Drawing from her acclaimed new book, Moms of the Bible: Life Changing Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed, and Faithful, Rhonda Stoppe brings wisdom honed by decades of ministry, parenting, and podcasting (Old Ladies Know Stuff). Together, Catherine and Rhonda Stoppe explore what it means to mother in a world obsessed with perfection, reminding listeners that God’s view of motherhood is radically different—and infinitely more freeing.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode

God Sees and Honors Moms—Even When No One Else Does
Scripture overflows with stories of mothers just like you—women who wrestled, wept, waited, and worshiped as God unfolded His plans in unexpected ways. While culture often dismisses the daily work of mothering as mundane or menial, Catherine and Rhonda Stoppe reveal how the Bible places immense value on those unseen acts of love and faithfulness.

From Mary’s Brave Surrender to Rebecca’s Mistakes

• Hear how Mary, the mother of Jesus, chose courageous “yes” in the face of misunderstanding and rejection, modeling trust in God’s unseen plans.

• Explore Rebecca’s story—a tale of good intentions gone awry as she tries to “help” God’s promises along, unleashing sibling rivalry and a generational legacy.

• Learn that God works through flawed, real women, not perfect ones, and that repentance and humility write a new story for us and our children.

The Power and Danger of Partiality

• Rhonda Stoppe uncovers the lasting damage of favoritism in families, drawing from biblical narratives and honest reflections on her own upbringing.

• Listeners are encouraged to honestly assess their parenting, seek God’s agape love, and pursue forgiveness and restoration when favoritism has taken root.

When You Feel like the Mom with No Name

• Sometimes, a mother’s extraordinary impact is never recognized by the world—or even, at times, by her own children.

• The story of David’s unnamed mother powerfully affirms the kingdom value of unseen, faithful work.

• “The influence of unnamed mothers has shaped nations, inspired leaders, nurtured artists and motivated ordinary children to accomplish extraordinary achievements.” – Rhonda Stoppe

Real Talk: Healing from Deep Wounds

• In a moving post-interview segment, Rhonda Stoppe addresses the pain of those raised by abusive mothers through the biblical story of Herodias and her daughter, offering hope, the necessity of Christ-centered forgiveness, and the invitation to seek healing through biblical counseling.

Why This Matters

In a culture that honors mothers with a day, but often disenfranchises the work of motherhood, this episode re-centers the sacredness, complexity, and generational reach of a mother’s influence. Catherine and Rhonda Stoppe invite you to see your mothering through the eyes of God—full of purpose, dignity, and hope.

About the Guest

Rhonda Stoppe is a bestselling author, speaker, mom of four, and grandmother of fifteen. Known for her practical wisdom and biblical insight, Rhonda is host of the Old Ladies Know Stuff podcast and beloved mentor to moms and grandmothers across the nation. Her books, including Moms Raising Sons to Be Men and Real Life Romance, equip Christian families for generational impact.

Reflect & Respond

Which mom’s story resonated most with you—fearless Mary, flawed Rebecca, faithful Hannah, or a nameless mother who faithfully packed lunches and taught quietly in her home? What might change in your parenting if you saw yourself as called and seen by God, not defined by comparison or invisibility?

Notable takeaway:

“God doesn’t need perfection. He’s just looking for surrender. He works through the ordinary, the overlooked, and, yes, even the messy moments of motherhood to accomplish His extraordinary plans.” — Catherine

 

Call to Action:
This week, seek out a godly mentor—or encourage another mom who might feel forgotten. Your story matters. Your daily yes to God matters. How will you step boldly into your unique season of motherhood, trusting that God shapes generations through faithful, ordinary women?

Listen now and be refreshed—motherhood, in all its mess and glory, is sacred work in the hands of God.

Episode Resources

• Rhonda’s Website & Resources:
  noregretswoman.com (Free first chapter, video curriculum, articles, and more)

• Moms of the Bible: Life Changing Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed, and Faithful
  On Amazon

• Rhonda’s Podcast:
  Old Ladies Know Stuff Podcast

• Rhonda’s YouTube Channel:
  Rhonda Stoppe, No Regrets Woman

• Connect with Catherine & Free Parenting Resources:
  Free faith-filled resources for parents, including prodigal bundles, scripture lists, and more at catherinesegars.com

• Biblical Counseling Directory:
  Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this weighty and relatable episode, Catherine unpacks the ever-present cultural myth that our kids can become whoever—or whatever—they dream, simply with enough hard work and imagination. Drawing from a heartfelt conversation with a devoted fellow parent at the ballfield, Catherine dives into the pressures parents feel to support every whim and wish, regardless of reality, gifting, or God’s design.

What Listeners Will Discover

• The distinction between cultural slogans and biblical truth—and why not every dream is planted by God.

• How the “follow your heart” advice is more Hallmark than Holy Scripture (04:43), and what happens when Christian parents simply echo the world’s encouragements.

• The story of Catherine’s baseball-loving young son, who declared, “God made me to play baseball,” and how it led Catherine to wrestle with what she should tell a child with a passionate, even possibly divinely inspired longing (06:57).

• A thoughtful review of the Christian film The Hill, which draws on the motif of David and Goliath but falls into the “prosperity gospel” trap, promising that faith alone guarantees earthly success (14:00). The real-life epilogue is more sobering—and more biblically honest.

• What it actually means to “do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (18:48), as Catherine carefully walks parents through the context of Philippians 4 and the secret of contentment, regardless of whether dreams come true.

• A practical, grace-filled response any Christian parent can use when their child dreams big—pointing them toward pursuing God’s purpose above personal ambition (22:49).

Notable Moments

“When my fourth child sat on my lap at the ripe age of six and told me he wants to be a Major League baseball player, he actually said, ‘Mom, God made me to play baseball.’ … I do know this: You can be whoever God created you to be, and whoever that is is amazing and awesome and it’s going to fulfill you more than anything else in life.” (23:28)

As a powerful takeaway, Catherine urges parents to help their kids seek to become who God designed them to be—not just anyone or anything the world applauds—reminding listeners that “God’s plan is the best plan,” even when it diverges from childhood dreams or cultural scripts.

Reflect & Respond

How can you encourage your children to dream boldly, while also helping them discover and pursue God’s unique calling for their lives? What steps can you take to align your parenting with God’s larger story, even when it means letting go of your own or your child’s expectations?

Tune in for real-life wisdom, biblical encouragement, and practical steps to parent with hope, faith, and purpose in a world full of crazy (and not always truthful) messages.

Episode Links

• The Hill (2023)

• Rudy (1993)

• The Rookie (2002)

• Philippians 4 – Bible Gateway

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this powerful episode, Catherine sits down with seasoned ministry leaders and authors Randy and Rozanne Frazee, co-authors of Encountering God's Love from Genesis to Revelation. With over four decades of marriage, four children, and five grandchildren, the Frazees know first-hand the joys and the heartaches of parenting—and what grounds a family’s faith through it all.

Many of us grew up knowing fragmented Bible stories—Noah and the ark, David and Goliath—but not the overarching story that ties it all together. When our faith is reduced to a list of rules or isolated lessons, it’s fragile. Our children are left vulnerable to doubt, anxiety, and cultural currents when the storms of life hit.

The Frazees invite listeners to see Scripture as a unified, breathtaking narrative: a love story of creation, fall, rescue, and redemption. Drawing from decades of pastoral experience, Randy shares why it’s vital for families to understand that the Bible isn’t just a rule book—it’s the true story of reality, and your family has a part to play:

“If you’re going to be in church for even a year, you should be able to stand up and talk from Genesis all the way to Revelation—not in great detail, but enough to see that it’s one story,” Randy observes.

Listeners learn:

• The difference between just knowing Bible stories and knowing the Story—and why the latter is critical for resilient faith.

• How connecting the dots of God’s upper (divine) and our lower (day-to-day) stories helps kids find meaning, hope, and identity—even in messy, confusing seasons.

• Why communal Bible engagement (as a family or church) is transformational, not just individually but across generations.

• Practical ways to bring faith conversations into everyday family moments, including how mealtimes can become opportunities to discuss God’s story.

• How to maintain relationship, speak the truth in love, and remain hopeful when walking through prodigal seasons with your children.

• Why parents can be liberated by trusting God for the results, recognizing that only He causes the growth—even when we’ve been faithful but don’t see immediate fruit.

Catherine and her guests get real, sharing personal stories of loss, pain, prodigal children, and disappointment—and how reframing these moments in light of God’s bigger plan brings powerful hope, healing, and perspective. Rozanne movingly recounts her own prayers for a wandering child and what it means to wait, hope, and never cut off relationship as God writes new chapters.

“We have to understand—we’re not inviting God into our story. He’s inviting us into His." ~Catherine

If you’ve ever struggled with the pain of unanswered prayers or wondered how to talk to your kids when life doesn’t make sense, this episode will encourage and equip you to anchor your family in the only story that matters.

Are you helping your kids see themselves as main characters in God’s unfolding story—or as authors of a tale they're left to figure out on their own? This episode will inspire you to set your family’s narrative inside the greatest love story ever told.

Don’t miss this conversation—and consider: how can you help your children see beyond the “lower story” moments of today to the “upper story” that God is writing through their lives?

About the Guests:

Randy and Rozanne Frazee
Randy Frazee is Pastor Emeritus of Westside Family Church, author of The Story, and visionary leader whose work has revitalized churches nationwide; Rozanne Frazee is a writer and compassionate speaker passionate about biblical literacy in families. Together, their newest work, Encountering God’s Love: From Genesis to Revelation, is equipping families to rediscover how the Bible fits together and how every child (and parent!) can find their place in God’s unfolding story.

EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Encountering God’s Love: From Genesis to Revelation (recommended for families, church groups, and homeschoolers)

• Randy Frazee's website: randyfrazee.com
• The Story Bible engagement campaign

• The Jesus Storybook Bible (for young children)

• Catherine's Free Resources for Parents

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, host Catherine sits down with renowned guests Randy and Rozanne Frazee, a couple married for forty-four years, with four grown children and a legacy of lived faith. Randy, pastor emeritus of Westside Family Church and acclaimed author, together with Rozanne, who brings a warm, grounded wisdom and coauthored their bestselling book Real Simplicity, share personal stories and practical insights into the significance of authentic, everyday Christian parenting.

Key Insights & Takeaways

• More Than a Label: Discover the striking difference between nominal ("Christian in name only") families and homes where faith is consistently lived out, imperfectly but authentically.

• Sacred Tables: Learn how the dinner table becomes more than a refueling stop—it’s a sacred gathering, mirroring biblical feasts and communion, where something dies so the family can live.

• Modeling Vulnerability: Hear how parents who own their mistakes, invite tough questions, and provide space for doubts create a safe place for kids to wrestle with and own their faith.

• Science & Scripture: Unpack the neuroscience and statistics behind family meals: a Columbia University study reveals that five shared dinners a week dramatically reduce risks of substance abuse and other pitfalls.

• Practical Strategies for Every Family: Get ideas for starting small—one intentional meal a week, using technology (like family video calls), and simplifying meal planning with tools and teamwork.

• Anecdotes that Inspire: Listen to Randy’s transformation as a 14-year-old in a warm Christian home, and Rozanne’s moving story of a college guest brought to tears just by being asked to share her day.

Notable Moments & Quotes

"Messages come and go. But relationships—parents who live their faith authentically day in and day out—shape a child’s life forever."
– Catherine Segars 

“It is not about perfection; it’s about authenticity. The table is not just a place to eat—it’s the place to truly live and pass on the faith.”
– Randy Frazee

Meet the guests:

Randy Frazee is pastor emeritus of Westside Family Church in Kansas City, the author of numerous influential books including The Story, Believe, and The Joy Challenge. He is recognized nationally for his teachings on the intersection of faith and daily life.

Rozanne Frazee is a coauthor (with Randy) of Real Simplicity and a sought-after speaker on family, faith, and authentic living. Her warm insights on building strong, honest relationships have encouraged Christians for decades.

Married for over forty years, the Frazees have four grown children, several grandchildren, and a passion for strengthening families by making faith a lived reality.

Episode Resources

• Randy and Rozanne Frazee’s Website & Writings

• Encountering God's Love from Genesis to Revalation

• Real Simplicity: Making Room for Life – the Frazees’ book on creating family rhythms that matter

• Encountering God’s Love from Genesis to Revelation – their newest release, discussed in the next episode

• Catherine's Free Resources for parents

Think On This

Are you making space in your home for authentic faith to be lived out? What one simple shift could you make this week to draw your family closer—to each other and to God?

Tune in for inspiration, practical wisdom, and a renewed vision for parenting God’s way. Don’t miss the next episode, where Randy and Rozanne unveil the heart behind their new book, Encountering God's Love from Genesis to Revelation.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Few things strike fear in the heart of Christian parents like sending a child to a secular university and wondering, “Will their faith survive?” Recent research shows nearly two-thirds of young adults raised in the church disengage from faith or Christian community after leaving home—a heartbreaking statistic for families who have labored in love and prayer for nearly two decades.

In this episode, Catherine sits down with Dr. Steven Hall, a respected professor at Lee University with decades of experience in pastoral ministry, counseling, and spiritual formation. Dr. Hall brings not only academic insight but a father’s hard-won wisdom—his own daughter lost her faith at a secular arts high school, plunging his family into a prodigal journey that every Christian parent fears.

Key Insights and Takeaways:

• It Can Happen to Any Family: Dr. Hall shares with powerful honesty how, despite prayerful and intentional parenting—including homeschooling and Christian education—his daughter’s faith was overturned in just two weeks at a new school. “We put her in the school, and two weeks later, they stole her,” he recalls, highlighting how the environment and sense of belonging can reshape beliefs almost overnight.

• The Power of Allies: Both Dr. Hall and Catherine underscore the vital importance of allies: teachers, mentors, counselors, and Christian communities who support and reinforce the faith and values parents instill. “You need an ally in your parenting. Pray for those allies…steward those relationships well,” Dr. Hall urges.

• Formation Over Information: As children grow, the need to belong and to form identity intensifies—especially in the teen and college years. Dr. Hall explains, “If you have an environment where your child believes they can belong and retain their faith, you are preparing good ‘soul soil’ for lasting fruit.”

• Consistent Adequacy—Not Perfection: Parents often carry guilt over prodigal seasons, but Dr. Hall and Catherine offer hope: even God, the perfect parent, had children who chose rebellion. “You don’t have to be exceptional—just consistently adequate,” Dr. Hall reassures, stressing faithfulness over perfection.

• Practical Soul-Forming Rhythms: Sabbath, prayer, fasting, and engaging in faith routines as a family are crucial. “We’re not just training for faith, we’re shaping a way of life,” says Dr. Hall.

• There Is Good News: Encouraging research from Barna now shows a rise in personal commitment to Jesus and Bible reading among Gen Z and Millennials. The hunger for authentic, lived faith is growing—and parents can help nurture that by living and modeling genuine discipleship.

Anecdotes & Notable Quotes:

• “If you want to protect your child from the negative influences of the world, when they're about seven, put them in a barrel and feed them through the knothole. At fourteen, plug the knothole. There's no foolproof method!”—Dr. Hall (quoting Mark Twain)

• “God is not looking for extraordinary, perfect parents. He’s looking for consistency. Trust the creature to the Creator.”

About the Guest:
Dr. Steven Hall is Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Lee University, with a doctorate in Spiritual Formation and decades serving as a Church of God minister, clinical pastoral counselor, and founder of Ministry Oasis—a resource dedicated to the soul health of ministry families.

Are you praying for allies to join you in shepherding your child’s soul? Who are the people and communities partnering with you for the spiritual health of your family? Share your journey, struggles, and wins—and remember: you don’t have to do this alone. Tune in and find the encouragement, practical wisdom, and hope that God is still writing your child’s story.

Episode Links & Resources

Ministry Oasis
Dr. Steven Hall’s website offers free resources for soul health, spiritual disciplines, Sabbath practices, and more—especially helpful for pastors and their families, but practical for all parents.
Visit Ministry Oasis

Barna Research – Youth Exodus & Spiritual Renewal

• New Research: Belief in Jesus Is on the Rise, and It’s Fueled by Younger Adults (Apr 2024)

• Millennials and Gen Z Drive a Bible Reading Comeback (Nov 2023)

• Gen Z, Millennials, and the Changing State of Faith in America

Soul Health Planning, Sabbath & Family Rhythms

• Soul Health Plan PDF, Sabbath Practice Guides, Video Library

• Dr. Hall’s sermon series and practical tips for sabbathing with young children

Scripture Prayers & Prodigal Bundle
Catherine’s free resources for parents—Scripture lists, prayer guides, and her ebook for raising children in a faith-challenging culture.
Subscribe to Catherine Segars’ Website for The Prodigal Bundle

Recommended Books

• The Domestic Monastery by Ronald Rolheiser

• God in My Everything: How an Ancient Rhythm Helps Busy People Enjoy God by Ken Shigematsu

• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

• Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero

Want prayer or a network of allies?
Email Catherine directly at catherine@catherinesegars.com or subscribe to her site for encouragement, practical faith-filled resources, and ways to connect with praying parents.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this crucial episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine welcomes Dr. Rondy Smith, founder and CEO of Rest Stop Ministries—the first long-term residential restoration program in Tennessee for female survivors of sex trafficking. Dr. Smith brings decades of frontline experience walking with women through profound trauma toward hope and restoration.

The conversation delves into one of the most urgent questions facing parents today: “How can we protect our kids from being sexually exploited?” Drawing on powerful personal stories—including a heart-wrenching letter from a survivor whose abuse spanned eight years without her parents’ knowledge—Dr. Smith exposes the shocking reality: predators are often familiar faces, and exploitation is happening everywhere, not just distant or impoverished places.

Key insights and takeaways:

• Myth-Busting: Over 60% of victims know their traffickers; they could be family friends, relatives, or acquaintances. Familiarity is not safety.

• Cybersex Trafficking: Dr. Smith recounts how online predators exploit children’s innocence and manipulate them through social media and gaming platforms, turning everyday devices into “porn boxes” with unfettered access to vulnerable youth.

• Warning Signs: Parents must trust their intuition and watch for behavioral changes such as panic over losing access to devices or withdrawal from routine activities.

• Open Communication: Survivors say they wish someone had intervened sooner—parents must foster safe spaces where children feel supported, not judged, regardless of what has happened.

• Hope and Restoration: No matter how deep the trauma, God is able to bring healing. Stories shared in the episode highlight recovery, reconciliation, and new beginnings for survivors and their families.

Notable moments include Rondy's passionate call for parents to “think like a predator”—not out of fear, but out of wisdom and love for their children. The episode closes with a moving time of prayer and encouragement, affirming that Christian parents are called to be active peacemakers: to engage, educate, and advocate for their kids and their communities.

Quote from the episode:
"Wherever your kids are, the predators are there. We have to begin thinking like a predator and know that they’re out there." – Dr. Rondy Smith

Anecdote:
The episode features a survivor’s letter detailing eight years of secret exploitation, her eventual disclosure, and her journey to healing—a story that could “be happening in your home right now and you don’t know it,” as Catherine observes.

Call to Action:
Have you built an open channel of communication with your children? Are you prepared to spot the signs and have the hard conversations, even when it’s uncomfortable?

Take today's conversation beyond the episode—pray, seek wisdom, and consider supporting ministries like Rest Stop. Share this episode and equip your family for the world we live in. Because awareness, prevention, and restoration are not just vital—they are part of our calling as Christian parents.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Learn more about Rest Stop Ministries: reststopministries.org

• Rest Stop: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

• The Exodus Road: What Are Human Trafficking Warning Signs?

• NCOSI: National Center on Sexual Exploitation 

• Subscribe for free parenting bundles at catherinesegars.com

Tune in to learn the truth, equip yourself, and make your home a place where darkness cannot hide.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sex trafficking is one of the greatest human rights crises of our time—a dark, shocking reality that is not just happening “somewhere else,” but in neighborhoods and communities across America. In this crucial episode, Catherine is joined by Dr. Rondy Smith, founder and CEO of Rest Stop Ministries, to confront the overwhelming issue of sex trafficking head-on and, more importantly, to explore what Christians can do about it.

A Call to Step Into the Darkness

Rondy didn’t become an activist because of a personal story—she stepped into this fight after witnessing the devastating effects of sexual exploitation on women she ministered to. In her journey from church leadership to founding the first long-term residential restoration program for female survivors in Tennessee, Rondy reveals the magnitude of the crisis:

• 27 million people currently enslaved worldwide

• 80% are female and over 50% are children trafficked for sexual exploitation

• Children as young as five are among the victims

The conversation brings these tragic numbers to life, grounding the issue in both global statistics and heartbreaking personal experiences.

Understanding the Hidden Reality

Listeners will get a vital overview of how sex trafficking operates—not just through stereotypes like “street prostitution,” but in more insidious forms such as:

• The “boyfriend syndrome,” where traffickers pose as romantic partners

• Familial trafficking, where children are sold by family members due to poverty or addiction

These abuses touch every ZIP code in the United States, often hidden in plain sight.

Hope and Action: What Christians Can Do

But this episode goes beyond exposing darkness; it’s filled with practical insights and urgent encouragement for action. Catherine and Dr. Rondy Smith discuss:

• The importance of seeing victims as ourselves—rejecting the temptation to look away out of overwhelm or helplessness

• Biblical imperatives for confronting oppression and injustice, with powerful reference to scriptures like Proverbs 24:11

• How Rest Stop Ministries walks alongside survivors for years of restorative healing and reintegration

• Ways every Christian and every church can get involved, from supporting local ministries to prevention education

• A profound recognition of the spiritual battle involved—and a stirring call to pray for those on the front lines

A Personal Update: The Cost of the Battle

The episode closes with a deeply personal update from Catherine about ministry friends who stepped forward in faith to found a refuge for survivors, only to face their own heart-breaking trials. This underlines the costly battle against this evil and the desperate need for community support and prayer.

Guest Bio

Dr. Rondy Smith is an ordained minister, educator, mentor, and CEO of Rest Stop Ministries, a pioneering restoration program for female survivors of sex trafficking in Nashville, Tennessee. With decades of experience across ministry, academia, and leadership, she is deeply committed to the spiritual and practical healing of those marked by exploitation.

Important Resources

• Learn more or get involved at reststopministries.org

• Follow Rest Stop Ministries on Facebook, Instagram, and X 

• Pray for Rusty and Krista's ministry, Hope Filled Refuge, and for all on the front lines

• Rusty's Go Fund Me Page

Next Episode: Prevention and Protection

Don’t miss the next episode, where Dr. Rondy Smith returns to share how predators operate and essential steps Christian parents must take to safeguard their children.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this eye-opening episode, Catherine takes on one of the most pressing battlegrounds for today’s Christian families: the supposed war between science and belief. Are young people right to think science has rendered God unnecessary? What do you do when biology class asks your kids to choose between facts and faith?

To help tackle these big questions, Catherine welcomes Allan Pereira, creative force and co-creator behind the new documentary series, The Science Dilemma. With a background in student ministry, creative arts, and Christian non-profits, Allan brings a thoughtful, accessible approach to making complex scientific discoveries understandable for everyone—especially parents and teens who don’t have a science degree.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

Why Science Pushes Young Faith to the Edge
Unpack the cultural narrative that claims belief in God is “unscientific.” Catherine and Allan reveal why so many teens walk away from faith and how Darwinian evolution is presented not as theory, but as fact—even when the evidence leaves gaping holes.

The Power of Questioning “Settled Science”
Can science ever be truly settled? Discover why the spirit of honest inquiry is central to science—and how both believers and skeptics sometimes make the mistake of shutting down hard questions.

“The truth is—it's moving. You can put me in prison, but it's still moving.”
—Catherine, reflecting on Galileo’s courage to question the establishment

Unveiling the Case for Intelligent Design
Explore the three giant dilemmas rocking evolutionary theory:

• The machines inside the cell: Discover how molecular “machines” operate with mind-boggling complexity, resembling factories more than blobs of protoplasm.

• The code in our DNA: Learn why the existence of sophisticated genetic language points powerfully to an intelligent programmer. “There is no known existence of coded language without a programmer—and that's what we have in our cells,” says Catherine.

• What the fossils really say: Examine why the missing transitional fossils and the instant appearance of new body plans (the “Cambrian Explosion”) just don’t add up with classic Darwinian expectations.

The Science Dilemma’s Special Touch
From world-class experts like Dr. Stephen Meyer and Dr. Michael Behe to street interviews and a show-stopping arrowhead sorting experiment with a three-year-old, this series (and conversation) brings cutting-edge scientific discovery and child-like insight together to pose the question every one of us must answer: “Who made these?”

Equipping Ordinary Parents for Extraordinary Conversations
Feeling unqualified? Don’t be! Catherine and Allan remind you: “You don’t have to be an expert to step into these conversations with your kids. You just need the courage to sat, 'Let’s explore this together.’”

About the Guest:
Allan Pereira is the dynamic co-creator of The Science Dilemma docu-series and podcast. He’s a veteran of student ministry and creative communications, with years spent championing families and faith—including fighting for foster children, producing faith-based media, and equipping parents to disciple the next generation. While not a scientist by training, his journey proves that curiosity and obedience can change lives.

Why This Matters:
With “the mind” under attack in today’s secular culture, Christian parents must reclaim their place at the table. Resources like The Science Dilemma offer a compelling, user-friendly way to strengthen faith, equip teens, and show the world that Christianity can stand up to the toughest questions science can pose.

Modern Application:
Parents, take heart! Your voice—and your willingness to simply ask questions—can be the difference-maker for a child wrestling with doubt in an “anti-faith” world.

Episode Links:

• Watch or learn more about The Science Dilemma: thesciencedilemma.com

• Follow The Science Dilemma on YouTube and Instagram

• Follow Allan CP on Instagram

• Explore resources for parents at Catherinesegars.com

• Ben Stein's Exchange with Dr. Richard Dawkins
• Dr. John Lennox exchange "That's a very good question... I notice it was asked originally by a snake."

Thought-Provoking Question:
How are you preparing your family to handle questions that challenge both their faith and their intellect? What scares you most about engaging these conversations—and what might change if you simply said, "Let’s explore together"?

Tune in, and start building a faith that’s as resilient as it is reasonable—one conversation at a time.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Every parent knows the reality: plans fall apart, hearts break, and the future can look nothing like what we expected. In those moments, the temptation is to let disappointment, anger, or grief pull us away from God—or, worse, leave us stranded in bitterness and regret. But what if those hard seasons could press us deeper into faith, transforming us into true overcomers and not just survivors?

Moving From Crisis to Overcoming

In this episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine welcomes guest Dr. Erin Barry, an expert counselor, author, and educational consultant with decades of experience supporting families through life’s most disorienting seasons. Picking up from their previous conversation—which focused on navigating crises—this episode goes further: revealing how to actually overcome and grow stronger through adversity.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• How to Grieve and Process Honestly: Dr. Barry underscores the importance of recognizing loss in every transition, even “good” ones, and learning to sit with grief rather than avoid it.

• Breaking Free from Unrealistic Expectations: Catherine and Dr. Barry dismantle “Hallmark theology,” warning against the harm of unrealistic cultural ideals, and share how biblical truth brings lasting hope.

• Wrestling with God: The conversation explores how, like Jacob, we must bring our raw pain and questions directly to God, refusing to let go until He blesses us—even if the blessing looks different than we expect.

• Offering the Sacrifice of Praise: Catherine shares her personal testimony of practicing gratitude amid heartbreak, describing how worship in the difficult moments is precious to God and changes us.

• Solidifying Identity in Christ: Crisis shakes the foundations of who we are. Dr. Barry offers practical insight on anchoring your identity not in roles or achievements, but in Christ alone.

• Building a Circle of Support: Listeners are encouraged to seek empathetic friends and faith-based communities where they can process, pray, and celebrate victories together.

• Choosing Faith Over Fear: The episode emphasizes the importance of daily hope and steadfastness, holding on even when answers don’t come quickly.

Golden Takeaways

• “The winner isn’t the one who does it perfectly; it’s the one who stays steadfast, who stays in the game.”

• “If you want to make the enemy furious, offer the sacrifice of praise right in the middle of your heartbreak.”

About the Guest

Dr. Erin Barry, PhD in Christian Counseling, is a seasoned counselor, speaker, author, and co-founder of Home Educated Mind. Her blend of clinical expertise and biblical wisdom brings unique insight and practical tools to parents navigating tough seasons.

A Challenge for Christian Parents

What curveball are you facing right now—and where can you choose to move from surviving to overcoming? How are you anchoring your hope and identity in Christ when life doesn’t go as planned?

Tune in for inspiration and actionable wisdom—so when life gets crazy, your faith and your family can thrive.

Episode Resources

• inseparableLives.com – More about Dr. Erin Barry and her ministry.

• Yes, You Can Homeschool! The Terrified Parent’s Companion To Homeschool Success – Buy on Amazon

• catherinesegars.com – Catherine's free Christian parenting resources and newsletter.

• Christian Parent/Crazy World podcast archive

• Previous episodes:

  • When Life Unravels: Biblical Strategies for Life's Hardest Seasons (w/ Dr. Erin Barry)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Few challenges stretch a parent’s faith and emotional reserves more than life’s unexpected curveball seasons—the plot twists that leave you wondering, “God, what are you doing?” How do you remain anchored in truth when the bottom drops out?

This week on Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine welcomes back her very first guest and trusted friend, Dr. Erin Barry, to help parents not only survive, but find hope and stability in life’s most turbulent moments. Dr. Barry is a clinical Christian counselor, author, homeschool expert, and co-founder of inseparableLives.com. Her biblically grounded wisdom comes from over 30 years of walking families through the storms of life.

In this transparent and practical episode, Catherine gets real about her own season of loss, uncertainty, and a series of shocking life upheavals—from parenting a prodigal, to family moves, to sudden job loss. Using these stories as a backdrop, Dr. Barry unpacks essential biblical strategies for clinging to faith and finding stability when life feels out of control.

Key Insights & Takeaways

Find Your Safe Circle

Not everyone is equipped to carry the weight of your story. Dr. Barry urges listeners to seek out wise, mature friends or a counselor who can “sit in the ashes” with you—without minimizing, judging, or rushing your healing process.

“For seven days Job’s friends sat in silence—sometimes, that’s all we need.”

Grieve Without Comparison

Your pain is valid, even if others have it worse. This episode addresses the tendency to minimize your own suffering and offers permission to mourn at your own pace.

“Healing is not a competition—it’s a process.”

Honor Different Grieving Styles

Don’t expect everyone in your family to process pain the same way. Grace and patience protect relationships from being torn apart during crisis.

Anchor in Truth, Not Fear

When fear and catastrophic thinking take over, Dr. Barry encourages listeners to pause and return to “what is true today.” Worrying about every “what if” tomorrow is not God’s design.

“God promises what we need for today—not for every ‘what if’ tomorrow brings.”

Worship as a Weapon

True perspective and peace are found in worship, not just on Sundays, but in everyday moments. Worship redirects your focus to God’s character and faithfulness.

Embrace God’s Bigger Story

Even when God doesn’t “remove the rocks”—the hardships—He can “raise the water” and carry you over them, bringing profound good out of suffering.

Notable Moments

• Catherine shares how her perspective on parenting was upended by a prodigal child season and life transitions.

• Dr. Barry recounts her son’s diabetes diagnosis and how walking through pain has deepened her empathy and faith.

• Inspiring testimony of hope: The legacy of Ashley Averell and how God brings good from heartbreak, equipping and sending young people on mission.

“The greatest human tragedy—the Cross—became the foundation of our hope. God is still good, even when the rocks don’t move.”

About the Guest

Erin A. Barry is an author, speaker, counselor, and educational consultant. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education, an NCCA Masters of Arts, and Doctor of Clinical Christian Counseling. Erin’s passion is to see people walking in wholeness, body, soul, and spirit as God designed. She is the author of Yes, You Can Homeschool! The Terrified Parent’s Companion To Homeschool Success and, alongside her husband Brett, is co-founder of inseparableLives.com, a ministry devoted to nurturing Christ-centered hearts dedicated to oneness with God, spouse, and community.

Episode Resources

• inseparableLives.com – More about Dr. Erin Barry and her ministry.

• Yes, You Can Homeschool! The Terrified Parent’s Companion To Homeschool Success – Buy on Amazon

• catherinesegars.com – Catherine's free Christian parenting resources and newsletter.

• Christian Parent/Crazy World podcast archive

• Previous episodes:

  • How Can a Good God Allow So Much Evil and Suffering in the World?(w/ Dr. Douglas Groothuis)

Call to Action

Are you in a season where your carefully written life script has been torn up? Do you wonder how to support your children when you yourself are shaken? Listen in for compassionate, biblically wise encouragement that brings both honesty and hope.

How do you model to your children what it means to grieve, persevere, and worship in the midst of disappointment? Share your thoughts or experiences—your story might encourage another parent walking a similar journey.

Don’t miss next week as Dr. Barry returns with more practical wisdom for navigating life’s greatest challenges—with faith, hope, and grace.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this special “Best Of” episode, host Catherine tackles one of the most universal and important questions in parenting: How do you reset when you’ve messed up with your kids? Whether it’s a moment of lost control, harsh words, or simply allowing daily stresses to overflow, the fallout can feel overwhelming. And yet, as Catherine reveals, these are the moments that matter most in shaping your child’s faith, resilience, and trust.

To guide listeners through this minefield, Catherine welcomes Kirsten Vossler, a mother of nine (now ten!)—and host of the Rejoicing in Motherhood podcast—who has worn just about every ministry hat imaginable: children’s pastor, worship leader, writer, conference speaker. Most importantly, she’s a “real life, grace-filled, occasionally blown it, but willing to repair” mom who believes that even when the stage gets smaller, the impact gets deeper.

In This Episode:

• Kirsten Vossler shares her “seven-step reset” for when relationships with your kids feel fractured, starting with the courage to just stop in the heat of the moment and physically remove yourself if needed.

• Both Catherine and Kirsten open up about their own imperfect moments—reminding listeners that every parent is in need of God’s grace and practical tools.

• Step-by-step, Kirsten offers ways to invite God into your frustration, humble yourself with heartfelt apologies (including the power of actually asking your child “Will you forgive me?”), and walk forward with tenderness, not guilt.

• They discuss the messy intersections of past wounds, present stressors, and the spiritual battle within, encouraging parents to invite the Holy Spirit to heal both their hearts and their children’s.

Notable Moments and Quotes:

• “Time doesn’t heal all wounds. If we ignore these moments, our kids carry them into adulthood.” – Catherine

• “Sometimes, we feel like the only options are to give up or give in—but there’s a better way: to reset, reconnect, and model humility.” – Kirsten Vossler

• Kirsten Vossler offers the truth: “Perfection isn’t the goal. Even the best parents can’t save or heal their kids completely. But we can model turning to Jesus—the only One who can.”

As Catherine sums it up, humility and repair don’t diminish your authority as a parent—they deepen trust and show your kids what grace looks like in real time.

About the Guest
Kirsten Vossler is a mama of nine (make that ten!), former children’s pastor and worship leader, and the gentle, authentic voice behind the Rejoicing in Motherhood podcast. Her steps have been forged in the crucible of daily life with a big family—and a bigger heart for connection and growth.

Parenting is crazy, but you don’t have to do it alone.
This week, try Kirsten Vossler’s reset steps the next time you “lose it”—and notice how God meets you in your humility. How will you choose connection over perfection with your kids this week?

EPISODE LINKS:

Kirsten's Website & Podcast

Subscribe and invite Catherine into your parenting journey at catherinesegars.com for free resources, encouragement, and faith-filled insight. Parenting as a Christian may be crazy, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this deeply practical “Best Of” episode, Catherine explores why these eight words are harder to say than most—and how they carry the potential to transform the atmosphere of our homes. With her trademark honesty and grace, Catherine tackles the barriers parents face in admitting fault and offers biblically-grounded wisdom for restoring trust when we inevitably get it wrong.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The three critical objectives achieved when parents humbly apologize, including healing breaches in trust, modeling biblical repentance, and affirming your child’s growth and autonomy.

• Why saying “I’m sorry” isn’t always enough—and the importance of going beyond surface-level apologies to confessing, “I was wrong,” especially when our delivery lacks love.

• A breakdown of the four parenting phases—caregiver, cop, coach, and counselor—and how operating in the wrong one can damage relationships with older kids.

• Catherine’s actionable, eight bonus words: “What can I do to make it right?”—a powerful next step for restoration and collaboration with your child.

Rooted in 1 Corinthians 13, Catherine reminds listeners that even “if I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy, but I don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.” She vulnerably shares her own journey toward quicker humility and confesses her husband models this with grace she’s always striving to emulate.

Notable Quotes from This Episode:

• “Parenting really isn’t about perfection. It’s about formation—ours and theirs.”

• “Dictators last for a season. But at some point, there will be a citizens’ revolt.”

• “Our kids need to see humility and repentance from us.”

If you want a legacy of trust, openness, and faith in your family, tune in to learn the eight essential words every parent should have in their relational toolbox.

Ask Yourself:
When was the last time you told your child, “I was wrong. Please forgive me”? What might change in your home if humility and grace defined your relationship repairs?

Want more practical steps for rebuilding after mistakes? Don’t miss next week’s "best of" episode, where Catherine welcomes back Kirsten Vossler, host of the Rejoicing in Motherhood podcast, to share seven practical, grace-filled steps for resetting when you’ve blown it with your kids.

Subscribe and invite Catherine into your parenting journey at catherinesegars.com for free resources, encouragement, and faith-filled insight. Parenting as a Christian may be crazy, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this eye-opening episode, host Catherine welcomes Bible scholar and award-winning author, Clifton Payne Jr., to set the record straight on what the Bible really says about money, tithing, and generosity. They cut through decades of confusion and misinterpretation, addressing the guilt-driven giving, prosperity promises, and toxic church culture that have warped how Christians view their finances—and God's character.

Clifton Payne Jr. reveals little-known truths from scripture (including the fact that there were actually three different tithes in ancient Israel, not just one!) and explains how biblical principles of stewardship are often misunderstood or misapplied today.

What You Will Discover in This Episode:

• The deep mistrust many Christians have toward churches when it comes to money—and how church scandals, manipulation, and legalism fuel that distrust.

• Surprising discoveries like the three biblical tithes, special rules for ancient Israel, and what Jesus actually teaches about taxes, tithing, and giving.

• Why tithing is a model—not a requirement—for modern believers, and how generosity should flow from gratitude rather than obligation.

• The crucial principle of "first fruits": why giving God our best and first, not our leftovers, directly impacts the spiritual life of our families.

• The freedom found in New Testament giving, where the heart matters far more than the amount, and how generosity can be an antidote to materialism.

• Powerful stories—like the unforgettable account of Otzi, an African woman whose tiny, sacrificial gift became the greatest offering in the eyes of God.

The conversation is both practical and pastoral, exploring how to talk about money with your kids, build healthy giving habits, and reclaim joy in generosity—even if you’ve been wounded by church abuse around this issue in the past.

About the Guest:
Clifton Payne Jr. is the author of What the Bible Really Says About Tithing and Giving: It's Different Than You Think, a book that has earned recognition from both the American Bookfest and International Book Awards. Drawing on years of pastoral ministry and biblical scholarship (including studies at Hebrew University in Jerusalem), Clifton untangles scripture from tradition, helping listeners return to the heart of God in their finances.

Key Takeaways for Listeners:

• Don’t start with guilt or pressure—start with prayer and let giving flow from what God puts on your heart.

• Giving first is a spiritual discipline that breaks the grip of materialism and invites God’s faithfulness into your life.

• Teaching kids to give as a first priority (not last, as our culture encourages) will shape their lifelong habits and trust in God.

• Generosity has enormous power to heal wounds, restore faith, and transform communities when practiced in freedom and love.

Episode Resources:
What the Bible Really Says About Tithing and Giving: It’s Different Than You Think by Clifton H. Payne Jr. 

Catherine's Free Parenting Resources

Other Episodes in This Series:

EPISODE 175: When Leaders Exploit the Flock: A Biblical Response to Scandals ( w/ Clifton Payne Jr.)

EPISODE 174: Finding Financial Freedom: Breaking Free from Debt and Anxiety (w/ Jade Durham)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this powerful episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine tackles one of the most urgent and painful issues affecting Christian families today: how to respond when trusted church leaders become charlatans, using their position for financial—or even sexual—exploitation. With real-life stories, audio clips, and biblical insight, this episode equips parents to guide their children through disappointment without abandoning the truth of the Gospel.

Joining Catherine is featured guest Clifton Payne Jr., pastor, writer, Hebrew University scholar, and author of What the Bible Really Says About Tithing and Giving: It’s Different Than You Think. Having left the faith for fourteen years after witnessing financial abuse firsthand, Clifton Payne Jr. brings both scholarly expertise and personal experience to this heart-wrenching discussion.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Financial Abuse—A Widespread Scandal: Hear stories of pastors manipulating the vulnerable, including Clifton Payne Jr.’s grandmother and infamous televangelists promising “seed money” blessings for thousand-dollar gifts.
• Charlatans Across Denominations: It’s not just one stream of Christianity; financial and sexual misconduct strike churches everywhere—from charismatic circles to mainline denominations to the Catholic church.
• The Impact on Faith and Family: Discover why these betrayals don’t just hurt individuals—they threaten the faith of the next generation. Catherine lays bare how hypocrisy often drives children and parents alike away from church and sometimes, from God.
• Biblical Wisdom for Difficult Days: Get to the heart of the Bible’s teachings on money, tithing, and generosity. Clifton Payne Jr. strips away manipulation, revealing how God’s desire for our hearts is profoundly different from the “prosperity gospel” sales pitch.
• Honest Conversations at Home: Learn how to talk with your children about church scandals—without letting cynicism win. Public harm requires public correction, and as Christian parents, we are called to shepherd our homes by telling the truth.

Why This Matters:
This episode will challenge, grieve, and encourage you to see beyond the headlines and scandals. It’s a reminder that our faith must be rooted in Christ, not in flawed messengers. When parents grapple honestly with church failures and model God-honoring generosity, they provide children with a foundation that lasts beyond any scandal.

Modern Application:
Christian parents, are you prepared to shepherd your children through disappointment in the church? Are you modeling discernment, generosity, and faith that isn’t shaken by human failure?

About the Guest:
Clifton Payne Jr. is a pastor, writer, and biblical scholar with advanced study at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. His experiences with church financial abuse and long journey back to faith uniquely equip him to address manipulative money tactics and help families find biblical clarity in confusing times. His book, What the Bible Really Says About Tithing and Giving: It’s Different Than You Think, is available on Amazon and other major booksellers.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Clifton Payne Jr.’s Book: What the Bible Really Says About Tithing and Giving: It’s Different Than You Think
• Subscribe to Catherine's resources for Christian parents on her website.
• Mike Winger’s Expose on Shawn Bolz & Bethel Church: The Skeletons in Bethel’s Closet Are Now Going to Speak
• Televangelists: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Call to Action:
How are you preparing your children to discern truth in a world full of spiritual counterfeits? What honest conversations could you start this week—even in the face of heartbreak—to root their faith in Jesus, not fallen heroes?

Tune in next week as Catherine and Clifton Payne Jr. dig deeper into what the Bible really teaches about tithing and giving—setting your family free from confusion and manipulation.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

With over 60% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck and credit card interest rates soaring to 20% and above, there’s never been a more vital time for families to find clarity, freedom, and a biblical approach to their finances. Catherine and Jade Durham—both Lee University grads—openly discuss how financial stress affects marriages, emotional health, and even our ability to be godly parents in an ungodly world.

In this episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine tackles one of the most pressing—and anxiety-inducing—challenges for families today: navigating debt, financial stress, and economic uncertainty with wisdom and hope.

Joining the conversation is Jade Durham, a certified personal financial counselor and vice president of Trinity Debt Management. With decades of experience guiding families toward clarity and freedom, Jade brings a comforting blend of empathy, practical advice, and spiritual perspective to the money challenges many listeners face.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• The Hidden Weight of Money Stress
  Learn how financial worries go far beyond bank statements, influencing marriages, parenting, emotional health, and even spiritual well-being.
• Breaking the Debt Cycle—Gracefully
  Jade Durham explains why so many well-meaning parents find themselves buried in debt—and why there’s no shame in seeking help or making a fresh start.
• Real Stories, Real Freedom
  Hear moving anecdotes of clients who, facing eviction, medical bills, or family upheaval, have found hope, restored dignity, and practical pathways to financial recovery.
• Spiritual Roots of Financial Stewardship
  Explore Trinity’s unique, biblically grounded approach to debt management, including a commitment to prayerful compassion, nonprofit ethics, and keeping faith at the center of every financial plan.
• Tools for Change
  Get actionable steps for budgeting, teaching kids about money early, rebuilding credit, and setting goals that align with both spiritual and financial health.

Why This Matters:
Financial pressure can make Christian parenting feel impossible. But this episode reminds us: God cares about every area of our lives—including our wallets. With faith, support, and the right tools, it is possible to break free from anxiety, model true stewardship, and open up new dreams for your family’s future.

A Call to Action:
What steps can you take this week to invite God into your family’s finances? Is it time for an honest budget conversation, reaching out for help, or simply asking for God’s guidance and peace in seasons of stress?

About the Guest:
Jade Durham is a certified personal financial counselor and Vice President of Trinity Debt Management, a nonprofit agency helping thousands reclaim their financial future with integrity and biblical values. Her warm, client-centered approach has changed countless lives.

Resources & Next Steps:

• Visit trinitycredit.org to learn more about faith-based debt solutions
• Need support? Call Trinity at 1-800-793-8548
• Free Parenting Resources at Catherine Segars Website

This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today.  Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org

TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How do you faithfully release your children into the world while still nurturing connection and influence? In this profoundly honest episode, host Catherine is joined by Jaime Hampton of the Praying Christian Women Podcast to tackle one of the most challenging—and transformative—realities of parenting: letting go.

For Christian parents, “letting go” isn’t about giving up; it’s about surrendering control, deepening trust, and transferring ownership of our children’s faith from our hands into God’s. Drawing from personal experience and biblical wisdom, Catherine and Jaime explore four distinct phases of parenting, revealing how to step back while keeping communication and relationship strong.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

The Four Phases of Parenting

• Caregiver: From diapers to first steps, parents meet every need.
• Cop: Setting boundaries and keeping children safe before they fully understand.
• Coach: Explaining the “why” behind rules as children mature.
• Counselor: Giving advice only when asked, respecting your adult child’s autonomy while remaining a trusted source of wisdom.

Jesus as the Model for Letting Go: In a powerful discussion on John 17, Jaime and Catherine reflect on how Jesus prepared His disciples, equipped them, and ultimately sent them out, because “greater works than these you will do.” Christ’s example gives parents a biblical blueprint for releasing children in faith, not fear.

Prayer—The Invisible Influence: Letting go doesn’t mean the end of parental influence. As Catherine says, “Our greatest influence over the lives of our kids happens on our knees.” Whether praying through a prodigal season or releasing a child to public school, parents have spiritual authority to intercede for their children, guided by God’s wisdom and timing.

MEET THE GUEST: Jaime Hampton is a wife and mother of three who recently relocated from Alaska to Utah with her family, embracing the challenges of a new climate and culture. With her eldest in college and two younger kids in school, Jaime co-hosts the Praying Christian Women podcast with her longtime friend and prayer partner, Alana Terry. Their show began as an outgrowth of their honest coffee-time conversations about faith and prayer, offering encouragement for women to grow spiritually.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

The Praying Christian Women Podcast

Jaime’s Website, Instagram, Substack

Catherine’s Website & Resources

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, Catherine joins forces with prayer advocate and author Jaime Hampton, co-host of the Praying Christian Women Podcast, to explore the deepest mysteries and highest privileges of prayer, guided by the wisdom of Watchman Nee’s landmark book Let Us Pray.

Together, they uncover why some prayers feel fruitless, how to discern God’s heart, and what it takes to persevere through spiritual bottlenecks. Drawing from personal stories—including Catherine’s journey to miraculous parenthood and Jaime’s awakening to the power of partnership in faith—they offer honest, hope-filled wisdom for anyone longing to pray with purpose.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Prayer is Partnership: Prayer isn't about persuading God to bless our plans—it's about joining in His will and agreeing with what He already wants to do.
• Persistence Matters: God “waits until men and women agree with Him, and then He will work.” Perseverance and faith-filled persistence can be the difference between breakthrough and missed opportunity.
• God’s Will—and Yours: There are prayers according to our will, and prayers according to God’s will. Discovering which is which comes through intimacy, listening, time in scripture, and honest reflection.
• Authority Against the Enemy: As Christians, we’re given authority to stand in prayer against the one who steals, kills, and destroys—the enemy, not God. Outrage directed at spiritual opposition fuels powerful prayer.
• Your Prayers Unlock Destiny: Anecdotes from Catherine’s own life show that prayer can literally change the trajectory of a family, bringing children and miracles that only God could author.
• Prayerlessness Is a Bottleneck: Prayerlessness hinders the movement of God’s “train”—His plans require the tracks our prayers lay. Will you be the bottleneck or the channel of grace?
• Real Spiritual Warfare: Effective prayer means entering the heavenly courtroom with God’s Word as our legal defense, standing firm for what He has promised.

"Prayer doesn’t alter God’s plans; it achieves what He’s already foreordained. Without persistent, faith-filled prayer, His resolutions may go suspended."
– Watchman Nee (Let Us Pray)

🎧 Tune In & Reflect

Are you willing to be God’s partner in prayer—laying the tracks for His will in your family’s life? Or will you let unanswered prayers and spiritual discouragement be the bottleneck to His miraculous work?

MEET THE GUEST: Jaime Hampton is a wife and mother of three who recently relocated from Alaska to Utah with her family, embracing the challenges of a new climate and culture. With her eldest in college and two younger kids in school, Jaime co-hosts the Praying Christian Women podcast with her longtime friend and prayer partner, Alana Terry. Their show began as an outgrowth of their honest coffee-time conversations about faith and prayer, offering encouragement for women to grow spiritually.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

 Let Us Pray by Watchman Nee

The Praying Christian Women Podcast

Jaime’s Website, Instagram, Substack

Catherine’s Website & Resources

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this inspiring “Best Of” New Year’s episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine welcomes special guest Zac Fitzsimmons, a gifted singer-songwriter and worship leader whose heart for God’s Word and knack for turning Scripture into unforgettable songs have helped countless families hide God’s Word in their hearts.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• A Simple, Powerful Way to Memorize Scripture: Catherine reveals her family’s surprisingly simple—yet incredibly effective—method for learning Scripture together: setting Bible verses to music. No perfection or superhuman recall required; just sing along as you fold laundry, do dishes, or carpool.
• Meet Zac Fitzsimmons: Psalm Songwriter, Worship Leader, Dad: Guest Zac Fitzsimmons, whose musical talents began at age 15 and blossomed into a life of leading worship and setting entire psalms to melody, shares his journey and explains why full, word-for-word renditions of Scripture make such a powerful educational tool.
• Zac performs live acoustic versions of Psalm 1 and Psalm 8: This incredible artist offers a moving example of how entire chapters can be memorized, meditated upon, and made meaningful through melody.
• The Science & Soul Behind Singing the Bible: Learn why music is a “supersonic power” for memory—moving truths from short-term to long-term storage in the brain. Whether you’re a parent who’s forgotten where you put your phone (again!) or a child learning a new psalm, a good melody makes all the difference.

Tips for Busy, Imperfect Parents

• Take small “bites”—learn Scripture in short, daily repetitions.
• Use sign language or hand motions alongside melody to anchor memorization.
• Leverage idle moments—while driving, during chores, or winding down at bedtime.
• Reframe your expectations: even one verse a month adds up!

Notable Moments & Quotes:

• “If you can remember the theme song to The Beverly Hillbillies, you can remember God’s Word.”
• “Scripture flows deeper through a melody—first into our heads, then into our hearts.”
• The memorable “Jello” method: how repetition turns memory from liquid to solid.

Parents, what’s your first Scripture verse or passage you want to memorize together this year? Share your story and join the movement—because Christian parenting may be crazy, but you don’t have to do it alone.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

You can email Catherine to offer feedback and tell her about your Bible memory plan for the new year at catherine@catherinesegars.com.

Zac Fitzsimmons Bio: Zac is a Christian singer/songwriter from Minnesota, USA. He has led congregations in musical worship for over twenty years and is most known for his ongoing endeavor of writing music and melodies to the Psalms word for word from the English Standard Version of the Bible. These songs are being discovered by people worldwide as valuable tools for soaking in the scriptures in a new way and aiding in scripture memorization. You can find links to the audio, lyric videos and chord charts at www.psalmsongswordforword.com

You can also find Zac on YouTube and Instagram.

To receive downloads of Zac & Catherine’s live perform of Psalm 8, Zac’s performance of Psalm 1, and all of Catherine’s Scripture songs, and pro tips for memorizing the Bible, subscribe at Catherine’s website: https://catherinesegars.com/resources

See Catherine’s complimentary article on Crosswalk: “Learn More Scripture This Year with This #1 Proven Method”

SCRIPTURE SONG ARTISTS:

The Corner Room

Seeds Family Worship

King Things

Esther Mui

Benjamin NG

The Bigsby Show (for the books of the Bible and the 12 Disciples)

SIGN LANGUAGE RESOURCES:

Hands Speak,  Signs Savvy, ASL Dictionary

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Few things unsettle a parent’s heart like the uncertainty and challenges a new year can bring. When the calendar flips and giants—finances, relationships, health issues, parenting worries—seem larger than life, how do we stand firm in faith and lead our families with confidence?

In this empowering New Year’s episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine takes listeners on an honest and hope-filled journey, asking the crucial question: "How do you conquer the giants staring you down in the new year?" Drawing from her own season of transition—relocating her family, homeschooling five kids, navigating empty nesting, and facing financial mountains—Catherine shares seven unshakeable principles for slaying the giants in our lives, straight from Scripture and her own experience.

From recounting stories of friends facing enormous trials to sharing her own “embarrassing” moments of doubt and panic, Catherine models vulnerability and practical faith. She reminds parents: Your giant is real, but your God is bigger.

🌱 7 Principles to Slay Your Giants (And Find Peace This Year!)

1. Keep a Childlike Faith: Look to David, young and unjaded, who believed God could do the impossible. Jesus tells us, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 18)
2. Fear Not: Identify the specific lie that’s fueling your fear. Don’t gloss over your anxieties—journal them, talk to God about them, and let Him speak truth in their place.
3. Be Thankful: Shift your focus away from the giant by remembering God’s faithfulness. Thanksgiving isn’t just polite—it’s the bridge to supernatural peace (Philippians 4).
4. Don’t Complain: Just like Israel grumbled in the desert and missed the Promised Land, complaining focuses our hearts on the obstacle—not the God who overcomes it. Choose gratitude and see your perspective change.
5. Help Someone Else with Their Giant: Serving others shrinks your own problems. When your world feels small, intentionally loving and supporting another can break fear’s hold and invite fresh hope.
6. Persevere in Prayer: Pray specific scriptures over your situation, your children, your marriage—every single day. Prayer doesn’t just change circumstances; it changes us.
7. Remember God is With You (and For You): Whatever you’re facing, you never face it alone. God’s presence is your source of victory—He goes before you, fights for you, and He is for you.

Why This Matters Now: 2026 may bring uncertainty, but God is bigger than every giant we face as parents, spouses, and believers. By reclaiming these timeless principles—faith, gratitude, community, and prayer—parents can move from panic to peace and model resilience for their children.

Call to Action: What is the greatest giant looming over your family this year? Take hold of the principles from today’s episode and make them your daily practice—and watch what God will do!

Share your story or prayer requests with Catherine at catherine@catherinesegars.com and join a community of Christian parents determined to walk in faith, not fear.

EPISODE LINKS:

• Matt Scott’s “Fear Not” sermon (The Gathering Place)
• Scripture playlists, prodigal prayers, and more at Catherine’s website

Giants may roar, but God’s promises thunder louder. Happy New Year—and remember, God’s got you, and He is bigger than your giant.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Catherine shines a light on the dilemma facing so many Christian parents today: how can we find Christmas movies that are both wholesome and engaging—not just repeats of worn-out classics, but films that affirm faith, family, and the real reason for the season?

In this special “best of” holiday edition of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine steps into the critic’s seat to deliver her curated list of 5 Family-Centered Films for Christmas. After being shocked by the inclusion of edgy, agenda-driven titles in mainstream “best Christmas movie” lists, Catherine was inspired to seek out fresh, faith-forward options that won’t leave you cringing or hitting “stop.”

Here’s her handpicked lineup, designed to offer fresh options you likely haven’t already worn out—and to fill your home with joy and true Christmas meaning:

• Kids’ Pick: Journey to the Christmas Star – A Norwegian fairy tale adventure with wholesome themes and just a hint of magic, perfect for little ones.
• Guys’ Pick: Joyeux Noël – A moving, true WWI story about the Christmas Eve ceasefire, exploring big questions of faith, war, and reconciliation (best for teens and up due to mature content).
• Girls’ Pick: The Christmas Candle – A charming British period piece set in a candle-lit village, based on Max Lucado's novel, brimming with questions about miracles and faith.
• Date Night Pick: The Family Man – A romantic, funny exploration of priorities and purpose, reminding parents (and couples) of the value of family over fleeting worldly success.
• Family Pick: The Nativity Story –Catherine’s top recommendation, this beautifully faithful retelling of Mary and Joseph’s journey brings the original Christmas story to life—and into your living room.

For each film, Catherine shares why it matters, where you can watch it, and what to be aware of for younger viewers. She encourages listeners to use these films as a springboard for meaningful family conversations about faith, sacrifice, the supernatural, and what Christmas is truly about. She also invites families to discuss where these movies align—or deviate—from biblical truth, fostering discernment and depth.

Finish your holiday season feeling equipped, inspired, and ready to lead your family in a Christ-centered celebration.

Reflect and Respond:
Which Christmas film has sparked a meaningful conversation in your family about faith or values? After tuning in, share your own recommendations or thoughts with Catherine and the CPCW listeners—and make sure to check out her complete list with streaming links at www.catherineseagers.com.

Don’t miss out on the resources, encouragement, and conversations that set your family apart in a culture that often forgets Christ at Christmas. Tune in, and let’s put faith back at the heart of the holiday!

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Hope and faith are never more deeply tested than in seasons of loss—and the holidays can magnify the ache in ways we never expected. In this heartfelt and timely episode, Catherine shares her personal journey of holding on to faith when hope seems out of reach, inviting listeners into a story as raw as it is redemptive.

Christmas often conjures images of joy and togetherness, but for many families, it can also emphasize what's been lost—a loved one’s absence, a fractured relationship, or dreams that haven’t materialized. Catherine unpacks the question: How do you cling to faith when hope feels broken?

Through the moving account of her own experience, Catherine reveals:

• The intertwined nature of hope and faith—like sisters searching for one another in the darkest moments.
• The surprising ways God meets us in our grief and disappointment, even when prayers seem unanswered and dreams feel dead.
• Her journey through the miscarriage of a child named Hope and the birth of her daughter Evangeline Faith, illustrating how faith often rises from the ashes of dashed hope.
• The symbolic lesson of two tiny angels—Hope and Faith—and the divine timing and comfort they brought during times of loss and longing.

This episode acknowledges the realities of heartache during the holidays, while offering a message of profound encouragement: When hope feels lost, our faith can flourish in its place, anchored by the presence of Jesus—Emmanuel, God with us.

Key takeaways include:

• Faith isn’t just for the easy times; it’s forged in the waiting, the searching, and the grieving.
• Hope lives eternally anchored in Heaven, but faith is given for the here and now, carrying us through seasons of sorrow.
• God redeems suffering and restores hope, sometimes in ways we cannot yet see.

Resources and encouragement for parents:

• Free gifts for subscribers at com—including the ebook "Beyond the Lies," scripture songs, and a prodigal bundle for parents carrying extra burdens during the holidays.
• Sneak peeks for upcoming episodes, including a "Best Of" holiday film episode and a powerful New Year’s episode focused on biblical strategies for facing giants in 2026.

Join Catherine for this vulnerable conversation—where loss meets promise, hope anchors the soul, and faith breathes new life into even the hardest seasons.

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In an era where medical bills climb higher and insurance offers less, Christian parents are left searching for answers. In this eye-opening episode, Catherine sits down with Dr. Ian Day, a practicing physician of more than 25 years and the Chief Medical Officer of Medishare, to explore a radical, Christ-centered alternative to traditional healthcare.

Healthcare is one of the greatest stressors for families today—unexpected bills, confusing coverage, and ethical compromises have made many believers feel helpless. But what if there was another way? What if solutions from the early church could provide both practical relief and spiritual support? Medishare is a not-for-profit healthcare sharing ministry, bringing Christians together to share medical bills and bear one another's burdens—both physical and spiritual.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Healthcare Sharing Ministries Demystified: Dr. Day explains the mission behind Medishare, how Christian care ministry works, and why it’s more than just a “healthcare product”—it’s a biblical community modeled on Acts 2 and 4, where believers share both financial and spiritual burdens.
• What is Biblical Wellness? Discover Dr. Day’s holistic approach to wellness—caring for body, mind, and spirit—and learn how Medishare members are encouraged to prioritize spiritual health right alongside physical and emotional well-being.
• The True Causes Behind Skyrocketing Costs: Dr. Day breaks down exactly why premiums, deductibles, and medical expenses are spiraling, from prescription costs and hospital consolidation to administrative complexity and the lingering effects of the pandemic.
• Practical Solutions for Christian Households: Listeners get actionable advice on navigating the coming years, including the role of telemedicine, the importance of stewardship and lifestyle choices, and crucial tips for evaluating healthcare sharing ministries.
• Values-Driven Coverage: Catherine and Dr. Day wrestle openly with the ethical dilemmas of traditional insurance—funding procedures that oppose biblical beliefs—and celebrate Medishare’s commitment to supporting adoption, maternity, and life-affirming care while excluding services contrary to Christian values.
• Real Hope, Real Stories: Dr. Day shares moving examples of families whose lives were transformed by Medishare’s practical support, long-term care, and prayerful partnership—highlighting the difference a faith-based approach can make in life’s hardest moments.

If you’ve ever wondered why your insurance seems to cover less and cost more—or questioned if your family’s healthcare can truly reflect your faith and values—this episode delivers understanding, clarity, and hope. Catherine closes with a reminder that believers are called to be the answer in a broken world, echoing the early church’s radical love and practical care.

Why This Matters:

As Catherine puts it, “For all the broken systems in our world, the church needs to be the answer. Believers need to be the answer.” If you’re a Christian parent wrestling with big questions about stewardship, wellness, and truly living your faith in every aspect of life—including those daunting healthcare decisions—this episode will both equip and encourage you.

Parenting Takeaway: What steps can you take to model biblical stewardship, community support, and faith-driven discernment in how your family approaches healthcare—body, mind, and spirit?

Meet the Guest: Dr. Ian Day is a dedicated leader in faith-based healthcare. Through Medi-Share, Dr. Day has championed a unique model where Christians come together to share medical bills and support each other spiritually, all in alignment with biblical values. With more than 30 years of proven service, Dr. Day has helped Medi-Share become the most trusted name in healthcare sharing, facilitating over $50 million in shared medical expenses each month. He is committed to providing Christian families with a compassionate, God-honoring alternative to traditional insurance, ensuring members are supported not just financially, but also with prayer and encouragement along their healthcare journey.

Episode Links:

• Learn more about Medi-Share and Christian Care Ministry
• Viral Video of Robby Witt being charged double for an ambulance with insurance than the uninsured rate
• Catherine Segars—Free Parenting Resources & Email List

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This episode goes beyond stockings and wrapping paper to tackle one of the most pressing questions for believers during the holiday season: How do we practically teach our children the virtue of generosity, not just for the holidays, but for a lifetime—and in a way that makes a true, eternal difference?

Answer: Plant seeds of generosity in your family with Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Gift Catalog, a unique way for families to give gifts that can transform lives around the globe.

Browse the catalog and get involved at www.samaritanspurse.org/parent.

Catherine welcomes Kristy Graham, host of the On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse podcast and wife to Edward Graham, part of the legacy family behind this renowned global relief ministry. With firsthand experience raising four children and witnessing God’s faithfulness in some of the most challenging corners of the globe, Kristy brings unmatched insight and compassion to this timely discussion.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Transformative Giving - The Samaritan's Purse Christmas Gift Catalog: Learn how families can open a new kind of catalog—one offering goats, honeybees, water filters, heart surgeries, and more—to provide desperately needed gifts to people across the globe.
• Real Stories, Real Impact: Kristy recounts emotional, hope-filled stories: families in Iraq whose lives are remade by a simple beehive; a mother shattered by tragedy in need of purpose and dignity, restored by a brood of baby chicks; and the power of a $9 donation to feed a hungry infant and spark the hope of the Gospel for a mother who feels forgotten.
• Generosity That Changes Hearts—Including Our Own: Discover practical ways to involve your kids in picking out gifts, writing cards for teachers in someone’s honor, or pairing a meaningful donation with something tangible.
• Biblical Parallels: Kristy and Catherine share how the work of Samaritan’s purse brings to life the stories of Ruth, who gleaned what benevolent benefactors left for those less fortunate, and Hagar, who met the God who saw her need.
• Seeds of the Gospel: Every gift given through Samaritan’s Purse meets physical needs—and intentionally opens doors for the life-changing message of Christ. Whether it’s a water well, a jar of honey, or a vital medical procedure, these gifts become vehicles for sharing hope and introducing recipients to the God who truly sees them.

Call to Action:

This Christmas, will your family give a gift that extends beyond your home?
Explore life-changing opportunities at samaritanspurse.org/parent as a family, and ask your kids: “How can we be part of God’s story of hope this Christmas?”
Let your generosity become a legacy of faith, planting seeds for eternity.

Episode Links:

• Samaritan’s Purse Gift Catalog: www.samaritanspurse.org/parent
• On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse Podcast
• Catherine's Resources for Christian Parents

About the guest: Kristy Graham hosts On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse, a show she launched in 2019 to highlight God’s faithfulness through the ministry’s work. Each week, she brings listeners close to the stories of staff and the people they serve—always pointing hearts to Christ. From missionary doctors in Kenya to military couples in Alaska to families receiving new homes after disasters, Kristy loves witnessing Samaritan’s Purse in action. At home, she and her husband, Edward, are raising their four children in the mountains of North Carolina.

Parents, what new tradition will you start this year to show your children the joy—and eternal impact—of generosity?

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Catherine sits down with national TV host, actress, and best-selling author Megan Alexander to unwrap a timely question: How do Christian families actually keep Christ central during Christmas? Megan, who has been a familiar face on CBS’s Inside Edition for over two decades and the producer of UPTV’s “Small Town Christmas,” brings her unique insights in her newest book, The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning of Our Most Cherished Traditions. This beautiful Advent resource is designed to make celebrating the season both meaningful and manageable—especially for busy parents.

Key highlights from the episode include:

• Reclaiming Christmas Traditions – Megan shares fascinating stories behind beloved customs, revealing their hidden spiritual roots—from the Christian symbolism of candy canes to legends like the poinsettia. Listeners will discover how stockings, Christmas trees, gingerbread cookies, and even bells can point children (and parents!) back to Jesus.
• Making Christmas Memorable & Manageable – The book isn’t just a devotional, it’s a coffee table conversation starter, filled with vibrant visuals and historical nuggets accessible to all ages. Catherine Segars notes, “It’s not a sermon… it’s an invitation to consider,” making it a perfect gift, even for those who might not identify as Christian but need a positive encounter with Christ.
• Practical Family Ideas – From flashlight candy cane hunts to placing candles near loved ones’ pictures, Megan shares creative, simple ways to anchor faith in everyday family traditions. Each activity is an opportunity to discuss the deeper meaning behind symbols and stories—turning ordinary moments into spiritual conversations.
• Honoring Hope and Hardship – The episode thoughtfully addresses the reality that Christmas is not always “roses.” Stories like that of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the tradition of bells remind listeners that even in grief or difficulty, the hope of the gospel and the presence of Christ remain steadfast.

Notable quote:
“You’ll never listen to bells the same. People are gathering; God is alive and well. There is hope in this world.” — Megan Alexander

Listeners will walk away with:

• Fresh inspiration to slow down and celebrate Advent with their kids
• Easy ways to make faith tangible without adding stress to the holiday
• New eyes to see Christ woven through the fabric of their favorite traditions

About the guest:
Megan Alexander is a national TV correspondent, producer, and author. Her book, The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning of Our Most Cherished Traditions, is a heartfelt guide to making Advent meaningful for families. She is also a mom of three and an outspoken believer who brings decades of experience bridging faith and the mainstream entertainment industry.

Call to Action:
What tradition could you reclaim this Christmas to make Christ the focus? How can you use a simple story, object, or moment to share the reason for the season with your children? Tune in, unwrap these ideas, and start a new tradition that keeps Jesus at the heart of your family’s celebration!

Resources:

The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning of Our Most Cherished Traditions by Megan Alexander

Megan’s Website & Instagram

Catherine Website & Free Resources

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In today’s must-listen episode, Catherine welcomes world-renowned evangelist and bestselling author Nick Vujicic, whose life without limbs has become a global testimony that no pain is wasted in God’s hands. His newest book, Champions for the Brokenhearted, invites parents and churches to serve, love, and notice those society too often pushes aside.

🌟 What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Jesus’ Heart for the Brokenhearted
  Dive deep into Isaiah 61 and discover why binding up wounds was central to Jesus’ mission—and should shape Christian parenting today.
• Why Silence Hurts More
  Hear honest talk about why families and churches shy away from topics like abuse, bullying, addiction, and abortion—and the urgent need to speak up.
• Actionable Compassion
  Find practical steps for helping those in pain, including specific ideas for parents to empower their kids as agents of hope.
• Stories That Heal
  Nick Vujicic shares from his personal journey and real-life testimonies that prove brokenness does not disqualify—it prepares us to be miracles.

Notable Quotes

• “Brokenness doesn’t discriminate… it’s the common denominator of humanity.”
• “When you don’t get a miracle, you can still be one.”
• “It’s not just about gathering a crowd—it’s about how many broken hearts your church helps heal.”

Why It Matters

More than ever, Christian parents must cultivate empathy and compassion in their homes. This episode equips families to move past cultural perfectionism and step boldly into the messy but sacred work of loving the hurting.

About the Guest

Nick Vujicic is an internationally renowned Australian-American evangelist, speaker, and author whose story of faith and perseverance has inspired millions. Through NickV Ministries and his global outreach, he has shared the Gospel with over 812 million people in 84 countries, and his motivational platform, Attitude is Altitude, has reached more than 2 billion.

Born without limbs and facing rejection, bullying, and depression, Nick encountered Jesus Christ and found hope, purpose, and a calling to minister to the brokenhearted. Nick has addressed 12 national governments and met with 24 world leaders, sharing a message of resilience and the transforming power of God—proving that with Christ, anything is possible.

Key Links:

• Order Champions for the Brokenhearted
• Become a Champion at org
• Access more free resources at catherine@catherinesegars.com

🗝️ Call to Action

Ask your family: Who is hurting in our midst, and how can we step forward with Jesus’ compassion this week?

Listen now and discover how God wants to use the broken pieces of your story—and your children’s—for His glory.

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This topic has taken center stage in cultural and theological debates, fueled by viral exchanges between commentators like Tucker Carlson and Ted Cruz, as well as in the classroom, on college campuses, and around family dinner tables. Catherine welcomes back Jewish historical scholar Clifton Payne Junior for a deep dive into Israel’s biblical, historical, and genealogical identity.

Key moments include:

• The viral exchange between Tucker Carlson and Ted Cruz that exposed how unprepared many believers—and national leaders—are to answer “Is the Israel of Genesis 12 the same as modern Israel?”
• Dinesh D'Souza’s fascinating breakdown of how the Jewish people have genetically, culturally, and historically preserved their identity despite centuries of exile and persecution.
• Powerful prophecies in Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Amos—read in synagogues on the very day Israel was reborn in 1948—that reveal God’s hand at work through history.
• The “dry bones” prophecy, dissected in real-time as evidence of God reviving both the physical and spiritual life of the Jewish nation, with numbers of Messianic Jews in Israel growing 100-fold since 1948.
• A behind-the-scenes look at why so many Christians (and their kids) misunderstand Israel’s role in God’s redemptive plan, and how replacement theology distorts our perspective and engagement with both history and scripture.
• The core of “replacement theology” and why it matters.
• Whether the modern state of Israel (established in 1948 and led by Benjamin Netanyahu) is truly the continuation of the nation God promised to Abraham.
• The mystery of partial spiritual blindness over the Jewish people, the rise of Messianic Jews, and scriptural explanations many Christians and Jews have missed.
• The danger of misunderstanding Israel’s significance, and how well-meaning Christians and secular thinkers alike have sometimes distorted or neglected the biblical narrative.

Special attention is given to Ezekiel 37’s “valley of dry bones” prophecy, the fulfillment of Isaiah 66’s “nation born in a single day,” and the astonishing coincidence that the scheduled synagogue reading on the Sabbath Israel was reborn included Amos 9’s promise of restoration—a detail highlighted from Jonathan Cahn’s Book of Mysteries.

Through scholarly insight, biblical exposition, and practical application, this episode equips parents to have intelligent, faithful conversations with their children about Israel, prophecy, and what it means to “bless” this nation. It concludes with a call to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and a reminder that God’s faithfulness to Israel is a testament to His faithfulness to all His people.

Meet the Guest:

Guest bio: Clifton Payne Junior is a gifted Bible teacher and Jewish historical scholar with advanced studies in Jewish history from Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Author of “What the Bible Really Says About Tithing and Giving: It’s Different Than You Think,” he brings clarity and depth to some of the most misunderstood questions facing the Church today.

References:

One for Israel: “Israel’s Dry Bones Prophecy about Israel Coming Back to Life”

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In this riveting episode, Catherine asks one of the most urgent questions of our time: What is happening in Israel—and how does it connect to ancient prophecy and our daily parenting? To help answer, she welcomes acclaimed author, filmmaker, and Christian apologist Dinesh D'Souza, whose new documentary, The Dragon’s Prophecy, is based on Jonathan Cahn’s bestselling book and brings biblical prophecy and current events to vivid life.

Dinesh D'Souza, whose career spans best-selling novels, blockbuster documentaries, and service in the Reagan White House, brings unparalleled insight to the intersection of faith, history, and politics. In this episode, he unpacks why Israel sits at the center of an ancient spiritual war, why Revelation 12 holds the key to understanding headlines today, and how the battle between good and evil is not just on distant soil—but in every soul.

Key highlights include:

• The chilling reality of October 7, 2023, and never-before-seen footage that reveals the spiritual darkness behind terrorist acts.
• The core message of The Dragon’s Prophecy: Evil is real, embodied in the biblical “dragon”—and parents must recognize the spiritual war behind the chaos.
• How ancient battles between Israelites and Philistines eerily parallel today’s conflict, and why biblical prophecy continues to unfold before our eyes.
• The power of biblical archaeology in verifying the historical accuracy of Scripture—from Pontius Pilate’s existence to the discovery of King David’s palace—arming parents and skeptics alike with facts to defend their faith.
• Tough questions about modern Israel, replacement theology, and the promises God made to Abraham’s descendants, with thoughtful discussion on both biblical and political identity.

Notable moment:

• “There is a world behind the world and...the events we see are incomplete if we don’t understand them as part of a cosmic struggle between good and evil.” –Dinesh D'Souza

As Christian parents, we’re called not just to read the news, but to “discern the moment” (1 Chronicles 12:32)—guiding our children with faith, courage, and wisdom in a time of spiritual war.

Don’t miss this eye-opening episode—and consider: How will you prepare your kids not just to survive, but to lead in the times to come?

ABOUT THE GUEST:
Dinesh D'Souza was born in Mumbai, India, came to the U.S. as an exchange student and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1983. In his twenties, he served as a policy analyst in the Reagan White House and later as a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and Stanford’s Hoover Institution. He has produced eight documentary films—three among the top ten highest-grossing political documentaries ever—including Obama’s America, Hillary’s America, and 2000 Mules. A bestselling author, D’Souza has written influential works on politics, culture, and faith such as Illiberal Education, What’s So Great About America, and What’s So Great About Christianity. He also hosts The Dinesh D’Souza Podcast, reaching about 100,000 viewers and listeners daily.

EPISODE LINKS:

The Dragon’s Prophecy Film

The Dinesh D’Souza Podcast

Catherine’s Prodigal Bundle

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In this riveting episode, Catherine welcomes back New York Times bestselling author and esteemed spiritual leader Jonathan Cahn. Known for his prophetic insight and viral teachings, Jonathan brings parents face-to-face with revelations from his explosive new book, The Avatar: The Return of the Ancients and the Future of America.

With global headlines swirling—hostage releases in the Middle East, political shake-ups at home—Jonathan argues that these events are rooted in spiritual battles dating back thousands of years. He takes listeners on a journey through scripture and current history, demonstrating that ancient “gods” and principalities are reclaiming influence in our modern world, often in ways that fly under the radar of the Western mind.

Key insights from the episode:

• The spiritual war behind the headlines: Jonathan unpacks how events like the October 7 attacks in Israel and miraculous hostage returns are spiritual manifestations, echoing patterns seen throughout biblical history.
• America’s spiritual crossroads: Drawing from The Return of the Gods, Jonathan reveals the “dark trinity” of Baal, Ashtoreth/Ishtar, and Molech—ancient entities driving materialism, sexual confusion, and the destruction of life in today’s society.
• The avatar phenomenon: Through spellbinding personal anecdotes from India, Cuba, and Africa, Jonathan explains how avatars—human embodiments of these ancient spirits—are still being worshipped globally, and how this practice is stealthily influencing Western cultures and politics.
• Surprising connections in U.S. leadership: Catherine and Jonathan dive into uncanny parallels between political figures (including Kamala Harris and Donald Trump) and ancient gods and biblical leaders, even uncovering astonishing links between their birthdates and sacred calendar readings.
• The warning and the call: While God sometimes uses unlikely leaders (the "Jehu" template) to roll back spiritual darkness, ultimate hope for America rests not in politicians but in a nationwide revival—a return to the worship of the one true God, starting in our homes and families.

Notable moments:

• Jonathan’s miraculous encounters with spiritual warfare overseas and their effect on communities.
• Catherine’s research into how avatars are selected and worshipped in modern cultures—and the resulting persecution of Christians and Jews.
• The uncanny timing of U.S. leaders’ births with ancient holy days and scriptural readings.

As Jonathan cautions: “If we change the government, but we don’t change the hearts of the people, the unchanged hearts are going to change the government back... The only thing that can save America is revival.”

About the guest:

Jonathan Cahn has been named along with Billy Graham as one of the top spiritual leaders to have radically impacted our world in modern times.  He has spoken at the United Nations, on Capitol Hill, to Members of Congress, and to millions around the world. Every one of his books, starting with The Harbinger to The Dragon’s Prophecy, has become a New York Times Bestseller. He is recognized as a prophetic voice for our times. His teachings and prophetic messages on YouTube have received over 100 million views. He leads Beth Israel at the Jerusalem Center in Wayne, New Jersey — and Hope of the World ministry, a world outreach of God’s word and compassion to the world’s most needy. Learn more at https://www.hopeoftheworld.org/.  

For Christian parents:
Are you equipping your children to recognize and stand firm in the real spiritual battle behind today’s headlines?

Consider how you’re fostering discernment, spiritual awareness, and an unshakeable faith in your home. What steps can you take to invite revival—in your family, your church, and your community?

Subscribe to Catherine’s Website for more faith-fueled insight, and learn how to stay anchored in truth in a world that is anything but predictable.

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In this unforgettable episode, Catherine sits down with Clifton Payne Jr.—author, pastor, and someone who has personally witnessed the miraculous—to tackle these timely and crucial questions for every Christian parent.

Together, they explore:

• Real-Life Miracles: Clifton shares a stunning testimony of praying over his wife’s dearest friend—a woman with a terminal brain tumor who, against all odds, survived life-threatening surgery and then, during a moment of crisis, experienced an instantaneous healing as they cried out to God. “Not in my name nor authority, but in the authority of Jesus of Nazareth—I command these fluids to be gone.” Instantly, her lungs, ravaged by stomach acids, were clear. “I didn’t feel anything except a sense of anger at the injustice—but the miracle happened.”
• When Miracles Don’t Come: Even after this incredible event, Clifton and his family faced sorrow as their friend soon passed away. Together, Catherine and Clifton wrestle with what it means when God doesn’t answer as we hope.
• The Role of Prayer: Drawing on scripture and personal experience, they discuss how prayer isn’t just a ritual—it’s a gateway for God’s will on earth. Clifton notes, “Jesus gave us a model prayer: ‘on earth as it is in heaven.’ Is there any sickness in heaven? No. Poverty? No. So I can always pray against those things.” Catherine urges parents, “It won’t be my lack of faith or prayer that prevents God from doing the miracle. I’m going to pray for healing, and for His will to come.”

• God’s Not a Formula—He’s a Relationship You’ll be challenged by the reminder that miracles aren’t the result of a spiritual formula or magic words. Cliff and Catherine emphasize that God leads and acts through relationship, not rote ritual. “Always write your theology in pencil,” Cliff was taught. We’re called to listen, trust, and obey—even when the outcome isn’t what we’d have chosen. Seeking rules and protocols miss the point: “It’s all about being in tune with the Spirit, walking closely with God, and learning to hear His voice.”

• Prayers and “Coincidences”: Clifton quotes Canon J. John: “When we pray, coincidences happen. When we don’t, they don’t.” The episode emphasizes that partnering with God in prayer is far more than wishful thinking—it’s joining Him in His ongoing work.

Standout Quotes:

• “God doesn’t always write the story the way you would.”
• “When we pray, coincidences happen. When we don’t, they don’t.”

As Christian parents, the question isn’t just does God still perform miracles?—but are we inviting Him into our lives and our children’s future through faith-filled prayer? Can your children witness the wonder of God—not just hear about it?

About the guest:
Clifton H. Payne Jr., author of What the Bible Really Says About Tithing and Giving: It’s Different than You Think, is a former pastor, Bible student, and eye-witness to miraculous moves of God, whose journey from church hurt to New Age, and back to vibrant faith, is a testimony every parent should hear.

Tune in for encouragement, challenge, and hope—discover how faith (and prayer) can unlock God’s intervention in the crazy world we parent in.

Discussion prompt for parents:
What miraculous answers to prayer—big or small—have you witnessed or experienced? How can you model faith-filled prayer to your children, trusting that God still listens and acts, even when the outcome isn’t what you expected?

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How do I parent through a crisis with my child—especially when their choices break my heart?

Joining Catherine is Laine Lawson Craft, author of The Parent Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal and a veteran mother who persevered through fifteen years of prodigal seasons with her own children. Laine’s faith-filled wisdom and firsthand experience anchor today’s conversation, offering hope and actionable strategies for every parent walking through the valley.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to Stop Enabling Destructive Behaviors:
  Practical steps for evicting enablement and setting boundaries that promote genuine change.
• Why Self-Care Is Essential for Parents in Crisis:
  Discover why caring for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s vital for your endurance.
• Tools for Battling Shame, Fear, and Judgment:
  Strategies to guard your mind, take thoughts captive, and focus on God’s promises.
• Navigating Outside Opinions and Gossip:
  Insights for responding to unsolicited advice and protecting your heart.
• Finding Community and Support:
  The importance of Christian counseling and safe, faith-filled relationships.
• Praying with Authority Over Your Children:
  Join Catherine and Lane for a powerful time of intercessory prayer—learn to stand firm spiritually for your child’s future.

Why It Matters:
Crisis doesn’t have to derail your life or your child’s future—or your hope. Laine’s story and Catherine’s scriptural encouragement reveal that no prodigal is too far gone for God. Your prayers and faith set the stage for miracles—and even battle-scarred parents can discover new strength.

Featured Guest:
Lain Lawson Craft is a speaker, faith leader, and author specializing in spiritual strategies for parents of prodigals. Her book, The Parent Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal, equips parents with practical tools for restoration and warfare.

Notable Quotes:

• “You can’t be the parent and be the kid’s best friend. That’s where boundaries start.”
• “When we declare God’s Word...we keep hope alive for our prodigal child.”

Resources & Links:

• The Parent Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal
• Catherine’s Free Prodigal Bundle for parents (scripture list, resources, podcasts):

A Thought to Take Home:
Are you fighting for your child with all the weapons God has given you—prayer, boundaries, and the support of a community who understands?
How might you step into greater spiritual authority over the storm your family is facing?

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this poignant and hope-filled episode, Catherine tackles one of the most heart-wrenching topics for families: How to battle—and hope—for prodigal children. Whether your own child has strayed, or you’re supporting a loved one through this trial, this conversation delivers comfort, clarity, and a lifeline of practical guidance.

Catherine is joined by special guest Laine Lawson Craft, a bestselling author, speaker, and spiritual warrior for parents of prodigals. Lane’s book, The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal is grounded in her raw, personal experience raising three prodigal teens—each with their own struggles, battles, and miraculous moments of deliverance.

Key Insights & Takeaways:

• You are NOT alone. Both Catherine and Lane share how parents of prodigals often experience deep guilt and stigma. Lane candidly recalls her initial panic and shock, but repeatedly urges, “You are not alone.”
• Trade panic for strategy. The enemy seeks to devour, but parents are not helpless. Lane and Catherine outline a “battle plan” rooted in prayer, surrender, and practical spiritual authority.
• Guilt does not belong to you. As Lane puts it, “Blaming ourselves only serves to beat ourselves up a little more over things that are not under our control. The other party participating with our children is Satan. If we need to lay blame, that is where it should go.”
• The battle is spiritual—and winnable. An eye-opening segment breaks down how parents must recognize the true enemy and begin waging war in the spirit, not in the flesh.
• The authority of a parent in prayer is unmatched. Catherine and Lane both describe the transformative power of praying the Word over your children and exercising God-given parental authority. Lane’s vivid “paintbrush” imagery (covering her children with the blood of Jesus in prayer) is a practical tool for all parents.
• Surrender is partnership, not defeat. The hardest step—actually handing our children over to the Lord—is where God’s power steps in. Lane poignantly shares, “When our children are hurting...we must surrender them to God in an altar-like place.”

This episode is packed with resources, hope, and hard-won wisdom, reminding every listener that God sees every tear and is always working—often behind the scenes—for redemption. If you’re weary or burdened on the prodigal journey, you’ll leave with renewed strength, proven battle strategies, and the knowledge that your prayers matter.

About the Guest:
Lane Lawson Craft is a bestselling author, speaker, and the creator of The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal. As a mother who fought—and won—the battle for her three children, Lane’s voice is trusted, authentic, and brimming with hope for families facing the heartbreak of a prodigal season.

Resource Highlight:
Download Catherine’s free Prodigal Bundle at catherinesegars.com—practical scriptures, articles, and more to help you pray powerfully and strategically over your wandering child.

Don’t forget to tune in for Part Two of this “best of” series, where Catherine and Lane go even deeper into setting boundaries, handling outside judgment, and finding support for your toughest seasons as a Christian parent.

SUBSCRIBE, DOWNLOAD your free prodigal resources, and share this episode with someone who needs hope for their prodigal today!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Laine’s Website: https://lainelawsoncraft.com/

Catherine’s Prodigal Bundle

PRAYER SERIES:

Ep. 13 – 4 Types of Prayer Every Believer Should Know

Ep. 14 – How To Battle for Your Kids in Prayer

Ep. 15 – What Should I Expect When I Battle in Prayer?

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Evil doesn’t knock politely—it barrels into our lives, demanding a response. In an era marked by darkness and division, how do we prepare the next generation to stand firm in their faith rather than buckle under pressure?

Truth is Targeted

In this powerful and timely episode, Catherine tackles one of the toughest challenges facing Christian families today: equipping kids—and ourselves—with the courage and conviction to remain steadfast when evil seems to prevail. The tragic and shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk—celebrated Christian leader, founder of Turning Point USA, and unapologetic voice for truth—becomes both the backdrop and the catalyst for a discussion every Christian parent must hear.

Catherine draws from deeply personal reflections and public reactions to Charlie Kirk’s legacy, highlighting the slander, misunderstandings, and outright hostility he faced even as he modeled a rare blend of conviction and compassion. Through clips of Charlie responding to vulnerable students—including those struggling with gender dysphoria or rejected by their own communities—listeners experience firsthand his unwavering grace and commitment to loving those who disagreed with him.

“You don’t get assassinated for telling lies. You get assassinated for telling the truth, and people start listening.”

Key Insights & Takeaways

🎯 Truth vs. Slander

• How culture distorts reality through headlines and labels, and what it truly means to test everything against the Word of God.

💛 Modeling Compassion and Conviction

• Learning from Charlie Kirk’s public interactions—how to defend biblical truth without losing kindness, and how to refuse easy categories of “us vs. them.”

🛡️ Preparing for the Day of Evil

• Catherine shares her own prayer journey as a mother, using Ephesians 6 as a roadmap for equipping our children not to avoid evil, but to “stand firm” when testing comes.

✨ God at Work in Darkness

• Even as the world mocks and vilifies, incredible stories emerge—atheists questioning their unbelief, the bereaved forgiving with Christ-like love, and the gospel shining unmistakably through tragedy.

🌱 Hope and a Call to Action

• Inspired by Charlie’s own words—_“I want to be remembered for courage, for my faith”_—Catherine exhorts parents to cultivate resilience, spiritual discipline, and a living, breathing relationship with Jesus for their families, not just a cultural Christianity.

Notable Moments

The viral words of forgiveness from Erica Kirk, Charlie’s widow, whose astonishing grace toward her husband’s killer became a global witness to the gospel:

“The answer to hate is not hate… always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”

Catherine adds, “This is the clearest evidence of the gospel I have ever seen in my lifetime.”

Reflection for Christian Parents

Are you raising children for comfort—or for courage? When evil comes (not if), will your family be ready to stand?

Tune in to hear how Christian parents can respond—not with fear, but with faith, hope, and the power of God’s Word. Then, ask yourself:

What are you doing today to prepare your kids to stand firm in a world that may one day hate them for loving Jesus?

Share your thoughts, prayers, and stories with us, and pass this life-changing episode on to every parent who needs encouragement to stay strong.

Resources & Next Steps

For more resources—including Catherine’s free Prodigal Bundle and tools to pray scripturally for your children—visit https://catherinesegars.com/.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Christian Parent/Crazy World on your favorite podcast platform.

“God gave you your specific kids for a reason. You hold the key to unlocking who God created them to be.”

Are you equipping them for a faith that stands firm—no matter the cost?

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Catherine dives deep into this critical topic with special guests Isaac and Emily Gay, co-founders of the Parallel Society. With over twenty years of ministry experience pioneering creative communities, building prayer rooms, and raising three children of their own, Isaac and Emily have dedicated their lives to restoring creativity within the Church and equipping the next generation of artists.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The Great Disconnect: Why did the Church abandon creativity, and how did this create a vacuum that Hollywood and secular culture rushed to fill?
• Redefining Christian Art: Isaac & Emily challenge the narrow definitions that often limit Christian expression. Drawing from Leo Tolstoy, they ask: What if Christian art isn’t only about displaying explicit symbols, but about work that promotes "an ethic and morality that longs for human flourishing"?
• Both Sides Matter: Listeners will hear why mending the rift between the Church and artists isn’t just a leadership issue—but requires artists to reexamine the purpose behind their work, moving beyond self-expression to serve a greater, redemptive calling.
• Restoring Beauty in the Home: Emily shares how families can cultivate creativity over convenience, offering hope-filled encouragement that it starts not on a stage or a gallery wall, but around the dinner table, in moments of Sabbath, and with simple, intentional practices that awaken wonder in children.
• The Power of Beauty: Catherine passionately reminds us: "We are losing our culture not because we lack truth, but because we’ve lost beauty. In a culture grown deaf to preaching, beauty still whispers. It still sings."
• Practical Wisdom & Inspiration: Hear how the Gays wrote their own family Sabbath liturgy, and get actionable ideas for fostering beauty, awe, and storytelling within your own home—no matter your artistic skills.

Notable Quotes:

“Creativity is not optional. It’s our calling.”
“Beauty is the language our culture still understands. Are we speaking it?”
“There is no formation without repetition. The job of a parent is to create space for the wild things to run.” – Isaac Gay

About the Guests:
Isaac and Emily Gay are founders of the Parallel Society, a ministry devoted to discipling artists in biblical truth. With two decades of experience engaging some of the most secular areas of the West, they offer invaluable insight on how the Church can once again become a wellspring of culture and innovation.

What if the future of your child’s faith—and the influence of the Church—depends on how we restore this forgotten partnership with creativity and beauty?

Tune in for encouragement, theological depth, and practical next steps for every parent who wants to raise a generation that doesn’t just reflect the world, but reclaims it for Christ through the power of art.

Connect with Isaac & Emily Gay:

• isaacandemilygay.com
• Instagram: Isaac & Emily

Connect with Catherine:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Email at catherine@catherinesegars.com

Special Resource for Moms:
Looking for more encouragement? Don’t miss Catherine’s free groundbreaking ebook, "Beyond the Lies: Uncovering 5 Myths The Culture Spreads to Mothers." In just 20 minutes, you’ll discover the life-giving truth God speaks over every mom.
👉 Download your copy and find more faith-filled resources by subscribing HERE.

How are you fostering a love for beauty and creativity in your home? What’s one small way you can invite your children to co-create with God this week? Share your thoughts with us and join the conversation!

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Isaac and Emily Gay share their hearts, talents, and hard-won wisdom from years of artistic leadership, ministry, and motherhood. With backgrounds in theater, worship, and church planting, they know firsthand the struggle of being artists in a culture—and a faith community—that too often sidelines creativity in favor of utilitarian metrics. Their mission? To help the modern church reclaim its historical role as a cultivator of beauty and creativity, both in its worship and its community life.

Key topics explored in this episode:

• The Forgotten Virtue: Catherine and her guests outline how beauty once held a central place in the church, only to be pushed aside by industrial-age utilitarianism, soul-counting, and a focus on productivity at the expense of creativity.
• Healing the Rift: Catherine dives into the history of how secularism, dualism, and fundamentalist thinking fractured the relationship between church and creative souls.
• A Biblical Blueprint for Collaboration: Drawing from Exodus and the story of Bezalel and Oholiab—the first individuals filled with the Holy Spirit for the purpose of art—Emily and Isaac urge pastors and church leaders to actively commission and empower artists, forging genuine partnerships for the sake of the Gospel.
• The Culture-Shaping Power of Art: Isaac shares a provocative example from pop culture—Lil Nas X’s infamous “satanic shoes”—to illustrate how the world hasn’t forgotten art’s power, but the church has. The consequences? Hollywood and secular creatives have filled the cultural void abandoned by faith communities.
• Personal Stories and Honest Confessions: Catherine, Emily, and Isaac each open up about their individual struggles—feeling misunderstood, pressured to produce, and at times outright rejected by faith communities. Their honesty will resonate with parents, pastors, and anyone grappling with their creative calling.
• Reimagining Success: The conversation challenges the prevailing idea that only overtly “productive” or evangelical art is worthwhile, calling for a holistic embrace of beauty as a means of forming souls, shaping culture, and expressing the fullness of the Imago Dei.

Have you ever wondered why the church has lost its cultural influence to Hollywood? Are you, or your children, gifted in the arts and unsure of how that fits in God’s kingdom? Are you a church leader looking to be a force for good in our culture? Emily and Isaac’s insights will encourage you to see artistic expression as a calling worthy of investment—and essential to the church’s mission in the world.

This episode is essential listening for parents, pastors, creatives, and anyone longing to see God redeem our culture through something as simple—and as sacred—as beauty.

Don’t miss this heartfelt and hope-filled conversation that just might change the way you see art, faith, parenthood, and the power of beauty to shape the world for good.

Guest Bios:

Isaac and Emily Gay are artists, worship leaders, and church planters in Buffalo, NY. With backgrounds in acting, worship, and the arts, they’ve helped lead church planting and prayer movements while building creative communities both locally and online. Parents of three boys, they are passionate about the power of beauty, creativity, and play—at home, in the church, and in culture.

Episode Resources:

Isaac’s Website & Instagram

The Parallel Society

The Prodigal by Isaac Gay

For resources, free guides for parents, and more on nurturing creativity in your kids, visit catherine@catherinesegars.com.

Stay curious. Stay creative. Let’s raise a new generation of culture-makers—one story, painting, song, or act of love at a time.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

For centuries, the Christian faith was the driving force behind breathtaking art, transcendent music, and the very fabric of Western culture. But somewhere along the way, the church lost its influence—and with it, our society became less attuned to the transcendent power of beauty to point hearts to God. How did we get here, and most importantly, how can parents reclaim beauty as a powerful tool for reaching a generation that’s grown deaf to lectures and argument?

In this compelling episode, Catherine is joined by multi-talented artist, philosopher, and theologian Isaac Gay—an accomplished musician, singer, songwriter, actor, dancer, and founder of The Parallel Society, a ministry devoted to discipling artists and restoring creativity in the church. Isaac and his wife Emily have spent nearly two decades planting churches, building prayer rooms, and nurturing creative communities in some of the most secular cities in the West—while also raising three boys of their own.

Key Insights & Takeaways:

• Beauty as a Lost Apologetic: Discover why beauty is the most overlooked, and perhaps most powerful, way for Christians to influence culture today. “Beauty just might be our most powerful apologetic,” Catherine declares, underscoring its unique role in capturing hearts in a post-truth society.
• The Biblical Foundation of Creativity: Learn how the very first thing Scripture tells us about God isn’t that He’s a king, or father—but that He is a Creator, bringing order out of chaos. And why that means that every parent, regardless of natural talent, is called to be creative too.
• History’s Lessons: Journey from the Renaissance and beyond to see how the church used to set the standard for art, music, and culture. Why did Christians abdicate that position of influence, and how did utilitarian thinking, fundamentalism, and a sacred/secular divide contribute to exile of the arts?
• The Plight—and Calling—of Christian Artists: Hear Isaac’s own story of exchanging Broadway dreams for full-time ministry, and the tension so many creative Christians face when their gifts seem at odds with church expectations. “You are joining God, the ultimate creator, in the act of the most beautiful piece of art and creativity that has ever been created,” Isaac encourages all parents.
• Why Lectures Don’t Reach Culture (But Stories Do): The world isn’t tuning into our sermons—they’re going to movies, reading novels, and being shaped by art. Find out why reclaiming creativity in the church isn’t optional, but essential if we want to influence the next generation.

Notable Moments:

• The astonishing significance of the first person in Scripture filled with the Holy Spirit (hint: he was an artist, not a preacher!)
• Stories from church history, the Renaissance, and the power of artists as “missionaries” to culture.
• A moving discussion on how even parenting itself is an act of creativity, forming order and beauty from chaos.

The church hasn’t just neglected the arts—it’s handed the cultural keys to the world, often settling for copying what’s popular instead of shaping what’s meaningful. What could happen if Christian parents and churches reclaimed beauty—not just in our sanctuaries, but in our homes, our parenting, and our calling?

Listen in and consider:
How are you nurturing the creative spark God gave your children? In what ways could reclaiming beauty and imagination in your home, church, or community become the bridge to the gospel your world desperately needs?

Don’t miss Part 2—where Isaac will be joined by his wife Emily for an even deeper dive into the practical steps of nurturing Christian creativity and restoring the church as a wellspring of beauty and culture.

About the Guest: Isaac Gay is a modern-day renaissance man with a background in theatre, music, and ministry. As the founder of The Parallel Society, he equips Christian artists to use their gifts for cultural renewal and gospel advance. His work with his wife Emily has built creative communities and fostered discipleship of artists across the U.S.

Episode Resources:

Isaac’s Website & Instagram

The Parallel Society

The Prodigal by Isaac Gay

For resources, free guides for parents, and more on nurturing creativity in your kids, visit catherine@catherinesegars.com.

Stay curious. Stay creative. Let’s raise a new generation of culture-makers—one story, painting, song, or act of love at a time.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this “best of” episode, host Catherine sits down with stress coach and mother of four, Elizabeth Andrejewski, to uncover 5 Simple Habits That Will Reduce Stress in Your Parenting. Elizabeth, host of the Emotionally Healthy Legacy podcast, brings firsthand wisdom from her years juggling daily chaos, mom guilt, and that all-too-familiar “mom rage.” Her mission? To equip Christian moms and dads with practical strategies for emotional wellness—rooted in faith and free from unnecessary guilt.

Key Habits & Insights from this Episode:

• Start Your Day With Intention, Not Chaos: Elizabeth shares how waking up just a bit earlier than your kids—using that time for prayer, journaling, and stillness—can radically change your reactions for the entire day. “If I skip more than a day, oh, it’s showing up for me big time…I notice that I’m a lot more agitated and short and snappy with my family,” she says.
• Journaling as a Lifeline: Processing your emotions on paper (as a prayer to God!) provides a safe, biblical way to release frustration before it spills over onto your loved ones. Catherine points out, “Journaling started a whole new life for me, actually.”
• Break Up With Your Phone: Overstimulation and distraction from constant notifications contribute massively to stress and impatience. Elizabeth reveals the science-backed benefits of disabling notifications and setting app limits—plus the generational example you set for your children.
• Say “No” to Over-Scheduling: Creating intentional whitespace in your family’s life isn’t selfish; it’s soul care. Both Catherine and Elizabeth discuss how relentless busyness—fueled by people-pleasing and fear of missing out—steals joy and connection.
• Ask for (and Accept) Support: God created us for community. Whether it’s a spouse, older child, or an elder in your church, learning to ask for help is not weakness—it’s wise stewardship of your mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Peppered with vulnerable anecdotes, humor, and a comforting reminder that even Jesus withdrew for rest and prayer, this conversation is a balm for weary, overloaded parents. You’ll walk away with not just ideas, but actionable changes you can implement immediately—no fancy resources required. As Elizabeth affirms, “Nobody benefits if you’re running empty…no one suffers when you’re restored and present.”

Favorite Moments:

• Elizabeth describing her “little propeller” toddler and how real-life stress pushed her to her vocation.
• Catherine’s revelation about journaling through loss—and how it birthed a new calling.
• Practical tech hacks, healthy boundary-setting, and the liberating insight that “feeling the guilt and doing it anyway” is sometimes the most spirit-led, loving path you can take as a parent.

Are you ready to replace chaos with calm and lead your family from a place of peace, not pressure? Tune in for perspective, practical tips, and permission to care for yourself as you steward your children’s hearts.

Guest bio:
Elizabeth Andrejewski is a certified stress coach for Christian moms, mother of four, and host of the Emotionally Healthy Legacy podcast. She is passionate about helping women break unhealthy cycles, lower daily stress, and create lives that reflect God’s peace.

Links and Resources:

• Listen to the Emotionally Healthy Legacy podcast
• Learn more about this podcast and receive Catherine’s free ebook, Beyond the Lies: Uncovering Five Myths Our Culture Spreads to Mothers
• God is Good, But This Isn’t published at inCourage
• Take Heart: 100 Devotions To Seeing God When Life’s Not Okay

Ready to experience less stress and more peace in your parenting? Don’t miss this wisdom-packed conversation—it just might be the breakthrough your family needs.

What’s one habit you’re willing to change this week to create a more peaceful home? How can making space for your own emotional well-being transform your parenting — and your children’s future?

Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review if this episode blessed you!

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Catherine’s guest in this episode is Elizabeth Andreyevskiy, a stress coach for Christian moms and host of the Emotionally Healthy Legacy Podcast. A mom of 4 herself, Elizabeth knows the value of emotional wellness in parenting and the impact it has on the whole family. She is passionate about teaching moms how to prioritize their needs guilt free, lower daily stressors, set healthy boundaries and implement healthy habits. Elizabeth teaches moms how to manage mom rage and overcome guilt and shame. She believes that a strong relationship with God and simple mindset shifts can transform moms in their emotional wellness and break destructive patterns.

Elizabeth has 5 simple, practical habits that parents can employ today to de-stress their lives and experience more peace in their parenting, and she shares those life-changing pro tips with the CPCW audience. They are:

1. Get up earlier than your kids to spend time with God.

2. Journal to process your thoughts.

3. Limit your screen time and turn off notifications.

4. Put downtime in your schedule (don’t over schedule).

5. Ask for help.

Sometimes it isn’t the big, shiny new thing that makes the difference in your life. Sometimes it is a simple, practical change, perhaps something that you used to do that you stopped doing, that makes all the difference. Implementing these practical habits will bring peace into your parenting and eliminate stress.

LINKS:

Elizabeth’s website

The Emotionally Healthy Legacy Podcast

Promised resource: 5 Simple Ways to Calm Down When You Feel Triggered

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

God is Good, But This Isn’t published at inCourage

Take Heart: 100 Devotions To Seeing God When Life’s Not Okay

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Every Christian parent walks through seasons of hardship and heartache, moments that feel like a “dark night of the soul.” But why does God allow these painful, confusing valleys? And—more importantly—what is He growing in us through them?

In this solo episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine pulls back the curtain on her own current season of struggle: holding down the fort as her husband works in another state, navigating loneliness, and wrestling with God’s timing and plans. But this isn’t just about surviving difficulty—it’s about discovering what God is accomplishing in the midst of it. Catherine reminds listeners that these hard, unchosen seasons are not evidence of God’s absence, but fertile ground for His deepest growth.

Key Insights and Takeaways:

• Gifts vs. Fruit: Catherine draws on a striking analogy from a recent sermon—how, in the Old Testament, priests wore alternating gold bells (gifts) and pomegranates (fruit) on their robes. Just as gifts and fruit were literally woven together, so too must our talents be balanced with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
• How is Spiritual Fruit Grown? Unlike our natural gifts, spiritual fruit isn’t something we’re born with or can develop by sheer will—it’s birthed in intimacy with God, often in the hardest and most uncomfortable soil. As Catherine powerfully states, “The fruit of the Spirit is birthed in the opposite soil from what it reflects."
• The Soil Where Each Fruit of the Spirit Grows:
  • Love is birthed in loss
  • Joy is birthed in mourning
  • Peace is birthed in chaos
  • Patience is birthed in waiting
  • Kindness is birthed in disappointment
  • Goodness is birthed in need and injustice
  • Faithfulness is birthed in betrayal
  • Gentleness is birthed in conflict
  • Self-control is birthed in temptation
• Pain Has Purpose: Using vivid stories—from her own journey to those of friends facing life-threatening illness or unimaginable grief—Catherine assures parents that God never wastes our dark nights. These seasons prepare us, shaping our character to carry God’s gifts with humility and serving as a foundation for godly parenting in a fallen world.
• Practical Encouragement: Catherine offers heartfelt encouragement and a moving prayer for listeners enduring their own difficult seasons, reminding every Christian parent that “God is growing something in you that you will need for where He is taking you.”

Notable Moment:
Catherine shares, “Fruit is birthed in the dark night of the soul… Spiritual fruit grows in the dark, in the painful places, in the moments that push us and stretch us and sometimes crush us—because fruit is birthed in the dark night of the soul.”

Don’t miss:
This episode’s challenge to examine your own family: Are you nurturing both gifts and fruit in your parenting? Are you modeling for your children what it looks like to trust God through sorrow and uncertainty?

Call to Action:
How might your current struggles be the very soil God is using to grow love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control in your home? What fruit is He birthing in your family—right now, in the dark?

Tune in for a rich, honest conversation that will strengthen you in every season—and don’t forget to subscribe at catherineseagers.com for free resources specially designed for Christian parents.

Your dark nights have a purpose—let’s discover it together.

Link:
Check out this sermon about how fruit grows:
"Birth Pains" by Eric Eason

Get Your Free Parenting Resources!
Are you seeking encouragement and Biblical wisdom as you lead your family? Catherine has created incredible FREE resources just for you—covering topics like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and scriptures for courage, kindness, guidance, and more. These resources are yours when you sign up, along with her weekly newsletter packed with practical insights for Christian parents navigating today’s crazy world.
Sign up by emailing catherine@catherinesegars.com today!

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this provoking and vulnerable episode of Christian Parent Crazy World, host Catherine Segars sits down with accomplished artist, worship leader, and theological scholar Isaac Gay for an unexpected, off-script deep dive into the challenges—and the stunning potential—of the modern charismatic church.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• The “Dark Night of the Soul” is Real: Every believer—charismatic or not—must face seasons of doubt, disappointment, and difficulty. Instead of offering quick fixes, God invites us deeper, beyond beginner faith, to real trust and transformation.
• Strengths of the Charismatic Movement: We cherish and pursue God’s presence, expectant for miracles and supernatural encounters... but sometimes get so focused on the sensational that we neglect depth, discipline, and theology.
• Where We Fall Short: Charismatic churches can fall into emotionalism, lacking intellectual rigor or robust discipleship. Kids can get stuck in shallow social environments, leaving them spiritually bored, starved, or even driving them away from faith entirely.
• Learning from Other Traditions: We need BOTH heart and mind—experience AND theology. Ancient disciplines, liturgies, “high church” practices, and regularly engaging with deep thinkers (even ones we disagree with!) can anchor our faith when feelings fade.
• Raising Faithful Kids Means Planting in Rich Soil: Where (and how) we “plant” our kids spiritually matters—a safe, friendly environment isn’t always a spiritually nourishing one. Sometimes our children (and we, as parents) need deep, hard, stretching soil to really grow.
• Unity and Humility: All branches of Christianity have blind spots—we need one another! Learning across traditions, holding fast to Scripture, and pursuing Christ above all else is the path to a genuine, lasting faith.
• The Goal: More than chasing blessings or avoiding pain, mature faith says, “Even if God doesn’t move the way I want, I will still serve Him.” That’s the kind of walk our kids need to see—and the legacy we want to leave.

Key Quote: “I want to be a church with theology that can't be dismissed and power that can't be denied.” ~ Isaac Gay

Isaac and Catherine’s raw conversation is a must-listen for any parent who wants to raise kids that aren’t just “good churchgoers,” but wholehearted disciples—anchored in truth, resilient in hardship, ready for beauty, and alive to the Holy Spirit.

What about you? How is your church—and your home—preparing your children to handle the dark nights of faith? How can you help them embrace both Spirit and truth, head and heart, as they follow Jesus in a confusing world?

Don’t miss next week’s solo episode, where Catherine digs into what God is accomplishing in the dark night of the soul. And stay tuned for the conversation Catherine and Isaac were supposed to have (coming soon), where they will dig into how beauty—and restoring creativity—can become one of the strongest apologetics for a new generation.

Meet the guest: Isaac Gay is a multifaceted artist working at the intersection of creativity, spirituality, and contemporary thought. As a worship leader, thinker, and writer, Isaac’s heart is one of an iconoclast, while remaining grounded in the enduring principles of orthodox Christianity. He and his wife Emily are the hosts of the Not Crushing It Podcast, and have three children. He holds a Master of Letters from the University of Aberdeen.

Episode Resources:

Isaac’s Website, The Parallel Society, Instagram

Catherine’s FREE RESOURCES—Prodigal Bundle, Scriptures Lists, Scripture Songs, Ebook Beyond the Lies: Uncovering 5 Myths Our Culture Spreads to Mothers

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this must-listen episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine Segars tackles one of the most pressing challenges facing Christian parents today: the pervasive, culture-wide lies targeting our children’s hearts and minds. As parents, recognizing and uprooting these falsehoods is essential if we want to raise godly kids in an ungodly world.

Catherine is joined by Elizabeth Urbanowicz, founder of Foundation Worldview—a curriculum dedicated to equipping parents and children to rightly interpret Scripture, think critically, and recognize truth. With dual master’s degrees in literacy education and Christian apologetics, Elizabeth brings both academic rigor and biblical foundation to the conversation.

In this “Best Of” episode, Elizabeth counts down the TOP 7 LIES that culture is selling our kids, including:

• If I feel it, it must be true.
• Follow your heart.
• Love is affirming everything I feel.
• Faith is the opposite of knowledge.
• Humans are the product of blind, unguided evolution.
• You are the one you’ve been waiting for.
• A good God wouldn’t judge.

Elizabeth and Catherine don’t just name the lies—they empower parents with practical, age-appropriate strategies to expose these cultural deceptions and ground children in biblical truth. Learn how to turn conversations (and even family games!) into teachable moments, helping kids discern between feeling and fact, and equipping teens to logically walk through real-life scenarios that challenge what is true, right, and loving.

One powerful quote:
“Our emotions shouldn’t be negated, and they shouldn’t be followed. They should be discerned.” – Elizabeth Urbanowicz

COUPON CODE:

Use the coupon code “CPCW10” to get $10 off any family license with Foundation Worldview.

STUDIES & QUOTES:

Lord Acton Quote: “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Ligonier Ministries Bi-annual State of Theology Report

Richard Dawkins’ quote from The Blind Watchmaker

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

To receive Catherine’s free Scripture songs including Psalm 52:5-8, subscribe HERE.

Mama Bear Apologetics

The Discovery Institute

The Gospel Project by Lifeway

Dr. Stephen Meyer, Signature in the Cell

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

Jeremiah 17:9

Psalm 52:5-8

1 Corinthians 15:14

Matthew 11:1-6

Mark 12:30

Hebrews 11:1

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this can’t-miss replay from the Christian Parent / Crazy World vault, sits down with Elizabeth Urbanowicz—elementary educator, apologist, and founder of Foundation Worldview—to equip parents for the immense challenge of raising resilient, truth-loving kids in a culture determined to shape their values.

While many children in Christian homes learn Bible stories and attend church, a shocking disconnect remains: they often think more like the surrounding culture than like Christ.

Elizabeth shares her journey from the Christian classroom—where she saw even well-discipled kids absorbing secular ideas—to developing comprehensive curricula that anchor young minds in biblical truth.

A worldview, she explains, is a “mental map” that guides everything we think, say, and do. In this episode, she equips parents to make that map biblical—even for their youngest learners.

🔍 Highlights from the Episode:

📉 The Worldview Crisis
Elizabeth explains why even diligent discipleship and Christian education aren't enough without intentional worldview training.

Humorous and sobering stories show how easily relativism creeps in—even at age eight.

🧱 Practical Building Blocks
Don’t aim for a “giant leap to the roof.” Instead, build your child’s worldview step-by-step.

Elizabeth outlines key strategies to ground young believers in truth.

💡 Two Essentials for Raising Faithful Kids

1. Equip children to read, interpret, and apply Scripture independently.
2. Teach them to think critically and evaluate every idea they encounter.

These are vital skills in today’s age of information overload.

❓ Foundational Questions
Her curriculum answers five critical worldview questions that help kids compare beliefs and recognize truth:

• What is truth?
• Who is God?
• How did life begin?
• Who am I?
• How can I tell right from wrong?

📚 Curriculum for Real Life
From classroom meditation examples to parent testimonials, Catherine and Elizabeth show how transformative—and fun—worldview learning can be.

👧 Essential Foundational Questions (Revisited)

Elizabeth emphasizes five big questions every child needs answered:

• What is truth?
• Who is God?
• How did life begin?
• Who am I? (What does it mean to be human?)
• *How can I tell right from wrong?

👩‍🏫 Guest Bio: Elizabeth Urbanowicz

Elizabeth holds master’s degrees in literacy education and Christian apologetics (Biola University) and is the founder and CEO of Foundation Worldview. Her years in the classroom illuminated a pressing need for worldview discipleship, inspiring her to develop resources now used by parents, churches, and schools nationwide.

🛠️ Key Takeaway:

Your kids can’t keep what they don’t own, and they can’t own what they don’t know.
Equip them with the tools to discern truth—and watch them stand strong in a culture of confusion.

🎧 Don’t Miss the Follow-Up Episode!
Elizabeth returns to expose the seven most dangerous lies our culture is selling your kids right now. Stay tuned!

🔗 Links & Resources:

• 🌐 Explore Foundation Worldview’s curricula and free resources: foundationworldview.com
• 🎁 Use code CPCW10 for $10 off any family curriculum license at Foundation Worldview
  (Not a sponsored deal—just a bonus for CPCW listeners!)
• 📩 Subscribe to updates, blogs, and Catherine’s free ebook: catherinesegars.com
• 📱 Follow Catherine on Instagram @catherinesegars and Facebook Catherine Segars Speaker

📊 Referenced Research:

• “Only 4 Percent of Gen Z Have a Biblical Worldview”, Impact 360/Barna Research
• “Atheism Doubles Among Gen Z”, Barna Research
• “Do We Live in a Post-Modern Society?,” William Lane Craig

🎧 CPCW Worldview Series Referenced:

• EPISODE 6: 5 Reasons You Should Teach Your Kids about Other Worldviews
• EPISODE 7: What Worldviews Are Competing with Your Kids Faith?
• EPISODE 8: What Sets the Christian Worldview Apart from Other Worldviews?
• EPISODE 9: How Does the Christian Worldview Create a World We All Want To Live In

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this must-listen episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine welcomes Scott Allen, president of the Disciple Nations Alliance and author of the groundbreaking new book, 10 Words to Heal Our Broken World.

Together, they explore three words that once shaped the West but are now often misunderstood or even maligned:

Authority. Faith. Beauty.

These words may sound old-fashioned—or even problematic—but their true, biblical meanings are desperately needed in today’s world.

🎧 Why This Episode Matters

Scott Allen has spent decades equipping Christian leaders around the globe. His message is clear: If we lose these words, we lose the foundation of freedom, flourishing, and faith.

Whether you’re parenting toddlers or teenagers, mentoring youth, or simply longing to be salt and light in a crumbling culture—this conversation will reframe your worldview.

🔑 Key Takeaways🔹 Authority — From Trigger Word to World-Changing Truth

"Authority" has become almost a dirty word in modern culture. But Jesus didn’t abolish hierarchy—He redefined it through servant leadership.

“If you want to be great… you must become a servant.” — Scott Allen

✔️ Learn how to model biblical authority in your home.
✔️ Discover how Christ-like leadership transforms power from oppression into blessing.

🔹 Faith — Not Blind Belief, But Reasoned Trust

Faith is often mocked as naïve. But biblical faith is trustworthiness—firm, tested, and grounded.

“Faith in the Bible is trust. It’s trustworthiness. Something is trustworthy.”

✔️ Help your children see that Christian faith is not a leap into the dark, but a reasoned trust in a trustworthy God.

🔹 Beauty — The Forgotten Apologetic

Beauty isn’t optional. It’s one of the three transcendentals, alongside truth and goodness. And when the church neglects beauty, we surrender cultural influence.

“If we forsake beauty, we literally gift-wrap the culture and hand it over to the enemy.” — Catherine

✔️ See how beauty restores hope—even in the darkest places.
✔️ Reignite wonder in your home, even if you’re not an “artist.”

🌟 Memorable Moments

💡 On Authority

“He doesn’t abolish hierarchy… but completely redefines it.”

🎨 On Beauty

“We created the vacuum, and then what do we do? We shake a naughty finger at ‘bad Hollywood’... instead, we must reclaim the artistry God intended for His people.”

🌾 On Hope Through Beauty

Hear the story of how a simple, clean street helped someone in despair believe that life could be beautiful again.

📣 Final Takeaway

The future of our families—and our civilization—depends on how we define and live out authority, faith, and beauty.

These aren't just theological words. They're parenting tools. Cultural lifelines. Civilization-shaping truths.

Let’s reclaim the words that built the West—and hand them down with clarity, courage, and conviction.

👤 Guest Spotlight: Scott Allen

President of the Disciple Nations Alliance, Scott is a leading voice on biblical worldview and cultural renewal. He’s trained leaders around the globe and authored several influential books, including Why Social Justice Is Not Biblical Justice and The Kingdom Unleashed. Scott brings decades of insight into how biblical truth transforms not just lives—but entire nations.

📚 Resources & Links:

• Disciple Nations Alliance
• Scott Allen’s Books
• Catherine Segars’ Free Resources

Other Episode in this series:

Episode 153: The Words That Built the West: How the Bible Shaped Our Civilization

Episode 154: One Idea, Countless Freedoms — How a Single Biblical Belief Shaped the Western World

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this powerful and timely episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine Segars welcomes back worldview expert Scott Allen for a riveting conversation about the biblical words that built Western civilization—and why our children’s future depends on preserving them.

We’re not just losing vocabulary in today’s culture war—we’re losing the very ideas that gave us human dignity, justice, freedom, and purpose. Concepts like truth, freedom, and even human are being reimagined in ways that disconnect us from reality and rob our kids of the meaning they were created to know.

Scott and Catherine take a deep dive into the word “human”—and what it meant when rooted in the biblical worldview. They unpack how the radical declaration in Genesis—that humans are made in the image of God—revolutionized the ancient world. In a culture where women were often viewed as property, and children or the disabled were disposable, Scripture declared that every single person has immeasurable worth.

You’ll hear:

• How the biblical idea of humanity upended Greek, Roman, and pagan views of people as tools or cosmic accidents
• The chilling story of a modern Kenyan tribe that used the same word for “woman” and “tool”
• The consequences of raising children in a world that sees them as just evolved animals—or self-defining machines

🎧 In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• How our definition of “human” shapes everything—from identity to justice to how we raise our kids
• What’s at stake when a society redefines freedom as “limitless choice” rather than living within God’s design
• How parents can reclaim and teach the biblical worldview—right in our homes, in everyday conversations
• Why our kids are in a truth crisis, and how to anchor them before the cultural current sweeps them away

🔥 Key Topics Include:

• The quiet cultural catastrophe of losing “load-bearing words”
• How radical autonomy is replacing sacred personhood
• Why the biblical concept of freedom is the only kind that truly liberates
• How to equip your kids to stand firm when truth is under siege

👤 Guest Spotlight: Scott Allen

President of the Disciple Nations Alliance, Scott is a leading voice on biblical worldview and cultural renewal. He’s trained leaders around the globe and authored several influential books, including Why Social Justice Is Not Biblical Justice and The Kingdom Unleashed. Scott brings decades of insight into how biblical truth transforms not just lives—but entire nations.

📚 Resources & Links:

• Disciple Nations Alliance
• Scott Allen’s Books
• Catherine Segars’ Free Resources
• Related Episode: Gender Identity—Can a 5'9 White Guy Be a 6'5 Chinese Woman?

🎯 Final Word:

If we want our children to flourish, we must fight to preserve the truth that made them free. This episode is not just a conversation—it’s a call to action. Because when we lose the words that built the West, we lose the future we hope to pass on.

Other Episode in this series:

Episode 153: The Words That Built the West: How the Bible Shaped Our Civilization

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Scott Allen is not only the president of the Disciple Nations Alliance, but also the best-selling author of Why Social Justice Is Not Biblical Justice, and the driving force behind the transformative new book 10 Words to Heal Our Broken World. With decades of global ministry experience, from Africa to Latin America and Asia, Scott has seen first-hand the link between the words we believe and the lives we lead.

This episode launches a powerful three-part series, exploring:

• “Load Bearing Words”: How pivotal Biblical concepts form the pillars of Western civilization—and what happens when those pillars are removed.
• Discipling People out of Poverty: A mind-blowing real-life story from Guatemala, where the introduction of a single biblical word, “dominion,” helped an entire village break free from generational poverty.
• Why the West Became Prosperous: Western nations didn’t prosper because God “loved certain nations more,” but because biblical concepts reshaped culture, education, and opportunity for all.
• The Crisis of Redefinition: The spiritual battle being waged over words, from “justice” to “freedom”—and how Christians can spot and resist counterfeits being pushed in popular culture, education, and even inside churches.
• The Importance of Words: How recovering the scriptural meaning behind our civilization’s foundational words is essential for both resisting cultural collapse and equipping the next generation of truth bearers.

Catherine and Scott invite parents to see themselves as stewards of these transformative, spiritual building blocks. As Scott warns, “If we lose the true meaning behind these words, we are going to lose all of the goodness they have produced.” But there is hope—by reclaiming these words in our homes and conversations, parents can still lay the foundations for flourishing families and cultures.

Are you ready to become a “truth bearer” for the next generation? Tune in to discover how reclaiming the true, biblical meaning of our most essential words can heal broken lives—and even heal a broken world.

Call to Action:
Parents, which “load bearing” word or biblical concept will you reinforce in your home this week? Share your story, start big conversations—and join us for the next episode as this essential conversation continues.

Guest Bio: Scott David Allen is an author and teacher on Christianity, culture, worldview, family, biblical justice, and poverty. He has authored and co-authored numerous books, including his bestselling Why Social Justice Is Not Biblical Justice: An Urgent Appeal to Fellow Christians in a Time of Social Crisis. He serves as president of the international discipleship ministry Disciple Nations Alliance. Previously, he spent 19 years with the Christian poverty alleviation organization Food for the Hungry. His work has taken him across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, equipping Christian leaders to embrace and live out a biblical worldview in faithfulness to Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

10 Words to Heal Our Broken World: Restoring the Meaning of Our Most Important Words

Disciple Nations Alliance

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In this heart-stirring episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine welcomes an extraordinary guest whose story proves that one small act of service can ignite a global movement. Luke Mickelson—founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace—shares how a simple urge to meet a need in his own community became a mission to ensure that “no kid sleeps on the floor in my town.”

What began as a Christmas service project in his garage alongside his children and Boy Scout group has since grown into a national nonprofit providing hundreds of thousands of beds—literal safe havens—for children in need.

Luke Mickelson’s journey began in a small Idaho town with an ordinary Saturday, a crisis of faith, and the realization that kids in his own community were literally sleeping on the floor. Instead of writing a check, Luke rolled up his sleeves, gathered some tools, and invited his own children—and a group of energetic Boy Scouts—to build a bed from scratch. That humble act of service didn’t just meet an immediate need, it filled a void in Luke’s life and eventually sparked a nationwide movement that has provided over 300,000 beds to kids in need.

Key insights and moments from this episode include:

• How parents can teach their kids generosity by modeling it and making service hands-on and family-focused
• The importance of taking ownership for the brokenness in our own communities—and the power of the motto, “No kid sleeps on the floor in my town”
• The surprising scope of child bedlessness in America—and why so few people are even aware this need exists
• What it feels like to step out in faith and put everything on the line for a God-inspired calling
• Why meaningful service is the antidote to the emptiness that so many parents and children feel
• How ordinary community members (including retirees, families, and youth groups) can get involved in building and delivering beds—or even start a Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapter
• Practical ways to help, from raising awareness, volunteering, donating, or simply showing up for one kid in your town

Luke's credentials as CNN’s Top 10 Hero, as well as his features on NBC News, PBS, and Mike Rowe’s Returning the Favor, uniquely position him to speak to the transformative power of hands-on generosity. His story is a forceful reminder that “God’s hands are your hands”—and that taking action, not just dreaming, is what transforms lives. Whether building beds, delivering hope, or finding creative ways for your family to serve, this conversation will equip and inspire you to become the hands and feet of Christ in your neighborhood.

Guest Bio: Luke Mickelson is the founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a nonprofit that builds and delivers beds to children in need. What started in his garage as a holiday project in 2012 has grown into a global movement, with over 350 chapters in four countries and more than 250,000 beds delivered. As the cause kept growing, Luke left an 18-year career to devote himself fully to the cause. SHP now has volunteers devoting 550,000 hours on average every year. Built on the belief that giving a bed is about more than comfort — it’s about dignity, purpose, and connection. 

Key Links:

• Learn more and get involved: shpbeds.org
• DONATE to SHP
• Watch Sleep in Heavenly Peace on Mike Rowe’s “Returning the Favor”
• Free parenting resources: catherine@catherinesegars.com

Takeaway:
You don’t need to change the world—just meet a need around you with your kids by your side. Faith comes alive when paired with action, and generous families don’t just bless others…they find the fullness of life God intends.

Don’t miss this motivating and deeply practical conversation—perfect for families who want to model Christ’s love in real, tangible ways.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this powerful “Best Of” episode, host Catherine shares one of her most beloved interviews with Andy Howard, author of When Words Don’t Come Easy and father to a daughter with profound special needs. Together, they wrestle with the question: How does God bring beauty from the most broken parts of our lives?

Andy recounts his family’s journey after their daughter Peyton’s diagnosis—her lifelong inability to walk or speak, and the deep despair that followed. Yet, through a moving moment on a beach, God showed Andy that He cherishes the broken as much as the whole. Peyton’s life, though different from what he imagined, has become a source of profound joy, purpose, and testimony, touching more lives than Andy ever expected.

Catherine and Andy also discuss critically needed ways Christians can support families with special needs: by offering acknowledgment, compassion, and connection—treating every child and parent with the dignity and attention they deserve.

Key Insights and Takeaways:

• The Beauty in Brokenness – God often reframes what the world calls “broken”; Peyton’s life exemplifies beauty, purpose, and joy, reminding us that divine value supersedes worldly milestones.
• A Call to Compassion – Andy offers practical advice for supporting special needs families: acknowledge them, approach them, and affirm the dignity and purpose of every child. A simple greeting or act of kindness can mean the world.
• Strength for the Journey – For parents wondering if they are “strong enough,” Andy reiterates that it’s not about innate strength, but about building on the foundation of Christ. “Keep your foundation on God, on Christ. No matter what comes your way, you can do it. You really can with His help.”
• Perspective and Purpose – While Andy once prayed for a viral miracle, God had a different plan. Today, Peyton’s quiet witness and Andy’s message of hope encourage families across the globe.

About Andy Howard:
For over 20 years, Andy Howard has served in ministry as a youth pastor and marriage ministry pastor. A passionate advocate for mental health awareness, Andy has personally walked through the valley of depression—at one point tipping the scales at 345 lbs. as he tried to cope with family trauma through food. But God had more in store.

Together with his wife Tiffany, Andy has lost over 350 lbs. combined and co-founded a transformational health coaching business called Taking Back My Life, helping thousands reclaim physical and emotional wellness. Andy is the host of the When Words Don’t Come Easy podcast and author of a book by the same name. He lives in Bryan, Texas with Tiffany and their three beautiful daughters: Payton, Parker, and Presley.

Resources Mentioned:

• Andy’s WEBSITE
• Andy’s podcast: When Words Don’t Come Easy
• Andy’s book: When Words Don’t Come Easy
• Catherine’s episode on Andy’s podcast: From Grief to Redemption: Catherine Segars’ Powerful Story of Faith, Love, and Redemption
• Download Catherine Segars’ free ebook for moms, “Beyond the Lies: Uncovering Five Myths Our Culture Spreads to Mothers,” at catherinesegars.com

For every parent walking through shadows, this conversation is a reminder: Your brokenness can become a testimony, and the hope of Christ is strong enough to transform any story.

Want more inspiration? Subscribe, review, and share Christian Parent/Crazy World, and follow Catherine on Instagram and Facebook for new episodes and resources.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We fast. We pray. We believe. We speak life over the situation. And still, the miracle doesn’t come… at least not the one we hoped for.

In this special Best Of archive episode from two years ago, we revisit a deeply moving conversation that is just as relevant today as the day it aired. This story is evergreen, because the struggle to understand God’s will in seasons of sorrow is one we all face—especially as parents.

My guest, Andy Howard, knows that struggle intimately. When his firstborn daughter, Payton, received a devastating diagnosis at Dallas Children’s Hospital, Andy’s world collapsed. The weight of that moment spiraled into a four-year battle with depression. But God didn’t leave him there.

In this first installment of our two-part conversation, Andy shares how God met him in the most unexpected and intimate ways in his darkest valley. You’ll hear:

• How Andy and his wife navigated a life-altering diagnosis

• The gut-wrenching process of accepting an answer from God that wasn’t what they prayed for

• The tender message God spoke to Andy in the midst of the heartbreak

• Why suffering doesn’t mean God has abandoned us—and how beauty can truly rise from brokenness

Next week, we’ll hear Part 2, where Andy shares the redemptive turn in his story, how Payton is doing today, and how we as the Church can come alongside special needs families with compassion and strength.

This episode will speak to the places in your heart that still carry questions. It’s a sacred story you don’t want to miss.

Let’s Stay Connected!
To see video clips from this conversation, as well as powerful quotes and encouragement for your parenting journey, connect with me on Instagram and Facebook.
For updates on each new podcast episode and free resources like:

• Scripture songs

• Bible verses to pray over prodigal children

• A topical index of Scriptures for prayer

...be sure to subscribe to my website.

About Andy Howard:
For over 20 years, Andy Howard has served in ministry as a youth pastor and marriage ministry pastor. A passionate advocate for mental health awareness, Andy has personally walked through the valley of depression—at one point tipping the scales at 345 lbs. as he tried to cope with family trauma through food. But God had more in store.

Together with his wife Tiffany, Andy has lost over 350 lbs. combined and co-founded a transformational health coaching business called Taking Back My Life, helping thousands reclaim physical and emotional wellness. Andy is the host of the When Words Don’t Come Easy podcast and author of a book by the same name. He lives in Bryan, Texas with Tiffany and their three beautiful daughters: Payton, Parker, and Presley.

Resources Mentioned:

• Andy’s WEBSITE

• Andy’s podcast: When Words Don’t Come Easy

• Andy’s book: When Words Don’t Come Easy

• Catherine’s episode on Andy’s podcast: From Grief to Redemption: Catherine Segars’ Powerful Story of Faith, Love, and Redemption

• CPCW Episode 66: “How Can A Good God Allow So Much Evil and Suffering in the World?” (w/ Dr. Douglas Groothuis)

Scriptures Referenced:

• Matthew 11:6

• Job 13:15

• Isaiah 61:1-4

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this must-listen episode, Catherine sat down with Adam Agee and Jeff Frankenstein of the Newsboys for what was meant to be a joyful, lighthearted Father’s Day special on faith, family, and legacy. Just hours after recording, devastating news of one of the biggest scandals in Christian music history broke—bringing the darker reality of double lives and hidden sin to center stage.

The conversation with Adam and Jeff dives into their lives as fathers, their experiences balancing family with the demands of a global touring band, and the multi-generational legacy of the Newsboys. They reflect on the influence of their own fathers, sharing powerful stories of integrity, faith, sacrifice, and steadfastness—qualities now more critical than ever in light of public failures within Christian circles.

Yet, as Catherine points out in her heartfelt message at the end of the episode, the discussion takes on new and poignant meaning: what does it mean to be authentic behind closed doors? How do we raise our children in a world where even spiritual heroes fall? And, ultimately, what must the Western church do to break the cycle of idolizing celebrities instead of worshiping Christ alone?

Episode highlights:

• The candid, behind-the-scenes reality of life in a band famous for its ministry and impact over forty years
• Jeff and Adam’s reflections on fatherhood, work-life balance, and lessons learned from their own dads
• A moving discussion of legacy—what truly matters when all the spotlight fades
• Catherine’s unfiltered, Spirit-led call to the church: a challenge to stop worshipping the gifts and start seeking the Giver, to reject celebrity culture, and to “climb the mountain” into God’s presence and holiness

The episode closes with a stirring reminder from Catherine: “We must rid ourselves of these idols and climb the mountain to worship the one true God.” Every parent, leader, and believer will find encouragement, conviction, and hope in the call to stop seeking our own glory and to, instead, turn our eyes upon Jesus.

Guest Bios:

• Adam Agee is Newsboys’ newest lead singer, formerly part of Audio Adrenaline and Stellar Kart, a veteran musician and devoted dad.
• Jeff Frankenstein has been the Newsboys’ keyboardist for over thirty years, a father of five, and a thoughtful leader both on and off stage.

Takeaways:

• How Christian parents can help their kids process the pain of public scandal and hypocrisy in the church
• Why integrity at home—and in private—is the cornerstone of spiritual legacy
• A biblical reminder that the Western church must stop elevating personalities and start seeking God’s presence above all

For listeners shaken or disillusioned by recent events in the church, this episode delivers both realism and a rallying cry to return to Christ—our only true foundation and fortress.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

EXCLUSIVE: Former Newsboys Frontman Michael Tait Accused of Sexual Assault, Grooming, and Substance Abuse, Dating Back to 2004 by Jessica Morris, The Roys Report

Michael Tait Admits to “Living Two Distinctly Different Lives,” Involving Cocaine and Sexual Assault by Jessica Morris, The Roys Report

K-LOVE Pulls Newsboys and DC Talk From Rotation Following Tait Sex Abuse Allegations by Jessica Morris, The Roys Report

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Catherine sits down with Leigh-Allyn Baker—former Disney star turned medical freedom advocate and children’s author—to unpack one of the most divisive and urgent issues facing families today: how to safeguard our kids’ health and souls in a culture that often disregards parental rights, pushes conformity, and floods young minds with spiritually corrosive media.

Key Highlights from This Episode:

• The Battle for Medical Freedom: Leigh-Allyn details her family’s experience with vaccine injury, the shocking aftermath, and why she fled California to protect her children from mandates and discrimination.
• When Standing Up Comes with a Price: Hear Leigh-Allyn’s account of going viral after speaking to a Tennessee school board—only to be publicly labeled a “domestic terrorist.”
• What Parents Aren’t Being Told: Learn why informed consent is more important than ever—from questionable laws stripping exemptions, to stories that never make the news.
• A Deeper Look at “Safe” Expert Advice: Featuring an eye-opening segment with Dr. Marty MaKary on how misguided medical recommendations (like those that caused America’s peanut allergy epidemic) remind us to question everything.
• Guarding Kids' Hearts AND Minds: Leigh-Allyn shares the transformation in her own faith, how “what you let into your body and your spirit” truly matters, and the link between physical and spiritual health.
• Raising Kids with Courage: Discover Leigh Allyn’s new book, One Small Little Voice, and her work with Kirk Cameron on Iggy and Mr. Kirk—a wholesome, biblical kids’ show designed to counteract Hollywood’s harmful messages.
• Why CONTENT Matters: Understand the real agenda behind children’s programming today—and what you can do to fill your child’s mind with truth and light.

Why This Conversation Matters:
In an era when every sphere—from schools to screens—competes for our children’s hearts, Christian parents can’t afford to be passive or uninformed. This episode is both a wake-up call and a roadmap: Stand up. Ask questions. Protect your rights. And above all, pour godly wisdom, beauty, and love into the next generation.

About the Guest: Leigh-Allyn Baker is an American actress. She had recurring roles on Charmed and Will & Grace, and a starring role as mother Amy Duncan on the Disney Channel sitcom Good Luck Charlie. After leaving California, she became an outspoken advocate for parental rights and medical freedom, drawing on her own family’s journey through vaccine injury. Now based in Tennessee, she has teamed up with Brave Books to release One Small Little Voice and is starring with Kirk Cameron in “Iggy and Mr. Kirk.”

Episode Resources:

One Small Little Voice by Leigh Allyn Baker

Brave Books

Brave Streaming Service

“Iggy and Mr. Kirk” Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3

Leigh-Allyn’s Viral School Board Meeting

“Exposing the Truth about Peanut Allergies” The Megyn Kelly Show

Blind Spots by Dr. Marty Makary

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Scripture speaks to the headlines—or how to make biblical prophecy compelling and relatable for the next generation—this episode is for you.

Catherine welcomes back internationally acclaimed best-selling author and prophetic voice Jonathan Cahn for a powerful conversation that bridges ancient truth with modern turmoil. Known by many as one of the most influential Christian leaders of our time, Jonathan returns to discuss the reimagining of his groundbreaking book The Harbinger—a New York Times bestseller for over 100 weeks—now released as a stunning, fully illustrated graphic novel designed to captivate a new generation.

Together, Catherine and Jonathan explore why biblical prophecy isn’t just a theological niche—it’s a vital tool for apologetics and a faith-building resource for parents and teens alike. With clarity and conviction, Jonathan unveils the uncanny and often chilling ways that the prophetic patterns of ancient Israel are unfolding in America today.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The shocking biblical parallels between Israel’s fall and America’s spiritual decline
• How prophecy can transform your family’s faith and spark meaningful dialogue with your teens
• Why modern-day prophetic fulfillment serves as a powerful and often overlooked defense of the Christian faith

Jonathan shares how specific warnings from Scripture—originally spoken to ancient Israel—are now echoing in America through real-world events, political acts, and public declarations. These harbingers manifest in physical objects and moments of national significance—often through leaders who are unaware they are echoing the voice of God.

From the fallen sycamore tree at Ground Zero to prophetic utterances on Capitol Hill, this conversation builds a compelling case for the supernatural accuracy of God’s Word.

Don’t miss these unforgettable moments:

• Jonathan’s miraculous journey from never having written a book to penning The Harbinger, and the prophetic confirmations that guided him
• The jaw-dropping fact that Isaiah 9:10—the very verse warning of judgment—was the daily reading in the One Year Bible on September 11th… sixteen years before 9/11
• A powerful discussion about America’s current “window of opportunity” for revival—and how humility, repentance, and prayer are key to changing the course of our nation

Jonathan delivers a sobering reminder:

“If we change the laws but don’t change the people, the unchanged people will change the laws back… The only thing that can save America is repentance and revival.”

And Catherine challenges parents to respond with faith, not fear:

“The signs of the times are not a cause to be afraid, but a call to return.”

As you listen, ask yourself:
What might God be saying to your family through the shaking of our times?
How can you use prophecy—not only to defend your faith—but to plant seeds of unshakable hope in your children’s hearts?

About the guest: Jonathan Cahn has been named along with Billy Graham as one of the top spiritual leaders to have radically impacted our world in modern times. He has spoken at the United Nations, on Capitol Hill, to members of Congress, and to millions around the world. Every one of his books, starting with The Harbinger onward, has become a New York Times bestseller. He is recognized as a prophetic voice for our times. His teachings and prophetic words on YouTube have received over 100 million views. He leads Beth Israel at the Jerusalem Center in Wayne, New Jersey, and Hope of the World ministry, a world outreach of God’s Word and compassion to the world’s most needy.

Episode Resources:

The Harbinger: A Graphic Novel (June 3, 2025)

The Dragon's Prophecy: Israel, the Dark Resurrection, and the End of Days

The Return of the Gods

Beth Israel Worship Center

Hope of the World Ministries

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The cultural currents our kids are facing aren’t just subtle—they’re hitting like tidal waves, challenging the very foundations of our parenting. If you’ve ever wondered what exactly our kids are up against and how in the world we, as parents, can help them stand strong, this “Best Of” episode of CP/CW is for you.

Catherine welcomes back Dr. Jonathan Morrow, a true heavyweight in the world of apologetics and worldview training. With over 18 years equipping students and parents, Dr. Morrow is uniquely qualified to map out the storms facing our kids—and how you can help them stand strong.

To unpack these seismic shifts, Jonathan digs deep into the five biggest challenges facing this generation. He doesn’t just identify headlines or surface trends—he gets to the heart of what’s shaping our kids every single day.

In this episode, Dr. Morrow casts an unflinching light on what he calls the “cultural waves” crashing down on Gen Z and Gen Alpha:

• Digital Saturation & Distraction: Our kids are drowning in digital noise—a reality that shapes their minds and depletes their ability to reflect deeply on truth. “If Christianity never calls us to look different than the culture in which we’re in, we might want to reevaluate.” ~ Jonathan Morrow
• Scientism: Society treats the hard sciences as the only trustworthy source of truth, quietly nudging faith and morality out of the conversation. “If science is the only way you know something, guess what you can’t have knowledge of? Morality, spirituality, and history.” ~ Jonathan Morrow
• Relativism: “You do you.” In a world where truth is seen as subjective, our kids are tempted to believe there is no objective reality—just personal preference.
• Tribalism: Forget persuasion; today’s climate is about power and alliances. The result? A deeper us-vs-them mentality that threatens the unity Christ calls us to embody.
• The New Sexual Revolution: Cultural norms around sexuality and gender have been radically redefined—impacting even how our children understand themselves and others.
• Progressive Christianity: When secular ideologies get relabeled as Christian, children and teens may be drawn in by messages of acceptance and activism while losing sight of the Gospel’s transformative core.

This episode isn’t just an exposé of what’s broken in our world—it’s packed with encouragement, powerful insights, and actionable wisdom that will help you and your kids become steadfast in faith.

Don’t let culture catch your family off guard. Will you be a passive observer—or will you become the anchor your family needs?

About the Guest:
Jonathan Morrow holds master’s degrees in divinity and philosophy of religion and ethics, a doctorate in worldview and culture, and serves as Director of Cultural Engagement at Impact 360 Institute. He’s the author of Welcome to College, Questioning the Bible: 11 Major Challenges to the Bible's Authority, and Is God Just a Human Invention, and has trained thousands of young believers to build a lasting, reasonable, and robust faith. 

Resources & Next Steps:

• Other Episodes in this Series: Bridging the Generation Gap - 5 Keys to Reaching the Next Generation w/ Dr. Jonathan Morrow
• Learn more about Impact 360’s life-changing programs at impact360.org
• Grab Jonathan’s free resource, The Case for Christianity in Four Words, and discover his course for parents at jonathanmorrow.org
• Subscribe for more parenting resources at catherinesegars.com
• Share this episode with a fellow parent or leader navigating the Gen Z gap

Let’s raise a generation that owns their faith and shines in the “crazy world” they’ve inherited—by God’s design, and for His glory.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this compelling “best of” episode, Catherine sits down with renowned Christian apologist Dr. Jonathan Morrow to unlock the secrets of relating to Gen Z and Gen Alpha. As Director of Cultural Engagement and Student Discipleship at Impact 360 Institute, adjunct professor at Biola University, and the author of celebrated apologetics books, Jonathan brings nearly two decades of front-line experience equipping young people for lasting faith in a post-Christian world.

Together, Catherine and Jonathan dive deep into five essential insights every adult needs to know about Gen Z:

1. Why Gen Z are true “screenagers”—and how the digital world is dramatically accelerating and intensifying the questions of identity, meaning, and truth.
2. How Gen Z is now thoroughly post-Christian, with only 4% holding a biblical worldview—what that means for sharing faith, and why “business as usual” discipleship just won’t work.
3. The rise of “safe spaces,” intellectual bubble wrap, and the urgent need to introduce challenge and opposing ideas—inside the safety of Christian love and guidance.
4. The paradox of safety: why today’s students crave safe spaces yet feel more unsafe, anxious, and mentally strained than ever before—and how parents can provide real security and hope.
5. The opportunity and challenge of unprecedented diversity—what the Bible says about ethnicity, and how to navigate the subtle pitfalls of secular approaches to justice and inclusion.

Throughout the episode, Jonathan shares real-world examples and tested strategies including immersive learning, intentional worldview training, and how to disciple students for life in “Babylon,” not Jerusalem.

“There’s a world we want, and there’s the world that is—and they’re not the same world,” Jonathan observes, urging parents: “If we’re not intentionally helping them understand that truth exists and you can know it, they’re going to become Christian relativists.”

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to faithfully guide the next generation to lasting faith—while respecting their unique struggles and leveraging their immense potential. Every generation faces its intersection with culture—this is ours.

Notable Episode Moments:

• The hilarious nostalgia of card catalogs and how research has changed forever
• Practical advice for introducing “bad ideas” in healthy, guided ways—building spiritual and intellectual muscle
• Why anxiety, depression, and loneliness are skyrocketing, and where young people can find lasting safety
• A clear-eyed look at diversity: its beautiful biblical roots and how to celebrate differences without embracing every passing trend

Are you proactively training your kids for the world as it is—or the world you wish it was? What is one step you can take this week to intentionally disciple your child amid the pressures and possibilities of Gen Z’s reality?

Tune in for a conversation packed with actionable hope, fresh perspective, and the tools every Christian parent needs for today’s crazy world.

About the Guest:
Jonathan Morrow holds master’s degrees in divinity and philosophy of religion and ethics, a doctorate in worldview and culture, and serves as Director of Cultural Engagement at Impact 360 Institute. He’s the author of Welcome to College, Questioning the Bible: 11 Major Challenges to the Bible's Authority, and Is God Just a Human Invention, and has trained thousands of young believers to build a lasting, reasonable, and robust faith.

Resources & Next Steps:

• Learn more about Impact 360’s life-changing programs at impact360.org
• Grab Jonathan’s free resource, The Case for Christianity in Four Words, and discover his course for parents at jonathanmorrow.org
• Subscribe for more parenting resources at catherinesegars.com
• Share this episode with a fellow parent or leader navigating the Gen Z gap

Let’s raise a generation that owns their faith and shines in the “crazy world” they’ve inherited—by God’s design, and for His glory.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The soil you plant your family’s faith in matters more than we often realize. It’s not just about where you go on Sunday—it’s about the spiritual environment shaping your children’s hearts every single week. And sometimes, the signs that something’s off are easy to miss… until it’s almost too late.

In this eye-opening episode, Catherine gets real about a question that many Christian parents quietly wrestle with:

“How do I know if it’s time to find a new church home?”

Drawing from her own family’s deeply personal (and painful) church transition, Catherine walks through six red flags that might mean your current church isn’t cultivating the spiritual growth your family needs.

They are:

1. When churches skip parts of the Bible.
   If whole books or tough topics are off the table, your kids won’t get the full truth they need to stand firm in their faith.
2. When the flesh goes unchallenged.
   A feel-good message might draw a crowd, but if no one’s being stretched or sanctified, something’s missing.
3. When there’s a disconnect between evangelism and discipleship.
   Getting people in the door is important—but so is growing deep roots. If your church leans too hard one way, it leaves gaps that can stunt faith.
4. When charisma outweighs character.
   A church built around a magnetic personality rather than godly integrity can quickly become a breeding ground for spiritual fallout.
5. When the Holy Spirit has no room to move.
   Programs and polish are fine—but without the Spirit’s power, real transformation doesn’t happen.
6. When the youth group is spiritually flat.
   If the next generation isn’t fired up for Jesus, it’s time to ask some hard questions about what seeds are (or aren’t) being sown.

With honesty, compassion, and hard-won wisdom, she shines a light on issues that are often ignored—but have huge consequences.

This isn’t about being picky—it’s about being purposeful. Catherine reminds us that the stakes are high when it comes to our kids’ spiritual formation. The cost of change can be steep, but the fruit of a thriving, Spirit-led church family is worth every step.

In this episode, you’ll also learn:

• Why glossing over hard truths sets kids up for weak faith
• How to spot signs of spiritual stagnation in your home
• The warning signs of a numbers-driven, personality-centered church culture
• What to look for in a youth group that truly disciples your kids
• Encouragement for parents facing tough church decisions

Mentioned Resources:

• ✨ Catherine’s free Prodigal Bundle: Hope-filled tools, Scripture lists, and encouragement for parents of prodigals → Download it here
• 📖 The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun – a powerful testimony of bold, persecuted faith

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In one of the most profound and challenging episodes yet, Catherine welcomes world-renowned evangelist Nick Vujicic to the show for a candid, no-holds-barred conversation that every Christian parent needs to hear. Born without arms or legs, Nick’s extraordinary journey from hopelessness to hope has reached over 2 billion people across 74 countries. But today, his urgent warning is not for the world, but for the American church and its families.

Nick Vujicic pulls no punches, declaring:

“We are asleep, we're on a ventilator… If we don't actually repent as a country, we're about to be jack hammered, dude.”

This episode began in Episode 146 with intentions to discuss cancel culture and Christian values in finance but quickly transforms—through a “divine interruption”—into a prophetic wake-up call. The conversation exposes the deep divides, delusions, and complacency within the Western church, shining a light on the dire need for unity, repentance, and genuine disciple-making.

Key insights and takeaways:

• The American church is dangerously divided, distracted by political tribalism, and often failing to address real issues like pornography, mental health, and compassion for the hurting.
• Nick laments the “delusional” state of believers who substitute church growth for true discipleship, warning that, “We are going to be the biggest judged country in the world because we were given the most. And look at what we've done.”
• Leadership accountability is critical: Many pastors are unable to address taboo topics like sexual addiction and abortion, often because they themselves are ensnared or complicit.
• True revival starts at home: Nick urges parents to reclaim spiritual leadership, prioritize Scripture memorization, serve the poor, and model real faith—instead of outsourcing spiritual formation to church leaders.
• Catherine echoes Nick’s call, sharing how a change in church “soil” radically transformed her children’s faith journey and underlining the need for churches that are both uncompromising and overflowing with love for the lost.

Notable moments:

• Nick’s passionate critique: “If your church didn’t teach you how to preach to your neighbor in love, they failed you.”
• A heartfelt challenge to pastors and youth leaders: “If you actually allow one of His kids to get off the path, it’s better for you to commit suicide… That’s how sacred your job is.”
• Catherine’s warning: “We can’t make America great again if we don’t know what made it great in the first place… we need a deep church, not a wide church.”

About Our Guest: Nick Vujicic is a world-renowned evangelist, motivational speaker, and founder of Nick V Ministries. Born without arms or legs in Australia, Nick has inspired millions across 84 countries, reaching over 2 billion people with the message of hope and Jesus Christ. After facing cancelation by his own bank for his Christian convictions, Nick co-founded ProLife Fintech to empower believers to steward their finances according to their faith. Despite being “canceled” by major corporations for his faith, Nick refuses to back down from the call to awaken and unite the church.

Parents, are you awake? Are you equipping your children with a biblically grounded faith that can withstand the pressures and confusions of today’s world? Are you modeling true discipleship—or just religious activity?

Tune in to this urgent, eye-opening episode and consider: What is God calling you and your family to change? And is it time to plant your family in deeper soil for the sake of your children’s faith?

EPISODE LINKS:

• Nick V Ministries
• ProLife Fintech
• “Going from Megachurch to Microchuruch” The Roys Report

Don’t miss next week’s follow-up as Catherine shares practical steps on discerning when—and how—to find a faith community that champions both truth and love. This is the wake-up call we all need.

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After being canceled by his own bank for his biblical convictions, Nick uncovered just how deeply major financial institutions are entangled with political agendas that directly oppose Christian values. From funding Planned Parenthood to freezing accounts of those who dare to speak truth, the reality is more shocking—and more urgent—than most realize.

In this episode, Catherine and Nick discuss:

• Nick’s incredible testimony: from a childhood without limbs or hope to becoming a global evangelist who has reached billions with the Gospel.
• How his family's courageous stand for faith under Communist Yugoslavia shaped his unshakable trust in God.
• The shocking story of how Nick’s bank dropped him in 2019 based on false accusations tied to his Christian beliefs.
• Why many major banks today are quietly supporting abortion, gender ideology for minors, and anti-biblical movements.
• How ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) policies and massive investment firms like BlackRock are setting agendas that impact your money—and your family.
• How financial institutions are increasingly weaponizing money to silence Christian voices.
• Practical steps every Christian family can take to align their banking with their biblical values.
• Nick’s exciting launch of ProLife Fintech, a groundbreaking banking alternative created specifically for faith-driven families and organizations.

Nick also shares how ProLife Fintech is not just a financial service—it's a movement to reclaim financial stewardship for the Kingdom, ensuring that your resources advance life, liberty, and biblical truth.

Guest Bio:

Nick Vujicic is a world-renowned evangelist, motivational speaker, and founder of Nick V Ministries. Born without arms or legs in Australia, Nick has inspired millions across 84 countries, reaching over 2 billion people with the message of hope and Jesus Christ. After facing cancelation by his own bank for his Christian convictions, Nick co-founded ProLife Fintech to empower believers to steward their finances according to their faith.

Resources Mentioned:

• 🌟 Learn more about ProLife Fintech and open an account
• 🙌 Nick V Ministries
• 📚 Connect with Catherine Segars and download her free ebook for moms

Don't Miss This: Next week, Catherine and Nick dive even deeper with a prophetic challenge to the American church—and why planting your family in the right spiritual soil could change everything.

Are you ready to put your money where your faith is?
Don't miss this urgent, eye-opening conversation!

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In this eye-opening episode, Catherine welcomes Michael French—an attorney-turned-pastor with decades of experience in both traditional church settings and unconventional, deeply relational ministry. Through friendships forged in unexpected places—from tabletop games to immersive role play—Michael has reached those the Church often overlooks or even avoids: witches, warlocks, LGBTQ+ individuals, and the spiritually wounded.

Michael’s story challenges how we think about evangelism, reminding us that Jesus always led with love before calling for change. He built relationships with the rejected, the broken, and the misunderstood—then spoke truth into hearts softened by compassion. This episode will reshape how you approach the prodigals and lost loved ones in your life—and rekindle hope that no one is too far gone.

Key Insights from the Episode:

🔹 Relationship Before Evangelism
Jesus didn’t start with sermons—He started with dinner. Michael and Catherine unpack how Christ’s method started with relationship before sharing a hard truth. If we want to reach the lost, we must begin with compassion, curiosity, and shared humanity.

🔹 When Love Leads—Transformation Follows
Real change begins when people feel truly seen and heard. Transformation doesn't happen through lectures—it happens through love that listens and stays.

🔹 Truth Without Love Is a Weapon
“Love without truth is a lie. But truth without love is a weapon,” Catherine shares. The episode explores how truth, when delivered without empathy, can become a wedge—especially in families. But truth spoken in love becomes a bridge.

Practical Advice for Parents of Prodigals

• Ditch the Christianese. Speak like a person, not a pulpit.
• Model repentance. Say, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me,” for the times that you delivered truth in a harsh way. That humility opens doors.
• Trust the slow process. Progress may be invisible. But even moving from “-6 to -5” matters.
• Let God clean the fish. You’re called to speak truth in love, not to fix. Let Jesus handle transformation.

A Call for Christian Parents

You never have to compromise truth—but you must lead with love.
Is your pursuit of truth drawing your child closer…or pushing them away?

🔹 What apology do you need to make?
🔹 Where can you lead with empathy instead of argument?
🔹 How can you love your prodigal or loved one without conditions—and trust God with the outcome?

This episode is your roadmap to loving like Christ: boldly, compassionately, relationally.
Because love lays the foundation where truth can take root.

About Michael French: A former attorney and long-time pastor, Michael now leads Patria Ministries, a global network of 200+ ministries across 12 countries. He is widely known for ministering in unconventional spaces and loving those who feel deeply rejected by religion. His work is a masterclass in how to hold truth without weaponizing it, and how to love without diluting it.

EPISODE LINKS:

Patria Ministries

The Danger of Speaking Truth without Love by Catherine Segars

📚 For free resources and Catherine’s Prodigal Bundle, visit catherinesegers.com.

💬 Don’t do this journey alone—share this episode and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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In this best of episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine Segars revisits a rich conversation with Erica Renaud—author, speaker, and mom of five—about a topic close to every Christian parent’s heart: teaching our children how to pray.

Erica is the author of Pray With Me: Help Your Children Engage in Authentic and Powerful Prayer. In this episode, she shares how her passion for prayer was born out of her own struggles as a teen, and how it has grown into a ministry that helps families and churches guide kids into vibrant, Spirit-filled prayer lives.

Let’s be honest—there are shelves full of resources to teach adults how to pray. But what about our kids? Where’s the guidebook for them? If prayer is essential for walking closely with God, shouldn’t we be equipping our children early to use this spiritual lifeline?

Here’s the thing: our kids can't catch what we don't throw them. If we’re not modeling prayer, if we’re not talking about it, practicing it, and inviting them into it—how will they ever know its power?

This episode is packed with insight and encouragement to help you do just that.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• 💬 Prayer as a Two-Way Street: Erica encourages us to teach our kids that prayer is talking with God—not just talking to Him. It's a conversation, not a monologue.
• 🤝 Partnering with God: When children begin to understand that prayer isn’t just about asking—it’s about aligning with God's will—they start to experience the joy of being part of His work on earth.
• 🧭 Be the Guide, Not the Guru: You don’t have to be a theological expert to lead your kids in prayer. Erica gives us permission to be learners alongside our children—and that humility is what makes the journey beautiful.
• 🕯️ Making Space for the Sacred: From soft music to candlelight, Erica offers simple, practical ways to create sacred spaces where kids can focus and feel safe entering God’s presence.
• 😕 When Prayers Go Unanswered: Erica addresses one of the toughest aspects of prayer—disappointment. She shares how to walk kids through these moments by leaning on God's character and reminding them (and us) of His faithfulness.
• 📖 The Practice of Remembering: Teaching our kids to look back and recall God's faithfulness builds a foundation of trust that can carry them through life’s hardest moments.

This episode is more than a how-to—it’s a heart-to-heart. It’s a call for us, as parents, to step into the role of spiritual shepherd—not with perfection, but with purpose.

So, how can you begin creating a prayer culture in your home? Maybe it's praying at bedtime, before meals, or even during car rides. Start small. Be consistent. And watch how God shows up.

About the Guest: Erica Renaud is a powerful speaker, passionate writer, and the author of Pray With Me: Help Your Children Engage in Authentic and Powerful Prayer. She’s the co-founder of two prayer initiatives and frequently speaks at events and conferences throughout the Northeast, encouraging others to go deeper in their walk with God through prayer. Closer to home, Erica and her husband lead regular prayer and worship gatherings in their local congregation while raising their five children.

Erica Renaud: Website, Instagram, Facebook

Resources Mentioned:

• Pray With Me: Help Your Children Engage in Authentic and Powerful Prayer by Erica Renaud
• Let Us Pray by Watchman Nee

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This conversation goes beyond statistics and safety tips. It’s a wake-up call to view our vehicles not just as tools for convenience, but as potential weapons—two tons of steel that we command every day, often with casual disregard.

Imagine this: You're walking around a room filled with your loved ones—your children, your spouse, your friends—holding a loaded gun in one hand and a bag of chips in the other. You wouldn’t dream of it. Yet, many of us do the equivalent every day when we drive distracted—texting, daydreaming, eating—all while operating a vehicle capable of immense harm.

As followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbor. That includes every pedestrian, cyclist, and fellow driver we encounter. Our driving is more than just a habit—it’s a spiritual responsibility. Every time we take the wheel, we must choose mindfulness, vigilance, and compassion over convenience and distraction.

In this eye-opening episode, you’ll learn:

• Why distractions like voice texting, daydreaming, or even snacking can be deadly.
• What Jennifer faced legally and emotionally after her accident—and how it reshaped her understanding of accountability and grace.
• How we can raise the next generation of responsible drivers who see driving not as a right, but as a sacred duty to protect life.

One of the most unforgettable moments in the episode is when Jennifer compares driving to handling a loaded weapon. Her story will challenge you to reflect on your own driving habits—and what message you're sending to your children.

Call to Action: As Christian parents, let’s redefine driving as an act of love. Let’s teach our children to steward the responsibility of driving with reverence and caution. Let’s model what it means to value every life on the road.

Reflect: What small changes can you make to drive more intentionally? Could those changes save a life?

Tune in now and join a conversation that could change how you—and your family—approach the road forever.

About the Guest: Jennifer Eikenhorst is a mother of four, teacher, and faith-driven speaker whose life was forever changed by a tragic accident. In the aftermath, she found purpose in sharing hope and healing with others facing accidental loss. As the author of Left Turn: Life Unimagined and host of the Accidental Hope podcast, Jen offers a compassionate space for those navigating grief and guilt. She also serves on the advisory council for the Hyacinth Fellowship, supporting those who have unintentionally caused harm. Her journey is a powerful testament to God’s grace, redemption, and the resilience of faith.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Other Episodes in this Series:

#143 “The Shame We Bury: Finding God in Our Darkest Moments"

#142 "When Life Shatters: Finding God in Our Darkest Moments"

Jen’s Website & Podcast

Jen’s Book: Left Turn: Life Unimagined

The Hyacinth Fellowship

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this unexpected episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine dives into a deeply moving discussion with Jennifer Eikenhorst, author of Left Turn, Life Unimagined and host of Accidental Hope. What was originally intended to be a conversation about driving safety took a profound turn when Jen encountered a heartbreaking situation just before recording—a tragic reminder of what happens when shame festers in silence. That moment shifted everything, revealing God’s orchestration in real-time.

This episode explores:

🔹 The Cost of Hidden Shame – How secrecy keeps people in bondage and why transparency is essential to healing.
🔹 God’s Sovereignty in Pain – The ways He orchestrates even the most painful experiences for a greater purpose.
🔹 Freedom in Surrender – Why bringing struggles into God’s light is the first step toward healing—not just for the individual, but for others as well.

Jen’s recent encounter serves as a sobering reminder that too many people suffer alone, believing the lie that their shame is too great to overcome. But that is not the truth. God redeems what feels unredeemable.

Everyone has a choice when it comes to pain and shame. It can be buried, slowly stealing joy, purpose, and even life itself. Or it can be surrendered to God, brought into His light, and redeemed in ways that once seemed impossible.

The enemy wants shame to be the end of the story. God says it’s only the beginning.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect: Are there hidden pains that need to be surrendered to God’s redemptive work? How might transparency not only bring freedom but also serve others in their own battles?

This episode is more than a discussion—it’s a call to action.

About the Guest: Jennifer Eikenhorst is a mother of four, teacher, and faith-driven speaker whose life was forever changed by a tragic accident. In the aftermath, she found purpose in sharing hope and healing with others facing accidental loss. As the author of Left Turn: Life Unimagined and host of the Accidental Hope podcast, Jen offers a compassionate space for those navigating grief and guilt. She also serves on the advisory council for the Hyacinth Fellowship, supporting those who have unintentionally caused harm. Her journey is a powerful testament to God’s grace, redemption, and the resilience of faith.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Other Episodes in this Series: #142 "When Life Shatters: Finding God in Our Darkest Moments"

Jen’s Website & Podcast

Jen’s Book: Left Turn: Life Unimagined

The Hyacinth Fellowship

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this profoundly moving episode, Catherine explores a story that speaks to the heart of every parent and believer. Jennifer Eikenhorst—a devoted mother, teacher, and woman of faith—shares the day that changed her life forever. A simple left turn resulted in a tragic accident, taking the life of an innocent man. As she faced the crushing weight of grief, guilt, and endless "whys," Jen discovered a truth that is essential for all of us: God will meet us in our deepest shame, but we must choose Him.

Mistakes are inevitable. Some are small, and others change lives forever. No one escapes the reality of human error. But in these moments, we face a choice: to live in condemnation or receive the grace that God freely gives. Through raw honesty, Jen shares her journey of surrender—how she learned to accept God's mercy, extend grace to herself, and become a vessel of healing for others. As the host of the Accidental Hope podcast and an advisor in the Hyacinth Fellowship, Jen now ministers those affected by accidental injury and death find restoration and faith.

Universal Takeaways for Parents & Believers

🔹 God Will Heal Us, But We Must Choose Him: Shame isolates, but grace restores. No matter how deep the mistake, we must turn to God to receive healing.
🔹 How to Teach Our Children About Grace and Responsibility: Kids will make mistakes—some big, some small. How we respond teaches them whether failure will define them or faith will transform them.
🔹 The Weight of 'Why' and the Power of 'Who': We may never understand the "why" behind certain tragedies, but we can cling to who walks with us through them.
🔹 Receiving and Extending Grace: Just as we long for mercy, we are called to extend it—to ourselves and to others who have made costly mistakes.
🔹 Creating a Culture of Refuge: The biblical cities of refuge provided safety for those who unintentionally caused harm. How can we create homes and communities where people find grace rather than judgment?

A Call to Reflection

What shame are you carrying that God is waiting to heal? Are you willing to release it and receive His grace? Who in your life needs to experience the refuge of forgiveness today?

Join Catherine and Jen in this unforgettable conversation about redemption, resilience, and the love of a God who meets us in our greatest shame—and transforms it into hope.

About the Guest: Jennifer Eikenhorst is a mother of four, teacher, and faith-driven speaker whose life was forever changed by a tragic accident. In the aftermath, she found purpose in sharing hope and healing with others facing accidental loss. As the author of Left Turn: Life Unimagined and host of the Accidental Hope podcast, Jen offers a compassionate space for those navigating grief and guilt. She also serves on the advisory council for the Hyacinth Fellowship, supporting those who have unintentionally caused harm. Her journey is a powerful testament to God’s grace, redemption, and the resilience of faith.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Jen’s Website & Podcast

Jen’s Book: Left Turn: Life Unimagined

The Hyacinth Fellowship

“What Happens When You Accidentally Take Someone’s Life” Red Table Talk w/ Jada Pinkett Smith

“What Were the Cities of Refuge in the Bible” (BibleAsk, 6/18/24)

“What Were the Cities of Refuge in the Old Testament” (Got Questions)

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In this eye-opening episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine welcomes Dr. Gary Lawrence, a former marriage and family counselor with over 20 years of experience. Together, they uncover the hidden addiction that influences nearly all personal relationships—rejection.

Dr. Lawrence, a highly sought-after speaker and author of Rejection Junkies, has helped countless marriages through his seminars and media appearances. In this conversation, he shares how past rejection subtly shapes our interactions, often without us realizing it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔ How emotional patterns form early – Did you know that by age 8, 80% of your emotional patterns are already in place? Discover how these ingrained experiences shape your relationships.
✔ Breaking free from bitterness – Learn why bitterness is like poison, and why addressing it is crucial for healing and forgiveness.
✔ Identifying rejection cycles – Uncover the damaging relationship patterns passed down through generations—and how to stop the cycle for your children.
✔ Healing through faith – Explore how inviting the Lord into your healing process can transform your marriage and parenting.
✔ Living through Christ – Stop trying to live for the Lord; instead, let Him live through you.

A Personal Story of Redemption

Gary bravely shares his own struggles with rejection and past trauma, revealing how he and his wife overcame deep-seated pain and bitterness to rebuild their marriage on a foundation of faith and healing. His journey serves as a powerful testimony that rejection doesn’t have to be a life sentence.

A Challenge for Listeners

Are you unknowingly passing down unhealthy emotional patterns to your children? It’s time to break free. Gary challenges listeners to recognize and confront their rejection issues before they take root in the next generation.

Take the Next Step

Want to identify your own rejection patterns? Visit rejectionjunkies.com to take a free quiz and receive a complimentary 30-minute evaluation to start your healing journey.

About the guest: Dr. Gary Lawrence is the bestselling author of Rejection Junkies, a transformative guide to breaking free from the grip of rejection and emotional bondage. As a seasoned counselor and “freedom coach,” he has spent over 30 years helping thousands identify and eliminate the root causes of their struggles. Alongside his wife, Sylvia, Gary founded and directed the New Life Dynamics Christian Counseling Center for 23 years and hosted “Life Master Counseling with Dr. G” for two decades. With over 27,000 hours of teaching experience and 10,000+ clients counseled, his work has changed countless lives.

RESOURCES:

Dr. Gary’s website

Rejection Junkies: The Hidden Addiction Everyone Suffers

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.