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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:
How to navigate culture with a Biblical worldview with Connor Jones and Micah Tomasella →
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Hey friends,
If youve ever looked at the world and thought, This is too much, I dont even know where to start, you are not alone. Culture is moving at warp speed, and as Christian parents, it can feel impossible to keep up, let alone know how to guide our kids through it all with clarity, calm, and conviction.
In todays episode, Im joined by my Denison Ministries teammates and friends, Connor Jones and Micah Tomasella. These two are not only culture watchers and podcast hosts, but theyre also dads in the thick of raising littles, so they get it. Together, we talk about how to engage culture without being consumed by it, and how to stay grounded when the headlines wont stop coming.
Heres what we cover:
- How to decide whats actually worth paying attention to (and what you can ignore)
- How to enjoy entertainment and trends without letting them become idols
- Why biblical grounding matters more than having all the right answers
- How to have conversations with your kids that dont feel like lectures
This one is practical, honest, and encouraging, especially if youve been feeling overwhelmed, out of your depth, or tempted to just check out entirely.
Connor Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing and Micah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries. Together, they host The Culture Brief podcast, where they break down whats happening in the world and how to think about it through a biblical lens. Both are young dads navigating the same parenting pressures and culture shifts that many of us face daily. Their goal? Help Christians stay rooted in truth while walking wisely in a noisy world.
Lets keep showing up with curiosity, courage, and grace. You dont have to know everything, just stay rooted.
With love,
Steph
(00:00) Introduction to the Hosts and Their Backgrounds
(04:54) Navigating Culture as Parents
(11:15) Engaging with Cultural Moments
(14:49) Discussing Cultural Events with Kids
(19:08) Fostering Healthy Conversations about Culture
(19:48) Navigating Theological Questions with Children
(22:14) The Importance of Open Dialogue in Parenting
(26:06) Equipping Ourselves for Cultural Conversations
(28:24) Encouragement for Overwhelmed Parents
(32:42) Trusting God's Plan in Parenting
Resources Mentioned
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The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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A Christmas reflection for parents →
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Hey Friends!
Ive never done a solo episode before, but Christmas felt like the right time to try. In the middle of a season that can feel loud, full, emotional, and a little overwhelming, this episode is an invitation to take just ten minutes to pause and breathe and remember the gift that never fades.
Whether your home feels busy and chaotic or quiet and tender this year, remember Emmanuel, God with us.
Through Scripture, simple family traditions, and honest encouragement, this episode is for weary parents who want to love their kids well and keep Jesus at the center without feeling pressure to get everything just right.
With love,
Steph Thurling
Prefer video? Find more episodes on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
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Q&A with Ella DeFeo and Landry Smith →
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What a thrill to interview my oldest daughter and one of her very best friends. Ella and Landry have been friends since 3rd grade and its so special to hear from two young women that are keeping their faith a priority in college. I ask them about their favorites from tennis shoes to rom-coms and then we get into some more serious topics.
My favorite moment is when I ask each of them, What is God teaching you right now? I was blown away by their answers and also felt so thankful that they are both engaged in their college church communities. Ask your kiddos that question this Christmas break and let them share about their faith. I am always astounded when I learn how much depth and wisdom is in these teens. They are wiser than you know.
You also dont want to miss my opening story about an elf on the shelf adventure gone wrong. I am still feeling a little rattled from it.
Enjoy!
Courtney
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
07:05 High School Experiences and Advice
10:02 Navigating Junior Year Challenges
14:54 Senior Year Reflections and Relationships
18:26 Maintaining Faith in High School
23:35 Parental Guidance and Support
25:37 Navigating High School Dynamics
26:56 Understanding Teen Communication
28:04 The High School Experience: Challenges and Growth
30:51 Transitioning to College Life
33:35 Building Friendships in College
37:48 Spiritual Growth and Lessons Learned
43:18 Legacy of Love: Lessons from Grandmothers
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW
Resources from todays show:
Ellas new sneakers - Back 70
Yahtzee Game
Nertz Game
Quiplash (on Apple TV)
New Morning Mercies devotional
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com
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Unwrapping the truth about Christmas with Lee Strobel →
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Lets talk about Christmas. Not just the cozy traditions or the sparkling lights, but the actual story of what happened in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago.
This week on the podcast, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Lee Strobel and together we explore the deeper truths of the nativity story, why the details matter, and how we can share that with our kids in a way that builds their faith.
Here are a few highlights from our conversation:
- Why understanding the virgin birth is crucial to understanding who Jesus really is
- The difference between the cultural version of Christmas and what Scripture actually says
- How to talk to kids about the parts of the story that might confuse them (like the wise men and the timeline!)
- And yes, we even touch on Santa and how to navigate that as Christian parents
Lee Strobel is a former legal editor for the Chicago Tribune and a New York Times bestselling author of more than forty books, including The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith. After investigating the claims of Christianity as an atheist, he became a follower of Jesus and now speaks and writes to help others explore faith with confidence. His newest book, The Case for Christmas, explores the historical and biblical evidence behind the nativity story.
Whether youve heard the Christmas story a hundred times or are learning it with your kids for the first time, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of awe.
(00:00) From Atheism to Faith: Lee Strobel's Journey
(03:00) The Cultural Significance of Christmas
(05:47) Revisiting the Nativity Story: Myths vs. Reality
(09:04) Understanding the Virgin Birth
(12:12) The Role of the Magi in the Christmas Story
(14:56) The Importance of Context in Biblical Narratives
(18:05) The Legacy of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus
(20:47) Celebrating Christmas with Children
(24:01) The True Meaning of Christmas
Connect with Lee
Resources Mentioned
The Christian Parenting Podcast: Faith, apologetics, and the supernatural with Lee Strobel
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
When Christmas doesnt go as planned with Sheila Walsh →
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The lights are twinkling, the carols are playing, and everything should feel magical... but sometimes, it just doesnt. Whether your kids are navigating big feelings of disappointment or you're trying to balance joy and weariness in your own heart, this conversation is for you.
This week Im joined by author and speaker Sheila Walsh, and were talking about what really matters this Christmas: Gods love, Emmanuel with us, and how to guide our children through holiday letdowns with grace, presence, and prayer.
Here are just a few things we talked about:
- How to help kids walk through disappointment (even when they dont get the part they wanted in the play)
- Why our prayers for our children matter more than any gift we could ever wrap
- Simple ways to re-center your home on Jesus in a culture thats always asking for more
- How unmet expectations can be invitations to discover God's love more deeply
Sheilas brand-new picture book, The Little Drummer Girl, tells a beautiful story about a child who doesnt get what she wants and instead finds the joy of giving to Jesus. Its such a special book to read together this season. You can find the link in the show notes!
Sheila Walsh is a best-selling author, Bible teacher, speaker, and co-host of TBNs Praise. She has written over 50 books for women and children, including Its Okay Not to Be Okay, Holding On When You Want to Let Go, and The Storm Inside. Her new book, The Little Drummer Girl, is a heartwarming Christmas story for kids about faith, giving, and the love of Jesus.
So whether youre on your third cup of cocoa or hiding wrapping paper in the closet, I hope this episode wraps around you like a warm blanket and reminds you: Jesus is with us. Thats what matters most.
(00:00) Embracing the Christmas Spirit
(02:52) Sheila Walsh: A Journey of Faith and Family
(05:59) The Heart of Christmas: Lessons from Isabella
(08:59) Navigating Disappointments: Teaching Kids Resilience
(12:06) The Power of Prayer in Parenting
(15:05) Finding Joy in Community and Service
(18:13) Understanding God's Love and Forgiveness
(20:47) The Impact of Prayer Across Generations
(24:08) Celebrating God's Plan in Our Lives
(26:54) The Gift of Christmas: Sharing God's Love
Connect with Sheila
Resources Mentioned
Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Our Sponsors:* Check out Everyday Dose and use my code CPPODCAST for a great deal: https://everydaydose.com
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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