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Every episode
Raising Boys & Girls
30 episodes
Episode 401: Making Peace with What We Can’t Control with Lysa TerKeurst
Aug 13, 2026 · 37 min
Sissy Goff and David Thomas sit down with Lysa TerKeurst for a meaningful conversation about making peace with what we can’t control—especially as parents. Lysa shares what she’s learned through raising five children, walking through divorce, and now becoming a grandmother, including the importance of keeping kids talking, releasing the need to control outcomes, and allowing children to experience consequences and build resilience. She reminds parents that their children’s mistakes don’t define…
Episode 400: Our 5 Favorite Tips for Navigating Friendships in the School Year with David and Sissy
Aug 11, 2026 · 31 min
As kids head back to school, friendships can bring just as much anxiety as academics. In this episode, Sissy Goff and David Thomas share five practical ways parents can help kids build social confidence: practice the first few minutes of the day, teach kids to notice others, give them simple conversation starters, allow friendships time to grow, and celebrate courage instead of popularity. They remind parents that friendship is a skill that develops through practice, small risks, repeated intera…
Episode 399: The Back to School Break We All Need with Melanie Shankle and Sophie Hudson
Aug 6, 2026 · 57 min
Melanie Shankle and Sophie Hudson join David and Sissy for a funny, honest conversation about raising capable kids without giving in to pressure, perfectionism, or the urge to rescue them from every hard moment. Drawing from their friendship and experiences parenting young adults, they discuss the importance of allowing kids to fail, advocate for themselves, handle responsibilities, and develop confidence in their own decision-making. They also share how laughter creates perspective and strength…
Episode 398: Our 5 Tips for Back to School Transition with David and Sissy
Aug 4, 2026 · 48 min
As the new school year approaches, Sissy Goff and David Thomas help parents understand why transitions can bring big feelings, physical symptoms, and anxious thoughts for both kids and adults. They share an easy-to-remember “A+ Anxiety Plan”: anticipate anxiety, create an action plan, avoid avoidance, act it out through practice, and affirm courage. With practical scripts and strategies for navigating school drop-off, social situations, and after-school conversations, Sissy and David encourage p…
Episode 397: Navigating Complicated Family Relationships with Dr. Dale Atkins
Jul 30, 2026 · 34 min
Dr. Dale Atkins joins David and Sissy to explore how speed, chronic stress, digital distraction, and intensive parenting are reshaping family relationships and contributing to a crisis of capability in kids. She shares practical wisdom for building stronger connections across generations, including listening without becoming defensive, respecting adult children as independent people, offering guidance without taking over, and staying curious when experiences or memories differ. The conversation…
Episode 396: Capable Connections: Friendships with David and Sissy
Jul 28, 2026 · 27 min
Friendships are where kids practice being human, but social anxiety, screens, group dynamics, and “rollercoaster” relationships are making connection harder than ever. Sissy and David offer practical ways parents can help kids recognize healthy friendships, develop realistic expectations, practice conversation and initiation, understand reciprocity, set kind boundaries, and navigate awkward moments. Rather than managing every relationship, parents can coach kids to find good friends, have a “goo…
Episode 395: The Two Biggest Questions Parents Ask the Most About Siblings with Hunter and Katty Connelly
Jul 23, 2026 · 41 min
Katty and Hunter Connelly join Sissy and David to share what they have learned while raising four very different children. They discuss building capability through honesty, responsibility, hard work, and allowing kids to experience the consequences of their choices rather than constantly stepping in to fix things. They also offer encouragement for navigating sibling conflict, treating children fairly without treating them exactly the same, launching young adults, and trusting that strained sibli…
Episode 394: Capable Connections: Siblings with David and Sissy
Jul 21, 2026 · 42 min
Sibling relationships can be some of the longest and most meaningful relationships in a person’s life, helping kids develop empathy, resilience, social skills, and healthy conflict resolution. Sissy and David encourage parents to see sibling comparison, fairness battles, and everyday arguments as opportunities to build lifelong skills rather than problems to eliminate. They share practical ways to strengthen sibling connection, including allowing kids time to work through disagreements, coaching…
Episode 393: Capable in the Classroom with Dan Carpenter (High School Teacher) and Wheat Teller (Elementary School Teacher)
Jul 16, 2026 · 47 min
David and Sissy talk with two beloved educators, kindergarten teacher Wheat Teller and high school history teacher Dan Carpenter, about what capability looks like in the classroom from the earliest years through high school. Together, they discuss the importance of letting kids struggle in age-appropriate ways, resist the urge to rescue, build emotional regulation, develop independence, and learn through challenge and even failure. Wheat and Dan also talk about the effects of busyness and screen…
Episode 392: Capable Connections: Teachers and Coaches with David and Sissy
Jul 14, 2026 · 34 min
Sissy and David celebrate the powerful role teachers, coaches, mentors, and other trusted adults play in helping kids grow into capable, resilient people. They reflect on the teachers and mentors who made them feel seen, believed in, challenged, and loved, and they remind listeners that one steady, caring adult can change the trajectory of a child’s life. They also talk about the practical ways educators and coaches build capability in kids by helping them feel known beyond performance, offering…
Episode 391: Family Dinners and the One Question Grandparents Need to Ask with Babs Costello
Jul 9, 2026 · 31 min
Sissy and David talk with Barbara “Babs” Costello, beloved social media creator, former preschool founder, mom of four, and grandmother of nine, about the lasting impact of words, the gift of intentional grandparenting, and creating a home that feels peaceful rather than perfect. Babs shares wisdom from her new children’s book, Did Your Mother Ever Tell You?, encouraging parents to make space for kids’ big feelings while speaking life-giving words over them. She also offers practical homemaking…
Episode 390: The Power of Family Through Generations with Carole and John Ferguson, Julie Trapp, Ashley Waltemath, & Amy Pipes
Jul 7, 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
In this conversation, John and Carole Ferguson and their daughters reflect on the rhythms that built a close, capable, faith-filled family across generations. They share how clear expectations, consistent family meals, chores, service, hospitality, gentle correction, and intentional time with extended family gave their children both security and responsibility. As grandparents, John and Carole emphasize the importance of prayer, showing up for meaningful moments, supporting without managing, wel…
Episode 389: Capable Connections: Grandparents with David and Sissy
Jul 2, 2026 · 30 min
In this conversation, David and Sissy explore the important role grandparents play in helping children grow into capable, resilient adults. They discuss how grandparents provide a unique source of wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love while reinforcing the values parents are teaching at home. The episode also highlights the power of family stories, meaningful traditions, and intentional connection in helping kids develop a stronger sense of identity, belonging, and confidence. Questions…
Episode 388: Raising Capable and Mighty Kids in Today's Cultural Landscape with Sharon McMahon
Jun 30, 2026 · 36 min
Sissy and David sit down with Sharon McMahon to discuss how parents can help children become informed, resilient, and capable in a complicated world. Sharon shares her journey from classroom teacher to becoming “America’s Government Teacher,” and talks about the importance of balancing protection and preparation as kids grow. Together, they explore how children can handle difficult topics when guided by trusted adults, why self-awareness is essential for modeling calm engagement, and how teachin…
Episode 387: An Honest Conversation about Fathers and Daughters with Doug Durr, Allye Gray and Analise Glover
Jun 25, 2026 · 44 min
Builder and longtime Daystar friend Doug Durr joins his daughters, Allye Gray and Analise Glover, to reflect on the unique bond between fathers and daughters. They share stories of growing up on job sites, farms, and adventures with their dad while learning lessons about grit, resilience, service, and character. Doug discusses the importance of hard work, staying present through every season of life, and walking with his children through both joys and challenges. The family also opens up about g…
Episode 386: Capable Connections: Fathers and Daughters
Jun 23, 2026 · 31 min
David and Sissy explore the unique role fathers play in helping daughters develop confidence, resilience, and capability. Through personal stories, research, and counseling insights, they discuss how dads build capability by spending time with their daughters, teaching practical skills, staying emotionally engaged, and continuing to pursue connection even during the challenging adolescent years. They also address common pitfalls, such as aligning with daughters against moms or withdrawing when d…
Episode 385: Mothers, Sons, and Playing in the NFL with Hunter and Jenny Henry
Jun 18, 2026 · 45 min
In this Capable Connections conversation, Hunter Henry and his mom, Jenny Henry, reflect on the values and experiences that shaped Hunter from childhood to adulthood. They discuss the importance of faith, grace, character, perseverance, family dinners, and meaningful connection, as well as the challenges of giving kids increasing independence as they grow. Through stories about sports, family life, and parenting missteps, they highlight how strong relationships, encouragement, and trust help chi…
Episode 384: Capable Connections: Mothers and Sons with David and Sissy
Jun 16, 2026 · 37 min
David and Sissy explore the powerful relationship between moms and sons, emphasizing that moms are often a boy’s emotional home base and play a key role in shaping his confidence, emotional health, and future relationships. They discuss how boys often express their biggest emotions where they feel safest and encourage moms to respond with warmth, steadiness, and clear boundaries. The conversation also highlights the importance of helping boys build responsibility, self-regulation, and respect wh…
Episode 383: An Honest Conversation about Fathers and Sons with Scott and Randy Hearon
Jun 11, 2026 · 60 min
Sissy Goff and David Thomas sit down with father and son Randy and Scott Hearon for a deeply honest conversation about the father-son relationship. Through stories spanning childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, they explore the messages boys receive about identity, capability, performance, faith, and belonging. Randy reflects on his growth as a father, including the impact of addiction, sports culture, and grace, while Scott shares how his dad’s presence, vulnerability, encouragement, and willi…
Episode 382: Capable Connections: Fathers and Sons
Jun 9, 2026 · 32 min
In episode 382, Sissy Goff and David Thomas continue their Capable Connections series by exploring the unique relationship between fathers and sons. They discuss how fatherhood shapes both men and children, while highlighting challenges boys face around performance, emotional expression, and isolation. Through research, personal stories, and practical advice, they encourage dads to help sons build healthy identities, strong relationships, and emotional resilience by modeling vulnerability, prior…
Episode 381: Where Commitment Meets Capability with Shawn Johnson and Andrew East
Jun 4, 2026 · 55 min
In this episode, Shawn Johnson East and Andrew East discuss the importance of commitment, resilience, and raising capable kids. Drawing from their experiences as elite athletes and parents, they share how supportive parents helped them build confidence through challenges rather than rescuing them from discomfort. The conversation highlights the value of letting children develop independence, discover their unique passions, learn from failure, and stick with things that matter, while emphasizing…
Episode 380: An Honest Conversation about Mothers and Daughters with Haven Weits and Lisa Whelchel
Jun 2, 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
Lisa Whelchel and Haven Weits share a rich and honest conversation about raising capable kids, cultivating independence, and building a strong mother-daughter relationship that lasts into adulthood. Through stories of entrepreneurship, trust, conflict, and repair, they explore how secure boundaries, meaningful connection, and a willingness to keep showing up for one another can shape both families and future generations. Resources mentioned: Capable by David Thomas and Sissy Goff Substack — Lisa…
Episode 379: Capable Connections: Mothers and Daughters with David and Sissy
May 28, 2026 · 27 min
This Episode explores the powerful and often complicated relationship between mothers and daughters, highlighting how deeply girls are shaped by their moms’ words, reactions, and emotional health. Sissy Goff and David Thomas discuss the importance of modeling grace, resisting the urge to rescue or overcorrect, and helping daughters grow through hard things with support instead of protection. They also share practical ways moms can stay connected to their girls through simple everyday moments lik…
Episode 378: Learning to Fail, Trusting God and Trick Shots with Dude Perfect
May 26, 2026 · 42 min
This episode features an engaging conversation with Dude Perfect members Cory Cotton and Garrett Hilbert about friendship, faith, perseverance, and raising resilient kids. Joined by Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Sissy’s nephews Henry and Whit, the group talks about how Dude Perfect started from simple backyard competitions in college and grew into a global platform focused on family-friendly entertainment. Cory and Garrett share how failure, patience, teamwork, and learning to apologize have sha…
Episode 377: The Power of Family and Staying Connected Through Adulthood with Dr. Kathy Koch
May 21, 2026 · 37 min
Dr. Kathy Koch joins Sissy Goff and David Thomas to discuss the growing challenges facing today’s young adults and families, especially around resilience, identity, technology, and relationships between parents and adult children. Dr. Kathy explains how overparenting, screen dependence, fear of failure, and endless choices have contributed to anxiety, lack of perseverance, and “failure to launch” struggles, while also offering hope through intentional connection, healthy boundaries, faith, and s…
Episode 376: Helping Teenagers and Young Adults Find Their True Identity and Capabilities with Alena Pitts Franklin
May 19, 2026 · 36 min
In this episode, Alena Pitts Franklin shares how grief, faith, and family shaped her understanding of capability and identity. She reflects on her early acting role in War Room, the loss of her mother Winter Pitts, and how God’s steadiness carried her through seasons of fear, insecurity, and growth. Throughout the episode, Alena encourages parents to lead with peace, encouragement, and authentic faith rather than fear, while reminding girls that their identity is rooted in God’s love instead of…
Episode 375: Capable the Young Adult Years with David and Sissy
May 14, 2026 · 22 min
In this episode, Sissy Goff and David Thomas discuss the growing challenges many young adults face, including entitlement, emotional fragility, difficulty handling feedback, and struggles with responsibility and relationships. They explain how capability is built through real-life experiences like disappointment, inconvenience, accountability, conflict resolution, and service to others. The conversation encourages parents to stop removing every obstacle, allow natural consequences, and support y…
Episode 374: The Cornerstone of Resilience and Capability with Dr. Ken Ginsburg
May 12, 2026 · 39 min
In this episode of the Raising Boys and Girls podcast, Dr. Ken Ginsburg explains that resilience is built through strong, loving relationships and introduces his “7 Cs” of resilience: confidence, competence, character, connection, contribution, coping, and control. Drawing from his work with adolescents, he encourages parents to guide rather than control their children so they can develop confidence, healthy coping skills, and a lasting sense of purpose, while emphasizing the importance of human…
Episode 373: Capable the High School Years with David and Sissy
May 7, 2026 · 26 min
This conversation highlights a growing “capability gap” in teens, where some, often girls, are overwhelmed by pressure and perfectionism while others, often boys, are disengaged and avoidant. David and Sissy connect this to factors like digital communication, lowered relationship standards, and increased screen use, all of which can hinder resilience and healthy development. They emphasize that true capability is built through real-life challenges, responsibility, and healthy risk-taking, and en…
Episode 372: When to Push and When to Pull Back in the Middle School Years with Dr. Lisa Damour
May 5, 2026 · 46 min
Dr. Lisa Damour explains that resilience comes from learning to handle discomfort, not avoiding it, and reminds parents that mental health isn’t about always feeling happy. Especially in the middle school years, kids face rapid changes and self-doubt, making it crucial for parents to support rather than rescue. By allowing kids to work through hard moments while staying gently connected, we help them build the confidence and capability they need for life. Resources mentioned: Untangled: Guiding…
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