect with Mary
Resources Mentioned
What is your achiever type? Quiz
A Great Cloud of Witnesses Prayer Journal
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com
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When faith feels fragile, a conversation on deconstruction with Nicholas McDonald →
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Have you or your kids ever wrestled with hard questions about faith? If so, you're not alone and youre definitely in the right place today. This week, Im talking with Nicholas McDonald about his personal journey through disillusionment, deconstruction, and ultimately a deep renewal of his hope in Jesus. His honesty, wisdom, and compassion are such a gift to parents who are navigating this with their kids or experiencing it themselves.
Here are four takeaways from our conversation:
- Nicholas shows how asking hard questions can actually deepen faith when approached in a safe, truth-filled environment.
- Community is key. He shares why isolation makes doubt heavier and how loving, honest relationships can carry us through it.
- Parents dont need to have all the answers. Walking with your child through their questions with empathy and humility is more powerful than a perfect explanation.
- Hope is always on the table even in the hardest seasons, Gods love remains, and he invites us to keep wrestling, trusting, and returning.
Nicholas is a pastor, writer, and speaker with a heart for helping people encounter Jesus through the truth of Scripture and the beauty of story. He is the author of The Light in Our Eyes: Rediscovering the Love, Beauty, and Freedom of Jesus in an Age of Disillusionment, and his teaching often bridges the gap between doubt and belief for a new generation of Christians.
I know this conversation will encourage your heart and give you practical wisdom for those messy, holy moments of parenting. You dont have to be perfectyou just have to show up.
(00:00) Introduction and Background
(05:24) Disillusionment with the Church
(10:46) Parenting and Faith Challenges
(16:27) The Importance of Community
(22:02) Hope for the Future of Faith
Connect with Nick
Resources Mentioned
A Great Cloud of Witnesses Prayer Journal
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com
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Letting go, leaning in, and raising brave kids with Katie Davis Majors →
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What do we do when Gods calling for our childs life looks nothing like we expected? This weeks episode is such a gift. Im joined by Katie Davis Majors, a mom, missionary, and founder of Amazima Ministries who shares her journey from a planned gap year to a lifelong mission in Uganda. Her story will stretch your perspective on calling, parenting, and what it means to truly trust God with your kids.
Here are four key takeaways from our conversation:
- Gods plans often surprise us. Katie's one-year mission trip became a lifelong ministry and calling.
- Katie talks about raising kids who care deeply for others and reflect the love of Jesus.
- Letting go is part of faithful parenting. We don't need to control the outcome, but we do need to walk in trust.
- Sustainable service requires surrender; serving others shouldnt lead to burnout when its done from a place of abiding in Christ.
Katie is the founder of Amazima Ministries in Uganda, a mother of fifteen through adoption and birth, and the author of multiple books including Kisses from Katie and Safe All Along. She lives in Uganda with her family, where she continues to serve and write about faith, motherhood, and surrender.
This conversation will remind you that the bravest thing we can do as parents is trust God with the story hes writing in our kids lives.
Resources Mentioned:
A Great Cloud of Witnesses Prayer Journal
(00:00) Katie's Journey to Uganda and Amazima
(05:51) The Impact of Compassionate Parenting
(11:57) Letting Go of Control in Parenting and Ministry
(18:13) Amazima's Mission and Future Goals
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
* Check out Mr. Pen and use my code CPPODCAST10 for a great deal: https://mrpen.com
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