Let's Talk TCA Podcast

Live Inspired with John O'Leary

John O'Leary, inspirational author, speaker and subject of the movie "Soul on Fire," joins Let's Talk TCA to discuss lessons from his life. When he was 9 years old, John was severely burned in a gasoline explosion and was given almost no chance to live. But his story is not one of suffering, but of love. John has spoken at different TCA events, including sharing his story at the Pursuing Victory [https://www.trinitychristian.org/give/pursuing-victory-campaign] Gala and in Upper School chapel. Listen to be encouraged that your life matters, to be challenged to say "yes" to being used for good and to gain parenting advice from someone with a unique perspective. You can learn more about John at johnolearyinspires.com [http://johnolearyinspires.com/]. Podcast episode produced by Sound of a Rose [https://www.soundofarose.com/].

Grounded Coffee Co.

TCA's new student-created and student-run coffee shop, Grounded Coffee Co., is now open! Honors Entrepreneurship Teacher Nikki Stinson and students Delaney Borud, Cavanaugh Tripp, Caden Jobe and Caleb Kim join the podcast to talk about the new business they have created in the Upper School. In the Honors Entrepreneurship class and through the process of building a new business from scratch, the students have developed resilience, grit and problem-solving skills. The mission of the coffee shop and its name, Grounded Coffee Co. both come from Ephesians 3:17-19, which talks about "rooted and grounded in love." At Grounded, students serve up "Big Brew" coffee, which is a unique blend they selected for use only at TCA. The coffee shop is already contributing to an increased sense of community at the school as people gather together and connect over a shared love of coffee. Podcast episode produced by Sound of a Rose [https://www.soundofarose.com/].

Redeeming Sports for Christ with Beck Brydon

TCA's new Executive Director of Athletics Beck Brydon joins the podcast to talk about his journey to TCA, his experiences as a coach and his goals for athletics. Coach Brydon is new to TCA, but he is already familiar with the school and community through its reputation and through being married to a TCA graduate, Trish (Kinkaid) Brydon '90. Coach Brydon shares about his heart for redeeming sports for Christ and instilling a Christian worldview through athletics. He also talks about his favorite "coach speak" terminology and shares some advice for students and parents.

The TCA Foundation with Henry Morris

Chief Development Officer Henry Morris joins the podcast to talk about the TCA Foundation. Henry joined TCA last fall to lead the Foundation, which is a separate nonprofit wholly dedicated to supporting TCA through donations. The work of the TCA Foundation includes funding Student Tuition Aid (STA); providing professional development for faculty and staff; supporting academic initiatives and the overall student experience; and investing in campus enhancements like security upgrades and facility improvements. Mr. Morris also shares about the recent record-setting Pursuing Victory Gala and the ongoing Pursuing Victory Campaign [https://www.trinitychristian.org/give/pursuing-victory-campaign]. The campaign has already funded improvements such as new turf on the baseball, softball and football/soccer fields; new lighting for baseball and softball; new track; resurfaced tennis courts and gym floor; and video scoreboards in the MCB Gym. Phase two of the campaign will allow for new home stands at Tom Landry Stadium, complete with girls locker rooms, training rooms and coaches' offices; renovation of the Field House; new player development areas for baseball and softball; and covered seating at the softball field. You can learn all about the Pursuing Victory Campaign at trinitychristian.org/give/pursuing-victory-campaign [https://www.trinitychristian.org/give/pursuing-victory-campaign].

How to Talk With Your Kids When the News Is Scary

Unfortunately, we live in a world where bad things are often in the news — things ranging from natural disasters to wars to local tragic events. Such things can be emotionally difficult to process even for adults, and they can cause fear and sadness in kids. As parents, how can we shepherd our children when they hear news that might be scary to them? In this episode, Lower School Counselor Emily Eyre, Middle School Counselor Shawn Ledebur and Upper School Counselor Linda McDonough discuss how to talk with kids of different ages when they are concerned about events in the world around them. They share tips on how much information to share with kids, what questions to ask, how your approach can change as your children grow older and how to manage your own emotions as a parent when faced with such news. This pre-recorded episode is not in response to any particular event, but it is designed to be a resource parents can turn to whenever any such events happen.