FamilyLife Today®

Latest Episodes:

Raising Emotionally Strong Boys - David Thomas Jun 06, 2025

Show notes

This FamilyLife Today episode, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, features counselor David Thomas, who discusses signs of an emotionally unhealthy home, drawing from his book "Raising Emotionally Strong Boys." The conversation explores three key practices—recognize, regulate, and repair—that are often absent in unhealthy homes. David explains how ignoring emotional signals, failing to manage stress, and refusing to apologize contribute to dysfunction. The hosts share personal stories, including Dave’s realization of his emotional unhealthiness despite initial denial and Ann’s struggle with comparing her children. The episode emphasizes the importance of naming pain, seeking help, and modeling healthy emotional behaviors for kids. Dave’s childhood experience of suppressed grief and Ann’s encouragement to pray highlight God’s redemptive power in transforming pain.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about David Thomas and get helpful family resource on his website

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Unleashing Boys' Energy and Understanding Their Emotions - David Thomas Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of FamilyLife Today, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, we feature counselor David Thomas, author of "Raising Emotionally Strong Boys." The discussion focuses on understanding and managing the physicality and emotional intensity of boys, particularly through the lens of Ann’s story about neighborhood boys breaking wood on their foreheads. David shares insights from his 25 years at Daystar Counseling, emphasizing the need to create outlets for boys’ energy, such as a designated “space” for physical release. He introduces the ABCs of emotional development—coping, breathing, and naming feelings—explaining that boys often need to release energy before identifying emotions. The episode addresses common parenting mistakes, like excessive talk and emotion during discipline, and encourages narrating personal experiences to model emotional health. David’s podcast with Sissy Goff, "Raising Boys and Girls," is highlighted as a resource for parents.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about David Thomas and get helpful family resource on his website

Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
See resources from our past podcasts.
Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

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Understanding the Roots of Your Child's Addictive Behaviors - Dr. Adrian Hickmon Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

On this FamilyLife Today episode, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, we feature a segment from the FamilyLife Blended podcast with Ron Deal and guest Dr. Adrian Hickmon, founder of Capstone Treatment Center in Arkansas. The discussion focuses on parenting children with addictive behaviors, such as drugs, alcohol, or pornography. Dr. Hickmon explains the underlying causes of these behaviors, including trauma, isolation, and disconnection, likening them to a "magma pool" beneath a volcano.

He advises parents to find facts, triage the situation, and avoid detaching emotionally, instead emphasizing attachment and healthy boundaries. Ron shares a personal story about his son’s near-fatal alcohol incident, illustrating the balance of moving toward a child with love while setting boundaries. The episode underscores the gospel’s rupture-repair-masterpiece model as a framework for family restoration.

Show Notes and Resources

Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
See resources from our past podcasts.
Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
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The Road to Kaeluma - Landon Hawley & Perry Wilson Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

This FamilyLife Today episode, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, continues the discussion of "The Road to Kay Luma," a five-part audio drama produced by FamilyLife, Cru, and Jesus Film Project. Co-creators Perry Wilson and Landon Holly share insights into the drama’s development, inspired by the Prodigal Son parable, reimagined in a fantasy world from the perspective of the prodigal’s grandson, Orric. The episode explores family dynamics, parental expectations, and the pressure children feel to perform, with personal anecdotes from the hosts and creators. Clips highlight the drama’s immersive storytelling, music, and characters, emphasizing its role in fostering family discussions. A discussion guide is introduced to aid parents and children in vulnerable conversations about identity and approval.

Show Notes and Resources

Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
See resources from our past podcasts.
Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
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Your Next Family Devotional - Landon Hawley & Perry Wilson Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

On this FamilyLife Today episode, hosted by Dave and Ann Wilson, we introduce you to "The Road to Kaeluma," a five-part audio drama by FamilyLife, Cru, and Jesus Film Project. Co-creators Perry Wilson and Landon Hawley discuss its inspiration from the Prodigal Son parable, reimagined in a fantasy world from the prodigal’s grandson’s perspective. The episode features clips showcasing high-quality production, epic music, and compelling characters. Themes include grace, family dynamics, and spiritual growth, with personal stories from the hosts and creators connecting to the parable. The drama aims to spark family discussions on faith.

Show Notes and Resources

Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
See resources from our past podcasts.
Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
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How to Be Engaged - Sean Perron & Spencer Harmon May 30, 2025

Show notes

Wondering how to be engaged and do it right? Sean Perron and Spencer Harmon offer biblical, practical wisdom on for a beautiful now and a forever future.

Show Notes and Resources

Take a deeper dive and grab a copy of Sean Perron and Spencer Hamron's series "Letters to a Romantic." Check it out here!
Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website.

Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
See resources from our past podcasts.
Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

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Dating or Engaged - Sean Perron & Spencer May 29, 2025

Show notes

Want to do relationships differently? Authors Sean Perron and Spencer Harmon point you in the right direction for dating, engagement, or marriage with purpose and depth.

Show Notes and Resources

Take a deeper dive and grab a copy of Sean Perron and Spencer Hamron's series "Letters to a Romantic." Check it out here!
Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website.

Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
See resources from our past podcasts.
Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Dating Done Right - Sean Perron & Spencer Harmon May 28, 2025

Show notes

You’re dating—but man, do things get sticky. Authors Sean Perron and Spencer Harmon help you approach marriage on purpose, and done right.

Show Notes and Resources

Take a deeper dive and grab a copy of Sean Perron and Spencer Hamron's series "Letters to a Romantic." Check it out here!
Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website.

Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
See resources from our past podcasts.
Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Emotional Tools Your Son Can Build On for Life - David Thomas May 27, 2025

Show notes

What emotional skills does your son need? Counselor David Thomas sheds light on common emotional struggles, including anger, anxiety, and depression. Find practical ways you can help your son be resourceful, aware, resilient, and empathetic—breaking patterns of dysfunction and embracing maturity for life.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about David and his books at his website: raisingboysandgirls.com
Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website.

Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
See resources from our past podcasts.
Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app!
Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Raising Emotionally Healthy Boys - David Thomas May 26, 2025

Show notes

What’s it take to raise emotionally strong boys? Veteran counselor David Thomas knows males typically aren’t equipped with skills to name and navigate their experience—and the fallout is grave. Thomas lays out strategies to equip boys for a powerful present and future.

Show Notes and Resources

Learn more about David and his books at his website: raisingboysandgirls.com
Every donation to FamilyLife in May will be matched. Donate today on our website.