Raising Boys & Girls
That Sounds Fun Network
Welcome to the Raising Boys and Girls Podcast with Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan. In each episode of this podcast, we’ll share some of what we’re learning in the work we do with kids and families on a daily basis at Daystar Counseling Ministries. Our goal is to help you care for the kids in your life with a little more understanding, a little more practical help, and a whole lot of hope. So pull up a chair and join us on this journey of raising boys and girls. Connect with us at raisingboysandgirls.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 3, 2026 • 39min
Episode 354: Helping Kids (And Grown-Ups) Grow in Friendship with Jesus with Sally Lloyd-Jones
Sally Lloyd-Jones, beloved children’s author of The Jesus Storybook Bible, shares how her childhood faith inspired Jesus, Our True Friend. She talks about choosing gospel stories, using design to let the gospel shine, and tackling perfectionism through the Mary and Martha story. Conversations emphasize grace, hope, laughter, and comforting children (and adults) with the truth that Jesus is always near.
Feb 26, 2026 • 34min
Episode 353: Helping Your Kids Move From Feeling to Fact with Dr. Lee Warren
Dr. Lee Warren, a neurosurgeon, Iraq War veteran, and author, blends neuroscience, faith, and hard-earned resilience in this conversation. He explores neuroplasticity, how thoughts reshape the brain, teaching kids to separate feelings from facts, a three-second pause and thought biopsy, and how manageable hardship builds real capability and hope.
Feb 24, 2026 • 38min
Episode 352: Five Things Kids Need Now Spiritually with Melissa Trevathan
Melissa Trevathan, longtime mentor and educator who founded Daystar Counseling Ministries, brings decades of experience with children and families. She discusses children’s deep longings for safety, love, and significance. She talks about spiritual formation through relationship, storytelling, nature, and how to hold space for teen doubt and belonging.
11 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 48min
Episode 351: AI and the Tech Wise Family with Andy Crouch
Andy Crouch, author and thinker about faith, culture, and technology, explains how screens reshape relationships. He discusses parasocial media, AI companions becoming trusted voices for teens, and why frictionless digital ties can stunt growth. He urges families to be intentional with rhythms and boundaries around meals, sleep, and bedrooms.
Feb 17, 2026 • 52min
Episode 350: Porn Proofing Your Kids in a Technology and AI Driven World with Kristen Jenson
Kristen Jensen, founder of Defend Young Minds and author of Good Pictures Bad Pictures, offers guidance on protecting kids from online pornography. She discusses when to start calm conversations, surprising ways kids find porn (including AI), building an internal filter beyond tech, and practical steps if exposure happens. The talk highlights links between porn, addiction, and rising child-on-child harm.
Feb 12, 2026 • 47min
Episode 349: Talking with Kids about Faith, Sexuality and Gender with Dr. Preston Sprinkle
Dr. Preston Sprinkle, theologian and author who leads the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, offers a calm, gospel-centered approach to talking with kids about identity. He discusses age-appropriate conversations, holding convictions with kindness, resisting cultural pressure, and building resilient, non-anxious relationships that keep tough talks open.
Feb 10, 2026 • 1h 3min
Episode 348: Protecting Kids Online, In the Real World and All the Awkward Conversations with Mary Flo Ridley and Megan Michelson from Birds and Bees
Megan Michelson, former middle school teacher who equips parents to talk about sex, tech, and safety, and Mary Flo Ridley, longtime family education presenter on body boundaries, join to discuss protecting kids in a fast tech world. They cover slowing down to connect, building discernment and intuition, age-appropriate screen and body boundaries, grooming cues, and keeping calm, regular conversations rather than one big talk.
Feb 5, 2026 • 31min
Episode 347: Helping Kids Have Conviction and Compassion In These Tumultuous Times with Justin Giboney
Justin Giboney, attorney and co-founder of The AND Campaign, blends faith and civic life in practical parenting advice. He discusses grounding kids’ identity in Scripture and history. He highlights modeling compassion with conviction, teaching kids to pause before reacting, and using examples like the Civil Rights movement to form steady, hopeful children.
Feb 3, 2026 • 48min
Episode 346: Five Things Kids Need Now Culturally with David and Sissy
They outline five cultural needs for children: calm, curious conversation at home; body-safety and real-world protection; active online safeguards; habits for critical thinking about media; and a steady spiritual foundation. Short, practical topics about parenting boundaries, digital rules, and building resilient family rhythms are highlighted.
Jan 29, 2026 • 32min
Episode 345: Parenting Without a Roadmap: Not Carrying Your Childhood Trauma into Theirs with Dr. Juli Fraga
Dr. Julie Fraga, a clinical psychologist who helps parents navigate relational trauma and perinatal mood concerns. She discusses how parenting can awaken old wounds. She explains how to tell when a strong reaction is yours, offers repair practices after losing your temper, and shares tools like the Change Triangle to name emotions and avoid shame spirals.
