Raising Boys & Girls

Latest Episodes:

Episode 373: Capable the High School Years with David and Sissy May 07, 2026

Show notes

This conversation highlights a growing “capability gap” in teens, where some, often girls, are overwhelmed by pressure and perfectionism while others, often boys, are disengaged and avoidant. David and Sissy connect this to factors like digital communication, lowered relationship standards, and increased screen use, all of which can hinder resilience and healthy development. They emphasize that true capability is built through real-life challenges, responsibility, and healthy risk-taking, and encourage parents to raise expectations, foster strong relationships, teach coping skills, and create space for both rest and growth.

Resources mentioned:

Capable: How to Teach Your Kids the Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience by David Thomas and Sissy Goff
The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependenceby Jessica Lahey
Navigating Our Teens Dating with Paula Faris
Birds & Bees

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Episode 372: When to Push and When to Pull Back in the Middle School Years with Dr. Lisa Damour May 05, 2026

Show notes

Dr. Lisa Damour explains that resilience comes from learning to handle discomfort, not avoiding it, and reminds parents that mental health isn’t about always feeling happy. Especially in the middle school years, kids face rapid changes and self-doubt, making it crucial for parents to support rather than rescue. By allowing kids to work through hard moments while staying gently connected, we help them build the confidence and capability they need for life.

Resources mentioned:

Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood by Dr. Lisa Damour
Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls by Dr. Lisa Damour
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents by Dr. Lisa Damour

. . . . . .

Pre-order our new book, Capable and grab tickets for Capable - The Book Tour here!

See our speaking dates, purchase books and check out our courses here.. . . . . .

If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form.

QUINCE: Go to ⁠Quince.com/rbg⁠ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.

BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg⁠. Exclusions apply.

SHOPIFY: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGShopify to learn more about Shopify!

LEGACY BOX: Legacybox is running their Mother’s Day sale and they’re also offering an additional $10 off your order. Visit Legacybox.com and use discount code: RBGGO

GO MINNO: Visit GoMinno.com to get a one month FREE TRIAL using code: RBG

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Episode 371: Capable the Middle School Years with David and Sissy Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

Middle school is a crucial but often overlooked stage where kids need practice, not perfection, as they navigate social disconnection, increased screen use, and deep self-consciousness. By creating opportunities for real-life interaction, responsibility, healthy voices, and manageable discomfort, parents can help kids build the resilience and capability they’ll need for what’s ahead.

Resources mentioned:

Raising Worry-Free Girls: Helping Your Daughter Feel Braver, Stronger, and Smarter in an Anxious World by Sissy Goff
Raising Emotionally Strong Boys: Tools Your Son Can Build On for Lifeby David Thomas

. . . . . .

Pre-order our new book, Capable and grab tickets for Capable - The Book Tour here!

See our speaking dates, purchase books and check out our courses here.. . . . . .

If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form.

HOPE SPRINGS: Listen along to Hope Springs, https://tinyurl.com/RBGHopeSprings, a family audio drama series following the lives and adventures of a few Colorado kids

QUINCE: Go to ⁠Quince.com/rbg⁠ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.

BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg⁠. Exclusions apply.

NIV ILLUSTRATING BIBLE: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGNIVIllustratingBible to learn more about the NIV Illustrating Bible.

EVERYBODY GET A JUICE BOX: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGJuiceboxPodcast to learn more about this podcast on neurodiverse parenting.

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Episode 370: From Trauma to Regulation to Resilience with Neurobiologist Dr. Bruce Perry Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Dr. Bruce Perry unpacks the difference between stress, adversity, and trauma, helping parents shift from asking “what’s wrong with you?” to “what happened to you?” He explains how moderate, predictable stress actually builds resilience, while overprotection can limit a child’s growth. He also highlights the powerful role of relationships—especially how a regulated parent can calm a dysregulated child—and offers practical ways to foster connection through rhythm, movement, and presence. Ultimately, he reminds us that understanding a child’s story is key to helping them heal and grow.

Resources mentioned:

The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dogby Bruce Perry and Maia Szalavitz
Born for Love: Why Empathy Is Essential—and Endangeredby Bruce Perry and Maia Szalavitz
What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healingby Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey

. . . . . .

Pre-order our new book, Capable and grab tickets for Capable - The Book Tour here!

See our speaking dates, purchase books and check out our courses here.. . . . . .

If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form.

HOPE SPRINGS: Listen along to Hope Springs, https://tinyurl.com/RBGHopeSprings, a family audio drama series following the lives and adventures of a few Colorado kids

QUINCE: Go to ⁠Quince.com/rbg⁠ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.

BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg⁠. Exclusions apply.

NIV ILLUSTRATING BIBLE: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGNIVIllustratingBible to learn more about the NIV Illustrating Bible.

EVERYBODY GET A JUICE BOX: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGJuiceboxPodcast to learn more about this podcast on neurodiverse parenting.

SHOPIFY: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGShopify to learn more about Shopify!
CASPER: Save up to 30% on mattresses and up to 35% on everything else when you go to Casper.com.

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Episode 369: Capable the Elementary Years with David and Sissy Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

Elementary school is a critical window where kids begin asking, “Am I capable?” and moments of struggle, not success, are what build that belief. Anxiety, anger, lack of regulation, and low agency are showing up more than ever, but they’re also opportunities. When parents pause before rescuing, hold steady boundaries, and give kids space to problem-solve, they’re actually building resilience and mental health. Capability grows when kids experience manageable challenges with support, learning, “I can do hard things.”

. . . . . .

Pre-order our new book, Capable and grab tickets for Capable - The Book Tour here!

See our speaking dates, purchase books and check out our courses here.. . . . . .

If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form.

HOPE SPRINGS: Listen along to Hope Springs, https://tinyurl.com/RBGHopeSprings, a family audio drama series following the lives and adventures of a few Colorado kids

QUINCE: Go to ⁠Quince.com/rbg⁠ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.

BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg⁠. Exclusions apply.

NIV ILLUSTRATING BIBLE: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGNIVIllustratingBible to learn more about the NIV Illustrating Bible.

EVERYBODY GET A JUICE BOX: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGJuiceboxPodcast to learn more about this podcast on neurodiverse parenting.

SHOPIFY: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGShopify to learn more about Shopify!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 368: Building Independence and Resilience in Toddlers with Zee Pendleton and Angela Rice Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

Zee Pendleton and Angela Rice talk about how kids today are dealing with more anxiety, screen time, and big emotions, and remind us that raising capable, confident kids really comes back to the basics. Staying present, setting clear boundaries, and giving kids chances to try, fail, and grow in everyday moments makes all the difference.

. . . . . .

Pre-order our new book, Capable and grab tickets for Capable - The Book Tour here!

See our speaking dates, purchase books and check out our courses here.. . . . . .

If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form.

WAYFAIR: Get organized, refreshed, and ready for the holidays for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.

OUR PLACE: Stop cooking with toxic cookware, and upgrade to Our Place today. Visit fromourplace.com/RBG and use code RBG for 10% off sitewide.

HIYA HEALTH: Visit hiyahealth.com/RBG to get 50% off your first order.

HOPE SPRINGS: Listen along to Hope Springs, https://tinyurl.com/RBGHopeSprings, a family audio drama series following the lives and adventures of a few Colorado kids

QUINCE: Go to ⁠Quince.com/rbg⁠ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.

BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg⁠. Exclusions apply.

NIV ILLUSTRATING BIBLE: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGNIVIllustratingBible to learn more about the NIV Illustrating Bible.

EVERYBODY GET A JUICE BOX: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGJuiceboxPodcast to learn more about this podcast on neurodiverse parenting.
SHOPIFY: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGShopify to learn more about Shopify!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 367: Capable the Toddler Years with David and Sissy Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

Toddlers’ “I do it myself” moments aren’t defiance, they’re signs of healthy development and a deep drive for autonomy. When parents pause before stepping in, allow struggle, and offer both empathy and boundaries, they create space for confidence and capability to grow. David and Sissy talk about how separation, independence, and small responsibilities all play a key role in helping toddlers build trust, resilience, and the belief that “I can handle things.”

Resources mentioned:

The Connected Child by Dr. Karyn Purvis
Braver, Stronger, Smarter by Sissy Goff
The Daystar Dogs Series

. . . . . .

Pre-order our new book, Capable and grab tickets for Capable - The Book Tour here!

See our speaking dates, purchase books and check out our courses here.. . . . . .

If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form.

HOPE SPRINGS: Listen along to Hope Springs, https://tinyurl.com/RBGHopeSprings, a family audio drama series following the lives and adventures of a few Colorado kids

QUINCE: Go to ⁠Quince.com/rbg⁠ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.

BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg⁠. Exclusions apply.

NIV ILLUSTRATING BIBLE: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGNIVIllustratingBible to learn more about the NIV Illustrating Bible.

EVERYBODY GET A JUICE BOX: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGJuiceboxPodcast to learn more about this podcast on neurodiverse parenting.

SHOPIFY: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGShopify to learn more about Shopify!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 366: Helping Boys Become Capable Men with Sherman Bucher Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

Sherman Bucher shares that while boys today are more open to getting help, many are also more anxious, less confident, and unsure how to take their next steps. He highlights the impact of online messages shaping boys’ views of strength and encourages parents to redefine it through emotional awareness and resilience. The conversation emphasizes helping boys take healthy risks, build real-world friendships beyond screens, and grow through supportive relationships and strong boundaries at home.

Resources mentioned:

Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere (On Netflix)

. . . . . .

Pre-order our new book, Capable and grab tickets for Capable - The Book Tour here!

See our speaking dates, purchase books and check out our courses here.. . . . . .

If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form.

HOPE SPRINGS: Listen along to Hope Springs, https://tinyurl.com/RBGHopeSprings, a family audio drama series following the lives and adventures of a few Colorado kids

QUINCE: Go to ⁠Quince.com/rbg⁠ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.

BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg⁠. Exclusions apply.

NIV ILLUSTRATING BIBLE: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGNIVIllustratingBible to learn more about the NIV Illustrating Bible.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 365: Boys' Challenges to Capability with David and Sissy Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

This episode highlights how boys develop true capability by practicing risk, emotional regulation, and perseverance in everyday moments. David and Sissy explain that modern life often removes these growth opportunities, and encourage parents to allow healthy struggle, teach regulation tools, and step back from rescuing—so boys can grow into resilient men whose strength becomes safety.

Resources mentioned:

Raising Emotionally Strong Boys: Tools Your Son Can Build On for Life by David Thomas
Strong and Smart: A Boy's Guide to Building Healthy Emotions by David Thomas

. . . . . .

Pre-order our new book, Capable and grab tickets for Capable - The Book Tour here!

See our speaking dates, purchase books and check out our courses here.. . . . . .

If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form.

HOPE SPRINGS: Listen along to Hope Springs, https://tinyurl.com/RBGHopeSprings, a family audio drama series following the lives and adventures of a few Colorado kids

QUINCE: Go to ⁠Quince.com/rbg⁠ for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.

BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg⁠. Exclusions apply.

NIV ILLUSTRATING BIBLE: Go to https://tinyurl.com/RBGNIVIllustratingBible to learn more about the NIV Illustrating Bible.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 364: Helping Girls Feel Ready and Capable in Today’s World with Kari Kampakis Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Kari Kampakis shares why today’s girls need both grace and grit—the ability to stay kind while also developing strength and resilience. She encourages parents to help their daughters build discernment, confidence, and identity, while preparing them for challenges like comparison, friendship struggles, and fear of failure. Ultimately, Kari emphasizes raising kids who are willing to take risks, trust God, and grow into capable, grounded adults.

Resources mentioned:

Love Her Well: 10 Ways to Find Joy and Connection with Your Teenage Daughter by Kari Kampakis
More Than a Mom: How Prioritizing Your Wellness Helps You (and Your Family) Thrive by Kari Kampakis
Liked: Whose Approval Are You Living For? by Kari Kampakis
Yours, Not Hers: 40 Devotions to Stop Comparisons and Love Your Life by Kari Kampakis
Raising Emotionally Strong Boys: Tools Your Son Can Build On for Life by David Thomas
Kari’s Zucchini Croquettes + Tzatziki
Kari’s Greek Village Salad + Briam
Kari’s Traditional Chicken Skewers

. . . . . .

Pre-order our new book, Capable and grab tickets for Capable - The Book Tour here!

See our speaking dates, purchase books and check out our courses here.. . . . . .

If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Advertise With Us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ form.

OUR PLACE: Stop cooking with toxic cookware, and upgrade to Our Place today. Visit fromourplace.com/RBG and use code RBG for 10% off sitewide.

HIYA HEALTH: Visit hiyahealth.com/RBG to get 50% off your first order.

BRODO: Go to ⁠Brodo.com/RBG⁠ for 20% off your first subscription order, plus an additional $10 off when you use code RBG at checkout.

WAYFAIR: Get organized, refreshed, and ready for the holidays for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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