Community is a lifeline, especially when parenting gets hard. In this episode, co-host Andy Nelson gets vulnerable and shares his personal story of moving from a strong, stable community to a new city where he and his wife, Emily, felt isolated and alone.

Andy shares how this experience of being without a "safety net" forced them to intentionally build a new community and how this journey shaped their family's values. He also tells the powerful story of a season of hardship when their community stepped in to help, and how this act of being cared for redefined his understanding of what it means to both give and receive help.

Episode Highlights

• [01:30] Andy shares his background, growing up in a close-knit, loving community and family.
• [04:00] Andy's story of moving 600 miles away from home and the shock of finding himself without a community.
• [07:00] The pivotal moment when a small act of kindness helped transform their family's isolated season.
• [08:50] How Andy and Emily intentionally built a new community and how their different personalities contributed to that.
• [14:00] Why building a "deep" community is more important than having "thin" relationships.
• [21:10] The power of being a "helper" and how a season of needing help taught him to receive from others.
• [23:00] The profound impact of community on family health and well-being.

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Resources Mentioned

• Book: You Are What You Love by James K.A. Smith
• Non-profit: Promise 686

Gen Z is the most connected generation in history, but they're also experiencing an unprecedented epidemic of loneliness. In this episode, hosts Andy and Kelly talk with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford, a Senior Fellow at the Barna Group, about her research on teen mental health and the critical role that community plays in our well-being.

Dr. Shackelford shares why virtual connection often leads to thin, surface-level relationships and why in-person community is vital for a healthy family. You'll learn about the profound impact of church attendance on mental health, the value of intergenerational relationships, and practical ways to model and build real, meaningful connections for your children.

Episode Highlights

• [01:30] Dr. Shackelford shares her background and family life at Eagle Ranch, complete with a Great Pyrenees and 80 chickens.
• [02:45] A broad overview of her research on the Gen Z mental health crisis and the six main contributors.
• [04:20] Why the "most connected" generation is also the loneliest and the difference between thin and thick community.
• [07:00] The powerful role of the church in fostering mental well-being and a sense of purpose.
• [14:00] The importance of intergenerational relationships, and why every youth needs five key older adults in their life.
• [15:30] Practical ways for parents to help their kids practice community, from putting away screens to serving together.
• [21:00] The value of being transparent with your family and modeling the kind of community you want to build.

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Resources Mentioned

• Guest: Dr. Stephanie Shackelford - stephshackelford.com
• Research Report: The Barna Group https://www.barna.com/mental-health/

Some parents care for a few children; others care for 39. In this episode, hosts Andy and Kelly talk with John and Cassie Adams, a couple with a big heart for children, who have welcomed dozens of kids into their home through fostering and house-parenting.

John and Cassie share how their wildly different family upbringings and personality types have influenced their approach to parenting. They discuss their experience with a "strong-willed" child and how it pushed them to discover the true balance of nurture and structure. This episode is a powerful conversation about finding your own parenting balance, leaning into outside support, and why sometimes, taking a step back is the most loving thing you can do.

Episode Highlights

• [01:10] John and Cassie share their family of origin stories and introduce their family of three biological children, and the 39 they've cared for in 15 years of marriage.
• [04:20] The motivation behind their decision to step into foster care and how their purpose has evolved over time.
• [08:55] The Adams discuss discovering the balance of nurture and structure and how it's not a one-size-fits-all solution for every child.
• [13:00] Cassie shares a personal story of taking a step back from "grade monitoring" and how it created a healthier family dynamic.
• [16:50] John and Cassie explore the difference between training and controlling, and how sometimes you have to let go to let them learn.
• [20:00] Advice for single parents and why seeking outside community and counseling is so important.
• [24:00] The first steps to take if you're a parent who feels like what you're doing isn't working.

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