Christian Parent, Crazy World

What if your child’s screen time could help them meet Jesus, shape their character, and spark conversations that last a lifetime? In a culture overflowing with children’s entertainment, how can Christian parents find programming that does more than distract or “babysit”? In this compelling episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine sits down with Jess Wolstenholm, Vice President of Education & Publishing at Minno and editor of the award-winning Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids. With over 25 years of children’s ministry leadership and deep roots in curriculum development, Jess Wolstenholm brings powerful insights into how media can nourish—not just occupy—our children’s souls. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: A Better Media Diet for Kids Why “just clean” isn’t enough. Catherine and Jess break down the difference between spiritually “nutritious” content and empty-calorie screen time. They challenge parents to curate what their children watch, seeking stories that reinforce godly character and biblical truth rather than just avoid harm. Faith Formation through Storytelling Discover how a child’s earliest glimpses of God shape their faith journey, and why representing God’s character—holy, loving, nurturing, and present—is essential from the very start. Jess Wolstenholm shares how programming choices directly impact a child’s understanding of God, values, and themselves. Representation Matters—Even for Young Faith “There’s not enough representation of faith on screen for kids.” Hear how Minno creates and curates media—like the innovative Young David shorts—that let children see relatable, not cheesy, portrayals of Christian life. Find out why seeing faith lived out on screen can be just as important as hearing Bible stories. Old Treasures, New Purpose Relive childhood favorites like VeggieTales and discover impactful series like Torchlighters: Heroes of the Faith and Liberty’s Kids—all available on Minno. Whether it's vintage animation or state-of-the-art storytelling, these programs offer rich entry points for conversations about faith, history, and courage. Tools for Intentional Parenting Learn how to turn media moments into meaningful faith conversations. From five-minute family devotionals to printable discussion guides and screen-free audio options, Jess Wolstenholm shares practical ways for parents to build on what their children watch—even when life gets busy. “We want kids to get to know the character of God—not just as a rule-keeper, but as a creator who delights in them.” – Jess Wolstenholm What Sets Minno Apart Find out how Minno’s holistic, on-screen/off-screen approach (think: devotionals, conversation guides, coloring pages, and audio stories) is designed to support busy Christian parents and equip the next generation for a resilient, relational faith. A Hopeful Vision for Gen Alpha Jess Wolstenholm shares her dream for the next generation: that children would “know Jesus and understand His word,” not through shame or rule-keeping, but with a healthy, balanced grasp of gospel truth and the goodness of God. Notable Moments: The surprising connection between the word “Minno” and abiding in Christ. How “vintage” content like Torchlighters and Liberty’s Kids help children step outside the “first world bubble” and see global faith and history. Simple questions parents can ask after screen time to spark deep, everyday discipleship. Why This Matters: Your child’s view of God, their character, and their choices are being shaped by what fills their hearts and minds each day. What if the shows they watch could help you disciple them, not just distract them? Modern Application: Let’s intentionally leverage media as a springboard for spiritual formation. Whether you find a new family devotional routine or simply ask one more question at the dinner table, these conversations could echo for years. About the Guest: Jess Wolstenholm is Vice President of Education & Publishing at Minno, editor and executive producer of the Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids, and a seasoned leader in children’s ministry and publishing. She is passionate about equipping Christian families to nurture healthy, lifelong faith. Ready to turn your child’s screen time into soul time? What steps can you take this week to make sure the shows your kids watch are helping them experience Jesus—every single day? Dive into this episode and discover resources that could transform your family’s faith journey. Episode Links & Resources Minno Streaming Platform (Try Free!) Featured Series: Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids, Torchlighters: Heroes of the Faith, Young David Bonus: Free 7-day trial and downloadable devotionals for families Catherine Segars Resources Listen, reflect, and join the conversation—because Christian parenting 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.

What if the core purpose of your parenting isn’t what you’ve always believed? In a world obsessed with outcomes and control, Christian parents are challenged to embrace a radical shift: letting go of ownership and stepping into the liberating role of an ambassador for Christ in their children’s lives. In this transformative episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine welcomes Candace Nassar, founder and executive director of MomQ, a mentor-led discipleship ministry designed to equip Christian mothers with biblical wisdom for every season. Drawing from her own journey from a secular background to devoted Christ-follower, Candace Nassar offers authentic insight and practical encouragement, inviting parents to rethink how—and why—they parent. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Redefining the Mission: Purposeful Parenting Why it’s easy to skip over the “why” of parenting and focus on performance or success (00:22) The critical distinction between “ownership parenting” and “ambassador parenting”—and how this shift can transform your family (02:06, 25:56) A Testimony of Transformation Candace Nassar’s powerful story: from a broken home and secular ambitions to surrendering everything for Christ and discovering her true identity as a mother (04:49, 13:04) The generational impact when one mother bravely says “yes” to God Cultural Pressure & Parental Stress—Setting a New Foundation Why our culture pushes parents to control, manage, and perform—and how this leads to overwhelming stress, anxiety, and fear (19:36) How social media and comparison culture fuel burnout and feelings of inadequacy Trust vs. Control: Finding Freedom “Control is what I tend to when I’m struggling to trust.” How to spot control creeping into your parenting, even in well-intentioned moments (29:41) Practical red flags: When anxiety spikes, it may be a sign you’re crossing the line into ownership (39:01) Ambassador Parenting: The Heart of Christ at Home Candace Nassar shares how parenting as Christ’s ambassador reframes discipline, discipleship, and daily rhythms (41:32) “Gentle firmness”: Rejecting harsh authoritarianism and passive permissiveness by modeling the compassion and boundaries of Jesus (46:45) Infusing faith into the ordinary—dinnertime reflections, spontaneous prayers, and seeing God in daily moments (48:56) Moving Forward: Grace and Growth Step-by-step guidance for moms convicted by ownership parenting—beginning with honest reflection and a prayer: “Lord, search my heart. Show me where I’m trying to control, and help me trust you more.” (52:05) Key takeaway: The ultimate goal is not to raise successful children, but kingdom-minded disciples who love and serve the Lord (55:21) Standout Quotes: “If we get the foundation wrong, even with the best intentions, we can end up striving for outcomes that were never ours to control.” — Catherine “When we realize our children aren’t ours to own but to steward for God, it changes everything.” — Candace Nassar “Control is an illusion. If we can’t trust God with our kids, parenting becomes exhausting.” — Candace Nassar About the Guest: Candace Nassar is the founder and executive director of MomQ and a passionate mentor to Christian moms nationwide. With a background in business and education, and extensive ministry experience, she helps mothers move from striving and self-reliance to purpose and grace-grounded parenting. Learn more about MomQ’s curriculum and resources at momq.org. Why This Matters: In a culture that judges parents by their children’s achievements, our faith calls moms and dads to trade anxiety and control for the freedom and fruitfulness of ambassador parenting—reflecting the heart of Christ at home. Modern Application: Parents, where are you tempted to “own” your children’s path, and where could you invite God’s grace to take the lead? Get candid, reflect honestly, and begin the journey from anxiety to trust today. EPISODE LINKS: MomQ, Biblical Wisdom for Christian Moms MomQ Podcast (available on all major platforms) Call to Action: How might your relationship with your child—and with God—change if you made the daily choice to become His ambassador instead of their owner? Share your thoughts, questions, or breakthroughs with us by tagging #ChristianParentCrazyWorld on social media. Tune in, reflect, and step into this new, freeing vision of parenting today. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Teen suicide is a subject no parent ever wants to face—but in today’s world, it’s a crisis that cannot be ignored. In this heartrending and hope-filled "Best Of" episode, Catherine sits down with featured guest Emma Benoit, a vibrant young woman whose hidden battle with anxiety led to a suicide attempt that changed her life forever, and with expert guest Jennifer Ellers, a Christian counselor and crisis responder specializing in youth suicide prevention. Host Catherine brings listeners a gripping and candid conversation about the epidemic of teen suicide—a tragedy impacting families in every community. With staggering statistics showing suicide as the second leading cause of death among young people, the need for awareness and action has never been greater. Special Guests: Emma Benoit: Once a vibrant, high-achieving varsity cheerleader, Emma survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound at 16. Paralyzed from the waist down, Emma has transformed her pain into purpose, becoming a passionate advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. Jennifer Ellers: Christian counselor, crisis responder, trainer, and author specializing in youth suicide prevention. Jennifer’s insights bridge clinical expertise with faith-based hope. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Emma’s Hidden Battle Hear Emma Benoit candidly recount how crippling anxiety and private pain led her to the brink—while outwardly, no one suspected she was suffering. “No one knew...because I was ashamed of it,” she shares, highlighting the dangerous power of stigma and secrecy (08:17). Warning Signs & Early Intervention Jennifer Ellers unpacks what every parent needs to know: the evolving age of onset (with cases now seen as young as six years old!), the often-masked signs of distress, and why honest, nonjudgmental conversations are the most important tool parents possess (10:12). The Seductive Lie of Suicide Both Emma Benoit and the experts stress that “no one wants to end their life—they want to end their pain.” The moment after her attempt, Emma was flooded with regret—a pattern echoed by many survivors. Suicide is rarely about death, but the desperate desire for relief (22:31). The Spiritual Battle Beneath the Surface Catherine, Emma Benoit, and Jennifer Ellers break the silence on the spiritual warfare at play—how despair is more than physical or emotional, but a real assault on hope itself. “You won’t convince me there’s not a spiritual component… that voice, that seduction, I absolutely believe is Satan,” Jennifer Ellers declares (34:56). Hope, Healing, and Taking Action This episode is not just a call to awareness—it’s a message of hope. Emma’s road to recovery, both physically and spiritually, is nothing short of miraculous. She offers a lifeline to every young person listening: “It’s okay to feel that way. Just hang in there. It gets better, and hope is so real” (40:34). Practical Guidance for Parents: Ask the uncomfortable questions, openly and directly. Cultivate an environment where feelings are named and normalized. Treat mental health as a body, mind, AND spirit issue—seek help, including professional and faith-based support. If there is a threat of harm, remove potential means and seek immediate intervention. Notable Moments: “Death isn’t what [the suicidal] are after—it’s the escape from the turmoil and pain.” – Emma Benoit “It’s a mind, body, spirit issue. If you leave out any one aspect, you’re not treating the whole person.” – Jennifer Ellers “God has a plan to deliver everyone. We have to submit to His prescription, whatever that means.” – Catherine About the Guests: Emma Benoit shares her story widely through My Ascension, a documentary shown in schools and communities across the country. Jennifer Ellers is a leader in Christian counseling and crisis intervention, affiliated with the American Association of Christian Counselors. Connect & Resources: Learn more about Emma’s mission and the My Ascension film: myascension.us Find counseling and suicide prevention resources: aacc.net In a crisis? Call or text 988 for immediate help. List of Scriptures to pray over those struggling with mental illness: Catherine's Resources PARENT CHALLENGE: Are you willing to look beneath the surface and have the hard conversations? This week, ask your child—even if they seem “fine”—how they’re really feeling. What would happen if you treated emotional pain as seriously as physical pain, and taught your family to do the same? Listen now, and help bring hope into the darkness—because as Christian parents, we are called to fight for life, truth, and healing for our children. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There’s an invisible crisis happening right before our eyes—men are suffering in silence, and too often, the warning signs go unseen until it’s too late. In this raw and deeply personal episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine confronts the urgent mental health struggles facing the men and boys we love most. Following a heartbreaking loss in her own circle—a former student and friend of her son who took his own life—Catherine welcomes accomplished physician and public health leader Dr. Tyler Evans to the show. With over four decades of crisis response in 110 countries and expertise in infectious diseases and addiction medicine, Dr. Tyler Evans shines a light on the hidden epidemic of men’s mental health. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Staggering Statistics: Four out of five suicides in the U.S. occur among men—why are their cries for help so often missed? Root Causes Unmasked: Dr. Tyler Evans breaks down the key drivers, including emotional suppression, cultural pressures, “emotional illiteracy,” and the uniquely lethal methods men often choose in a crisis. Signs You Can’t Ignore: Learn how to spot the subtle and overt behavioral changes, increased substance use, and other red flags that surface before a crisis moment. Practical Ways to Show Up: Catherine and Dr. Tyler Evans discuss actionable strategies—asking reflectively, listening without judgment, staying connected, and reducing access to lethal means. Parenting Through Prevention: How can Christian parents—especially mothers—foster emotional intelligence in boys, help break generational cycles of silence, and make space for “big feelings” in everyday conversations? Faith as a Lifeline: Catherine reminds listeners of the power of prayer and the importance of turning to Scripture, partnership with Christian counselors, and supporting one another in faith. Notable Episode Moments: Dr. Tyler Evans explains the difference in suicide methods and why men’s emotional struggles so often go undocumented—and therefore untreated—at 07:41. “Giving men permission can come with such a sigh of relief,” Dr. Tyler Evans urges at 21:00, championing persistence and compassion over confrontation. The vital role of removing lethal means like firearms or dangerous medications during acute crises is emphasized at 30:38. “It is not too late to break generational cycles,” Dr. Tyler Evans encourages parents at 25:21, pointing to signs of hope among Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Why This Matters: This episode isn’t just about statistics—it’s a call for Christian parents to become vigilant, compassionate first responders in their own homes and communities. The silence must be broken, and the cycles of emotional isolation interrupted, for the sake of our husbands and sons. Modern Application: Are you nurturing an atmosphere where your sons and husbands can share their deepest feelings? Are you ready to ask uncomfortable questions and respond with grace, even when it's hard? As believers, let’s lead the charge in seeing and supporting the men in our lives, before another tragedy takes place. About the Guest: Dr. Tyler Evans is an infectious disease physician, epidemiologist, and public health leader, author of Pandemics, Poverty, and Politics, and the former Chief Medical Officer for NYC’s COVID-19 response. He currently leads Wellness Equity Alliance, focusing on accessible mental health care for all. Connect with Dr. Tyler Evans: wellnessequityalliance.com drtylerevansmd.com Book: Pandemics, Poverty, and Politics (Johns Hopkins University Press) EPISODE LINKS: National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 Scripture list for parents praying for mental health (on Catherine’s website) Thought-Provoking Question for Listeners: Are you creating space for the men in your life—sons, husbands, brothers, fathers—to admit when they’re not okay? What intentional steps will you take today to foster emotional honesty, offer support, and build a family culture where struggles are seen and hope is never out of reach? Don’t miss this crucial conversation—and be sure to share it with someone who needs it most. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How Can a Good God Allow So Much Evil and Suffering? Wrestling with the Toughest Question in Faith For many parents—and for the next generation—one question stands above the rest as the #1 barrier to Christian belief: If God is good and all-powerful, why does He allow evil and suffering in the world? This episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World dives bravely into that profound dilemma, equipping parents to address their children’s toughest doubts and their own deepest struggles. Join host Catherine as she sits down with Dr. Douglas Groothuis, one of the most respected minds in Christian apologetics. Dr. Groothuis is Distinguished University Research Professor of Apologetics and Christian Worldview at Cornerstone University, and the author of over 20 books, including the acclaimed Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith. Beyond his accolades, listeners will be moved by Dr. Groothuis’s personal journey through heartbreak and grief, offering a unique blend of intellectual rigor and heartfelt empathy. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Why Every Worldview Faces the Problem of Evil Dr. Groothuis breaks down why not just Christianity, but every philosophy—atheism, pantheism, secularism—must wrestle with the existence of evil. Discover how Christianity uniquely anchors the concepts of good and evil. A Personal Journey Through Suffering In a moving account, Dr. Groothuis shares how the loss of his brilliant wife Rebecca to dementia challenged—and deepened—his faith, giving listeners a firsthand look at trusting God in the depths of pain 16:55. The “Greater Good” and Soul-Making Explore the idea that God can use pain, loss, and evil for a greater good—one we may not fully see from our limited vantage. As Dr. Groothuis says, “I can trust the God who I know for the things I can’t understand” 16:49. Lament: Biblical Permission to Grieve with God The conversation tackles the Biblical tradition of lament—bringing our confusion, anger, and sorrow honestly to God. Dr. Groothuis points to the Psalms and the disciples’ struggles, reminding us that doubt and pain are not signs of weak faith, but invitations to deeper trust 31:19. Answering Teens’ Toughest Questions From why God couldn’t create a world with free will and no evil, to whether evil actually exists, the episode tackles real questions from young people with honesty, logic, and compassion. Heaven: The True Hope for Suffering Believers Dr. Groothuis illuminates the ultimate Christian hope—a new heavens and new earth where suffering is redeemed, not forgotten, and God’s presence is our deepest joy 54:56. Notable Moments & Quotes: “I can trust the God who I know is there for the things that I can’t understand.” — Dr. Groothuis “Every worldview has a problem with evil—it’s not just Christianity.” — Dr. Groothuis “Jesus is the only one who has the words of life.” — Catherine 01:02:51 “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain.” — CS Lewis, quoted by Catherine 44:37 “Where else are we going to go? Nothing else will satisfy.” — Catherine reflecting on Peter’s words 35:06 Why This Matters: For Christian parents, the challenge of suffering is not just an abstract question—it strikes at the heart of faith formation in our families. This episode arms parents with both deeply reasoned answers and encouragement to walk alongside their children in seasons of doubt, suffering, or loss. Modern Application: No home is untouched by suffering. Parents, are you equipped to guide your children through questions about God’s goodness in a hurting world? Can your family find meaning in pain, and hold onto hope in hardship? About the Guest: Dr. Douglas Groothuis is Distinguished University Research Professor of Apologetics and Christian Worldview at Cornerstone University and the author of over 20 books, including Christian Apologetics and Walking Through Twilight: A Wife's Illness—A Philosopher’s Lament. His insights come not only from scholarly study, but from a heart acquainted with sorrow and a faith refined by fire. EPISODE LINKS: Dr. Groothuis' Website Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith Walking Through Twilight: A Wife's Illness—A Philosopher’s Lament Truth Tribe Podcast with Dr. Groothuis Emerging Gen Z May Deliver Huge Blow to Religion in U.S. (Baptist News Global, 6/8/18) Thought-Provoking Question: How is your family responding to the painful “why” questions of life? Are you willing to walk with your children into the hard places—and point them toward the only One who holds the words of life? Tune in for an episode that will challenge, comfort, and equip you to lead your family with courageous faith—even when the answers aren’t easy. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.