The Christian Parenting Podcast - Motherhood, Teaching kids about Jesus, Intentional parenting, Raising Christian kids

Justice Minded Kids book

Website

Resources Mentioned:

Clear Focus Bible for Kids

A Great Cloud of Witnesses prayer journal

School Simplified

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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The power of wonder and outdoor living with Ginny Yurich Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever felt like your kids are too bored… or maybe like you’re the only one swimming upstream when it comes to slowing down family life? This episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. I’m 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 don’t 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, You’re Doing It Right Just By Doing It and The Power of Outdoor Living for Your Child’s 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

Facebook

1000 Hours Outside Podcast

Resources Mentioned

1000 Hours Outside

Christian Parenting Resources

School Simplified

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 Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

If you’re 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 child’s identity rooted in Christ not in their performance
Why character development > championship rings (and how to model that)
Questions to ask when it’s 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.

I’m 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

Away Game book

A Great Cloud of Witnesses prayer journal

Christian Parenting products

Adventure Bible

Connect with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith

Ed Uszynski X

Ed Uszynsky Instagram

Brian Smith Instagram

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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You’re not underqualified, you’re just underestimated with Mary Marantz Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

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 you’re ready or even worthy? You are so not alone.

This week I’m joined by Mary Marantz, and wow, what a conversation. Mary shares her journey from deep-rooted self-doubt to walking confidently in God’s 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 one’s for you.

Here are four things you’ll take away from this episode:

Why feeling unqualified doesn’t disqualify you from God’s 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 you’re scared

Mary is the bestselling author of Dirt and Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots. She’s 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 don’t 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 doesn’t 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

MaryMarantz.com

Underestimated book

What is your achiever type? Quiz

The Mary Marantz Show

Resources Mentioned

The Light in Our Eyes book

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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When faith feels fragile, a conversation on deconstruction with Nicholas McDonald Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

Have you or your kids ever wrestled with hard questions about faith? If so, you're not alone and you’re definitely in the right place today. This week, I’m 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 don’t 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, God’s 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 don’t have to be perfect—you 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

X account

Substack

Resources Mentioned

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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Letting go, leaning in, and raising brave kids with Katie Davis Majors Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

What do we do when God’s calling for our child’s life looks nothing like we expected? This week’s episode is such a gift. I’m 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:

God’s 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 shouldn’t lead to burnout when it’s 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 he’s writing in our kids’ lives.

Resources Mentioned:

(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

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When the school plan changes - our online school story with Brittaney Devane Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

We’ve reached the final week of our school choice series, and I’m so excited for you to hear this conversation. Today, I’m chatting with my friend, Brittaney Devane about what it looks like to choose online school even when it wasn’t the original plan. Her family made a big pivot, and what followed was growth, flexibility, and a deeper sense of purpose in their schooling journey.

Here are four key takeaways from our conversation:

Online school brings unexpected flexibility for schedules, learning styles, and family time.
Decision-making is a team effort. Brittaney shares how she and her husband stayed united in prayer and discernment.
Community still matters. Even with online learning, finding support and social outlets is possible and vital.
It’s okay to change course. God can lead you to something better than you planned.

Whether you’re curious about online school or just love hearing real stories from fellow parents, this episode is full of wisdom and grace.

(01:59) Navigating Schooling Choices

(05:55) The Benefits of Online School

(12:01) Socialization and Community Support

(17:57) Academic Structure and Flexibility

(23:49) Decision-Making and Family Dynamics

(29:49) Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Brittaney

Liberty University Online Academy

Resources Mentioned

Support Christian Parenting

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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Faithfully navigating public school with Ashley Grutzmacher Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

We’re continuing our school choice series, and today’s episode is such a thoughtful one. I’m joined by Ashley Grutzmacher—a public school teacher, mom, and passionate advocate for loving your neighbor and showing up well in your community. Ashley offers such a grounded and honest look into the public school experience, and I think this conversation will leave you feeling both encouraged and equipped.

Whether public school is your current path or you're simply exploring options, Ashley brings clarity and hope to the decision-making process.

Here’s what you’ll hear in today's conversation:

Public schools offer unique opportunities to build relationships, engage with diversity, and reflect Christ in a natural way.
Faith and public education can coexist. With intentionality, families can stay grounded in their values while fully participating in the public system.
Challenges will come, but so will growth. Ashley shares practical ways to prepare your kids spiritually for real-world experiences.
You don’t do this alone. Community, church, and family rhythms all help support your child’s faith, wherever they attend school.

Ashley is a seasoned public school teacher and mom who brings a front-row perspective to the joys and challenges of raising Christian kids in a public school setting. Her heart for students and her passion for faithful parenting make her a trusted voice in this important conversation.

I hope this episode reminds you that with prayer, wisdom, and support, you can thrive wherever God calls your family.

With grace,

Steph

(00:00) Introduction to Public Education and Personal Background

(15:08) Benefits of Public Schooling

(29:53) Challenges in Public Schooling for Believers

(24:06) Misconceptions About Public Schools

(31:48) Navigating School Choices as Parents

(36:42) Core Values in Education

Resources Mentioned

NIV Application Bible

Support Christian Parenting

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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Is Homeschooling for Us? Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

We’re continuing our special series on school choices today, and I’m so excited to share this conversation with Leigh Nguyen, a mom who never planned to homeschool but followed God’s nudge and hasn’t looked back. Her story is honest, inspiring, and full of practical insight for anyone wondering if homeschooling could actually work for their family.

Whether you’re curious about it, overwhelmed by it, or already in the thick of it, Leigh brings a calm, grace-filled perspective that might just be the encouragement you need today.

Here’s what you’ll hear in today's conversation:

Faith can lead us down unexpected paths. Leigh didn’t start out with a homeschool plan, but God met her in the unknown.
Homeschooling isn't perfect, but it's purposeful. Every hard moment is an opportunity for connection, growth, and trust.
Learning happens everywhere. From the kitchen table to the grocery store, faith and education beautifully intertwine.
There’s no “right” way to do it. Homeschooling looks different for every family and that’s the beauty of it.

Leigh is a homeschooling mom of four with a background in education and a heart for helping other parents feel confident and equipped in their own homeschooling journey. She speaks and writes about faith-filled parenting and creating a home where learning and discipleship go hand in hand.

I hope this episode gives you clarity and encouragement as you navigate your family’s next steps.

(03:03) The Decision to Homeschool

(05:55) Daily Life in Homeschooling

(09:10) Integrating Faith into Education

(11:58) Choosing Curriculum

(15:05) Overcoming Doubts in Homeschooling

(18:01) Socialization in Homeschooling

(20:29) Holistic Learning Through Everyday Activities

(23:29) The Socialization Debate in Homeschooling

(26:54) Challenges of Homeschooling: Finding Balance

(29:07) The Growth of Homeschooled Children

(33:42) Lessons Learned: Reflections on Homeschooling

(36:47) Advice for New Homeschooling Parents

Connect with Leigh