Raising the Next Gen

Finding Balance: Kids, Screens, and Real Life

In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, Pastor Angie sits down with Mary Carpenter from The Balance Project to talk about one of the biggest challenges parents face today—technology and screen use with kids. Screens aren’t going away. But how do we help our kids grow into healthy, grounded, faith-filled people in a world that’s constantly pulling their attention? Mary shares a refreshing perspective: this isn’t about eliminating technology—it’s about creating a better balance. Together, we explore practical ways families can shift from a screen-centered life to one filled with connection, independence, and real-world experiences. You’ll walk away with simple, doable ideas to help your family take steps toward healthier rhythms with technology—without guilt, fear, or unrealistic expectations.

Letting Go and Leaning In: Parenting Kids Through Transitions

In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, we talk with Paula Odland, a licensed marriage and family therapist, about one of the biggest challenges parents face: transitions. From preschool to kindergarten, elementary to middle school, high school to launching young adults, Paula helps parents understand what’s really happening emotionally during these seasons of change. We explore why transitions can bring anxiety, resistance, or big emotions — and how parents and caregivers can support kids without rushing them or taking over. This conversation offers practical insight for helping kids build resilience, confidence, and emotional health as they move into new stages of life, while also naming what’s hard for parents when it feels like everything is changing. www.raisingthenextgen.org

When Parents Don't Have All The Answers

Many parents worry they aren’t equipped to talk about faith or the Bible with their kids. Meredith Miller reminds us that faith doesn’t grow from perfect answers — it grows from honest conversation. In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, Meredith and Angie explore how parents can create space for questions, doubt, and curiosity while guiding their kids toward a deep, resilient faith rooted in God’s love. www.raisingthenextgen.org

Faith That Takes Root: Dan Scott on Identity, Formation, and the Long View of Faith

Dan Scott joins the podcast to talk about faith formation, identity, and how curiosity and asking questions matters. www.raisingthenextgen.org

Raising Faith-Filled Kids Through Outdoor Experiences

Pastor Angie sits down with Maddie Elliott, Executive Director of Luthercrest, for an inspiring conversation about why outdoor ministry matters more than ever. Maddie shares how camp experiences help kids grow in confidence, faith, and resilience — and why play, nature, and community are essential ingredients for spiritual formation. This episode is filled with practical insights for parents and caregivers who want to help their kids unplug, explore, and encounter God in everyday moments. www.raisingthenextgen.org