Raising Godly Boys Minute

Latest Episodes:

#1069: Ground Pad Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

Are you sure your son has what he needs for this life?
One mountain hike, a boy showed up without a ground pad to go under his sleeping bag. The nights only dipped into the mid-40’s, but without a ground pad, the cold earth underneath him would have drained heat off his body, leaving him shivering (and not sleeping) all night long.
Check in with your son. Talk to him. Listen to him. Make sure he has the tools he needs for success. Is there something that is draining him every day? Oftentimes, a boy might not tell you what is wrong– he may not know himself, just like the boy who was missing a ground pad.
For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1068: Big Deal Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

To him, it is a big deal.
When your teenage son faces rejection or embarrassment, your first instinct may be to say, “Son, in the scheme of things, this is not a big deal.”
But that might not be the best approach. Through MRI scans of teenage brains, psychologists have actually found that a teen’s amygdala– the part of the brain that senses negative emotions– is much more reactive than a child’s brain or an adult’s brain.
So instead of telling your son to stop worrying, empathize. Recall a similar situation you’ve been in and how it made you feel. Suggest he does something like working on his car or walking his dog. Help him find healthy coping mechanisms, and he’ll start to learn how to better handle negative experiences.
For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1067: Pocket Knife Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

Do you remember when you got your first pocketknife?
Cody got his first pocketknife as a birthday present from his grinning grandfather under the watchful scowl of his mother. The first thing he did was cut himself and get a bandaid put on his finger.
As he grew in years and maturity, he learned to responsibly handle his knife, and went on to teach other boys how to sharpen, care for, and safely use their knives. But it all started with a cut.
Boys need curated danger– the opportunity to run real risks, albeit small ones, to test themselves against life. Give your son the gift of risk. Canoeing, football, and rock-climbing all have their risks, but pay their rewards in character.
For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1066: Luther Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

Have you ever seen a boy transformed?
One member of an outdoor youth program was a troubled teen who had spent time in Juvie, and was likely headed for prison.
His leaders worked hard to mentor him, teach him, and praise every effort he gave, no matter how small.
From annoyed disinterest to tolerance, he slowly began to listen. To everyone’s surprise, he became one of the most faithful members, showing up for every meeting, and helping out with anything asked of him.
As he grew older, not only did Luther stay out of prison, but he has a good job and a wonderful family, all because someone invested in his life.
For information about a Proven Process that is helping boys grow into godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1065: Calm the Storm Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

Is there a storm in your son’s life?
When your son inevitably faces something difficult in his life, it may feel like a hurricane is blowing through. And when it does, you want nothing more than to end the storm—or at least hold an umbrella over your boy’s head.
But as hard as we try, we cannot protect our son from every pain in this life.
But here’s the good news. Whatever storm your son is enduring right now, Jesus is with him. The wind and waves obey Jesus.
So when the winds pick up and the rain beats down, point your son to his Savior. Pray that he clings to the only one who can truly calm the storm.
To learn about raising boys to be godly men, go to Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1064: 50-Miles Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

Have you ever seen the power of a boy?
All that boundless energy is there for a reason.
Steve led a 50-mile hike with a group of boys and began to worry he might have to cut it short. His son and some of the other younger boys were lagging behind and wanted to quit.
Just as Steve made the decision to turn the entire group back, the older boys took charge, taught the younger ones silly songs and games for the trail, and all the little ones drafted in their wake, inspired to follow young men they looked up to and admired.
Give your son excellent young men to look up to, and help him become the one who inspires others.
For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1063: Never Give Up Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

Encourage your son to make only one resolution this year: to never give up.
The movie A Million Miles Away tells the true story of Jose Hernandez, who grew up as a migrant farmworker and eventually fulfilled his dream of being an astronaut.
Part of Jose’s story is that he applied to NASA eleven times before he was eventually accepted.
While making his twelfth application attempt, the movie shows Jose delivering the application in person to NASA. As he hands his application in, he says, “You can reject me again. But if you do, I’ll be right back here next year, applying again.”
Jose was accepted, and went to space only four years after that.
Remind your son that, with God, all things are possible. We must never, ever give up.
For more ideas on raising boys to be godly men, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1062: New Year's Eve Reflections Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

On this last day of the year, reflect with your son about the 5 critical needs.
First, do a check on your son’s “compass.” Ask him what he would like his life to look like in 5 years, and what he needs to do now to achieve his dreams.
Secondly, ask your son about his “map.” Does he have male mentors to look up to?
Third, remind your son that he needs a “guide,” positive peer relationships. Is his group of friends spurring him on in Christ?
Fourth, your son needs a flashlight. Does he feel confident in his faith? Remind him that it’s more than OK to ask questions.
Finally, talk to your boy about the mountains in his life. Does he feel challenged? What new activities would he like to attempt in the new year?
To learn more about these 5 critical needs, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1061: Boy Parenting Simplified Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

It’s easier than you think.
In her book Boys Will Be Boys, Dr. Meg Meeker jokingly describes a fictional encounter between a father and a son. The dad says, “Hey son, I’ll see you later, I’m going to a seminar on how to be a better father!” And the son answers,: “Oh, that’s easy dad, just hammer some nails with me.”
Dr. Meeker’s brilliant point is that good and godly parenting is a lot more simple than we think. Although a doctor’s advice is sometimes needed, ultimately there’s only two voices you need to listen to: God’s, and your son’s. Dr. Meeker says if you pay close enough attention to your son, you will soon see what he truly needs. Combine that with a prayer for wisdom, and you can parent with confidence.
To learn about the five critical needs of boys, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

#1060: Firebreak Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

How does a boy know he is becoming a man?
Sometimes, life tells them along the way.
Late in the dry summer, Robert looked out his back door, and saw smoke billowing across his property. A growing fire crawled across his neighbor’s pasture, and threatened to roar into the woods on his land. He yelled for his two boys, 12 and 15, threw rakes into the truck, and drove toward the fire.
Jumping into action, he and the boys beat back the flames, creating a firebreak and saving the woods - and the elementary school on the other side.
Grimy, exhausted, thirsty, and hearts racing with pride they performed a man’s work that day, those two boys knew they were becoming men.
For more information about raising your son into a godly man, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected