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A Time to Sharpen

A Time to Sharpen

By: Axel Liimatta & Brandon Maxwell
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About this listen

A bi-weekly podcast that examines how working with teenagers can make us better versions of ourselves: better teachers, better counselors, better parents…better people. Join two of Whetstone Boys Ranch's co-founders, Axel Liimatta and Brandon Maxwell, as they discuss what twenty years of serving struggling teenagers and their families has taught them about how to address the most challenging of behaviors. You'll find answers without dogma, encouragement without false hope, and sharpening without shame. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/time-to-sharpen/supportAxel Liimatta & Brandon Maxwell Parenting & Families Relationships
Episodes
  • The Whetstone Overnite Guy
    Oct 11 2025

    While most people are sleeping, the Whetstone overnite guys are busy keeping an eye on the sleeping residents, making sure they are safe and sleeping sound. Mr. Curtis Kazimir is one of those overnite guys that has been with the ranch for a little over two years. Here his story, and how and why it is so important to the parents and the boys, that there is around-the-clock supervision and care of the boys in both houses.

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    44 mins
  • Bumps & Bruises
    Sep 17 2025

    Bumps, bruises, and bug bites—it’s all part of growing up in the Ozarks. Around here, ‘rub some dirt on it’ isn’t just advice, it’s practically a lifestyle. Of course, we’re also First Aid certified, so don’t worry—more serious injuries are treated with more than just duct tape.

    At Whetstone, we take safety seriously. All adventures come with precautions and protocols. In the woodshop and on the landscaping crew, it’s eye protection, ear protection, boots, and gloves. Out on the trail or in the cold, it’s the right shoes, the right socks, the right hats—because there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.

    Join us this week on A Time to Sharpen as we talk about what it really means to grow tougher, wiser, and even a little safer along the way.

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    45 mins
  • Harvard-Bound
    Aug 20 2025

    It’s not everyday that a former student of yours says that he’s been accepted to Harvard Law School - or every year...or every lifetime! But recently, Whetstone was honored by the news that one of its graduates has done just that.

    Join us this week on A Time to Sharpen for an in-depth discussion with our friend and colleague, Kiernan the Wise. That’s not his actual name, but after listening to this podcast, I think you’ll agree that the moniker fits.

    By God’s grace, Kiernan was able to turn things around during his 6 and a half months at Whetstone and get going in the right direction. And while this is a feat all by itself, he was able to keep things going far past the point that most people would think possible. It’s an inspiring story, and every bit of the 90 minute conversation is true. So get comfortable, or start folding that laundry so that you can focus your attention on what he has to say.


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    1 hr and 34 mins
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