Northbrook Next Gen Podcast

What does it mean to be a young adult today? In this episode, host Jon Mahlstedt sits down with Steven Argue from the Fuller Youth Institute for an honest conversation about the unique challenges emerging adults face in today’s world. Together, they discuss common misconceptions about young adults, shifting life milestones, faith crises, mentorship, and the important role both parents and the church play in creating spaces where young adults feel seen, valued, and supported. This conversation is an encouraging reminder that it’s never too early—or too late—to strengthen relationships, ask meaningful questions, and walk alongside the next generation with grace, understanding and curiosity.

Raising kids doesn’t come with a manual—but wisdom helps. This month, host Jon Mahlstedt sits down with Northbrook Lead Pastor, Mike Bellanti, for an honest conversation about building lasting relationships with your kids. Drawing from his experience raising two, now adult children, Mike shares hard-earned wisdom and practical strategies for cultivating connection, trust, and respect through a biblical lens. Together, they explore the essential do’s and don’ts of parenting as well as tools and habits you can begin to prayerfully implement over time as your children grow.

Parenting comes with a lot of questions. In this episode, we explore the top ten parenting questions I’ve been asked over the years, and share practical wisdom and encouragement for the journey of raising kids.

My guests for this episode are Paul and Katie Bernard.  Whether you are thinking about foster care, whether you are in the trenches of foster care, or just curious, you will enjoy this conversation.  Paul and Katie have been foster parents of 15 children, 5 of which they have adopted. Resource: Connecting Bridges Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/CBMilwaukee 

In this episode, Jenny Heckman, Pastor of Care, joins me for an honest and hopeful conversation designed to encourage and equip parents—not burden them.  In this episode, we talk about:• Why parents still know their kids best• Simple, powerful habits that support mental health• The real impact of social media on kids’ brains• When to step in—and when to seek help• How faith, hope, and connection make a difference.