Christian Parent, Crazy World

Have you ever felt like you had to “just accept” whatever life throws your way—even while your heart was breaking inside? Maybe someone told you it’s unfaithful to question God, or maybe you’ve wondered if it’s even allowed to be honest about your hurt and confusion. Here’s the truth: almost every believer will face moments when trusting God feels like a wrestling match.

This week on CHRISTIAN PARENT/CRAZY WORLD, we’re tackling the question no one wants to say out loud, but secretly we all wrestle with: 

Is it wrong to wrestle...

Can You Really Teach Your Kids to Study the Bible—If You Don’t Feel Confident Yourself? The “Step by Step” Method to a Lifetime of Scripture Confidence

For generations, Christian parents have been told to center their homes and hearts on God’s Word, yet few have ever been taught how to truly study it—let alone guide their children to do the same. If you’ve ever felt insecure, intimidated, or unqualified when opening your Bible, this episode is for you.

Join host Catherine and special guest Angie Baughman, founder of Steady On Ministries and...

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...

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 devote...

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 communit...

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 i...

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 r...

At some point, every Christian parent finds themselves facing “giants” — immense obstacles and seemingly impossible circumstances that stand between them and God’s promises. How you respond in these moments determines whether you move forward into the life God intends, or let fear and discouragement hold you back.

In this deeply personal and practical episode, Catherine invites listeners into her own challenging season—her husband’s unexpected job loss, a year of solo parenting, and a disastrous home renovation that threatened to derail everything. With remarkable honesty, Catherine unpacks the real struggles families encounter as they pursue God’s callin...

Too often, our entire healthcare system is designed to chase symptoms, not solutions. We numb the pain, mask the problem, and patch the visible cracks—rarely pausing to dig for the real reason something is wrong. But what if this approach is quietly failing our children and families, creating lifelong challenges where there could have been correction and healing?

In this memorable episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine pulls back the curtain on one of the most overlooked arenas where symptom-chasing can rob families of true wellness: our children’s oral and airway health during slee...

There is no greater heartbreak for a Christian parent than watching a beloved child drift away from the faith. Yet in today’s world, navigating doubt and rebellion in our kids is increasingly common — and even the most dedicated parents may find themselves walking the painful road of the prodigal.

In this powerful and hope-filled episode, Catherine concludes her two-part “Best Of” series on Gen Z with Laurie Christine , originally aired on Redeeming the Chaos. Together, they tackle the hard questions: How do you parent a child who’s struggling in their faith? How do you protect your relat...

Parents cannot afford to ignore why so many Gen Zers are walking away from Christianity. Understanding the reasons behind this dramatic cultural shift is essential for any Christian parent hoping to nurture enduring faith in their children.

In this sobering and highly relevant episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine is joined by guest Laurie Christine (author, podcast host, and biblical parenting coach) for a deep dive into the top seven reasons Gen Z is leaving the faith.

Pulling from recent Barna research, Catherine outlines the most prominent factors cited by young people, including the...

No parenting strategy—no matter how faithful or intentional—guarantees your child will follow God. In one of the most honest and tender episodes to date, Catherine and her guest, D.J Harry, open up about the heartache and hope of raising children in a culture that stands in stark opposition to biblical truth.

This is a special “best of” episode that revisits a conversation rich with candor, compassion, and wisdom, as Catherine and D.J Harry confront the painful question: Does godly parenting always produce godly kids? Drawing on profound lessons from the book of Daniel, they dis...

How do we raise children who stand strong—and even shine—in a culture determined to pull them away from God?

In this special archive series of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine dives deep into one of the most urgent questions facing Christian parents: How can we prepare our kids to stand firm in a “Babylonian” culture bent on swaying their faith?

To answer this, Catherine welcomes DJ Harry , senior pastor of Needham’s Grove Baptist Church in Central North Carolina and cohost of the Better Together podcast. With over two decades of experience in pastora...

Rest Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Command: How Christian Parents Can Rediscover the Gift of Sabbath in a Nonstop World

Few topics challenge modern Christian families more deeply than how—and why—to actually keep the Sabbath in our culture of relentless busyness and endless to-do lists. Have we missed one of God’s greatest gifts for our homes?

Catherine is joined by Dr. Steven Hall, minister, theologian, and soul-care advocate, to guide parents through the what, why, and—most importantly—the how of Sabbath-keeping for busy families today. With nearly four decades of ministry expe...

Most Christians would never dream of breaking the Ten Commandments—except, perhaps, one: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Why has the fourth commandment become the one modern believers feel comfortable ignoring? Is Sabbath rest just an antiquated Old Testament burden—or could restoring it be the antidote our over-stressed homes desperately need?

This week, Catherine welcomes back Dr. Steven Hall, a minister with nearly four decades of experience, associate professor of pastoral ministry at Lee University, and executive director of the Paul L. Walker Center for Pentecostal Preaching. An expert in biblical studies, pastoral counseli...

What if your family had a mission as clear as any thriving organization? Without intentionality, families don’t drift toward health—they drift toward chaos. In a world pulling parents in a thousand directions, many Christian families find themselves simply reacting, drifting instead of living with God-given purpose. In this must-listen episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine sits down with Derek England, Executive Director of Family ID—a ministry with over 25 years of experience equipping parents to build intentional, value-driven homes.

Why This Episode Matters:
Every family drifts—unless you set your direction on purpose...

Who Gets to Define the Next Generation? Gen Z Finds Its Voice—and Its Anchor—in Christ

Is Gen Z lost in the noise of culture, media, and politics—or are they quietly forging a radical new path of faith? In this powerful episode, Catherine sits down with high school senior and gifted poet Charis Shoemaker to explore how today’s young Christians are wrestling with identity, truth, and calling in an ever-fractured world. If you wonder what the next generation truly believes, and how Christian parents can encourage their kids to pursue God in the midst of cultu...

In an age when the foundations of freedom are being shaken around the world, this episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World asks a pivotal question: Can freedom last if we forget where it truly comes from? Far beyond politics or constitutions, is it possible to have real liberty apart from God?

Catherine welcomes world-renowned author, philosopher, and social critic Os Guinness for a thought-provoking conversation that every parent needs to hear. Os Guinness holds a doctorate in philosophy from Oxford and has authored more than 30 books, including The Magna Carta of Humanity: Sinai’s Revolutionary Faith and th...

Is America losing the true meaning of freedom? As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this urgent episode probes the foundations of liberty, the threats facing our nation, and what it takes to safeguard freedom for our children and generations to come.

In a riveting and timely conversation, host Catherine welcomes Dr. Os Guinness—esteemed philosopher, prolific author of 30+ books, and Oxford-educated scholar—on Christian Parent/Crazy World. As one of the last surviving Western eyewitnesses to the Chinese Communist Revolution, Os Guinness brings a one-in-eight-billion perspective on Marxism, the power of faith amid...

Every parent wants their kids to thrive, but what if the key to their success isn’t just grades or good behavior, but the life lessons we pass on? It’s not just important—it’s essential.

Episode Overview

In this deeply personal and practical episode, Catherine unpacks the three biggest life lessons every parent must teach their kids, weaving wisdom from her years as a performer, mother, and follower of Christ. Drawing from her unique background in theater and comedy improv, Catherine reveals how these powerful truths have shaped her own journey and can equip fa...

Sexuality and gender are among the most challenging—and unavoidable—topics facing Christian families today. As cultural voices grow louder, Christian parents can no longer afford silence or uncertainty. This episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World dives deep into these hot-button issues, offering not just “what to say,” but the biblical foundation and practical strategies every parent needs.

Joining Catherine for this vital conversation is Elizabeth Urbanowicz, founder and CEO of Foundation Worldview, a leading expert in equipping children with Christian apologetics. Elizabeth’s latest book, Helping Your Kids Know God’s Good Design: 40 Questions and Answers on Sexuality...

Talking to Your Kids About Sex and Gender Feels Overwhelming? You’re Not Alone—But You’re the Parent God Chose for This Moment.

Every Christian parent knows “the talk” is coming—but what if it’s sooner (and more important) than you think? In today’s hyper-sexualized, ever-confusing culture, silence is not an option. Someone—or something—will shape your child’s understanding of sex and identity. The real question: Will it be you, or the world?

In this courageous episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine sits down with trusted guest Elizabeth Urbanowicz, founder and CEO of Fou...

Wholesome entertainment that deals authentically with real life and honors God can feel almost impossible to find. Where can Christian parents turn for stories that inspire, edify, and wrestle with tough issues—without sacrificing biblical truth?

Catherine welcomes acclaimed author Felicia Ferguson, whose award-winning women’s fiction is making waves for all the right reasons. Felicia, who holds master’s degrees in health care administration and speech language pathology, writes novels featuring strong female characters who face trauma, tragedy, and real-world dilemmas—always anchored by Christian faith and ethical choices.

Together, they discuss how fiction can mode...

Are you laying the right foundation for your child’s mental health? The answer may be more crucial—and more surprising—than you think.

On this episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine sits down with Dr. Bill Senyard, an accomplished author, veteran pastor, and the creator of the acclaimed "Good Enough Parent" curriculum, for a candid, practical, and hope-filled conversation about strengthening our kids' mental health from the inside out.

We live in an age where children are struggling with anxiety, depression, and disconnection more intensely than ever before. As Catherine points out, the mental...

Mental health challenges among our kids are at an all-time high—and as parents, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in this timely and enlightening episode, Catherine goes straight to the heart of the matter: What are the greatest mental health needs of our children, and what can we actually do about them as Christian parents?

Catherine is joined by Dr. Bill Senyard, an experienced pastor, ministry founder, podcast host, and author of over a dozen books on critical topics like forgiveness and God’s love...

What if your family could experience faith that stretches far beyond your front door—all while riding to soccer practice or gathered around the dinner table?

This week on Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine invites listeners into a heart-expanding conversation designed to inspire parents and kids alike to join God's great story—as it unfolds across the globe. The mission: to help families connect with the courage, compassion, and steadfast faith of believers worldwide, and to see how their own lives can make a difference right where they are.

Through captivating real-life stories—ranging from kitche...

What if the world measured motherhood, not by perfection or public acclaim, but by quiet courage, surrender, and faith? In this heartfelt Mother’s Day episode of Christian Parent Crazy World, Catherine invites celebrated author and mentor Rhonda Stoppe to lift the veil on the real stories of the moms of the Bible—fearless, flawed, faithful, and sometimes forgotten women whose lives still shape generations.

Drawing from her acclaimed new book, Moms of the Bible: Life Changing Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed, and Faithful, Rhonda Stoppe brings wisdom honed by decades of ministry, parenting, and podcasting (Old Ladi...

“You can be anything you want to be!” It’s the mantra of our age—a message pumped into children by movies, books, and even well-meaning parents. But is it true? Is it biblical? Or is there a deeper, more fulfilling truth that Christian parents should pursue with their kids?

In this weighty and relatable episode, Catherine unpacks the ever-present cultural myth that our kids can become whoever—or whatever—they dream, simply with enough hard work and imagination. Drawing from a heartfelt conversation with a devoted fellow parent at the ballfield, Catherine dives into the pressures parents feel...

What story is shaping your child’s life? In a world swirling with competing narratives and cultural confusion, it’s more crucial than ever for Christian parents to help kids understand that they are living inside of God’s bigger story.

In this powerful episode, Catherine sits down with seasoned ministry leaders and authors Randy and Rozanne Frazee, co-authors of Encountering God's Love from Genesis to Revelation. With over four decades of marriage, four children, and five grandchildren, the Frazees know first-hand the joys and the heartaches of parenting—and what grounds a family’s faith through it all.

The everyday choices parents make may matter more than anything else—especially in shaping a child’s faith and future. It’s not the grand gestures, but the consistent, authentic moments—shared meals, honest conversations, and humble apologies—that lay the foundation for a lasting legacy. In a culture that often undermines Christian values, the daily witness of a parent’s genuine faith speaks louder than any church service or lesson. These ordinary routines are where children see faith lived out, and where their beliefs and character take root

In this episode, host Catherine sits down with renowned gue...

How Do We Prepare Our Kids’ Faith for Secular College? Start Here.

Few things strike fear in the heart of Christian parents like sending a child to a secular university and wondering, “Will their faith survive?” Recent research shows nearly two-thirds of young adults raised in the church disengage from faith or Christian community after leaving home—a heartbreaking statistic for families who have labored in love and prayer for nearly two decades.

In this episode, Catherine sits down with Dr. Steven Hall, a respected professor at Lee University with decades of experience in pastoral ministry...

How can Christian parents safeguard their children in a world where sexual exploitation is hidden in plain sight—even within their own homes?

In this crucial episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine welcomes Dr. Rondy Smith, founder and CEO of Rest Stop Ministries—the first long-term residential restoration program in Tennessee for female survivors of sex trafficking. Dr. Smith brings decades of frontline experience walking with women through profound trauma toward hope and restoration.

The conversation delves into one of the most urgent questions facing parents today: “How can we protect our kids from being...

Sex Trafficking: A Crisis Closer Than You Think

Sex trafficking is one of the greatest human rights crises of our time—a dark, shocking reality that is not just happening “somewhere else,” but in neighborhoods and communities across America. In this crucial episode, Catherine is joined by Dr. Rondy Smith, founder and CEO of Rest Stop Ministries, to confront the overwhelming issue of sex trafficking head-on and, more importantly, to explore what Christians can do about it.

A Call to Step Into the Darkness

Rondy didn’t become an activist because of a personal...

When your child comes home asking if science and faith can coexist, how will you answer?

In this eye-opening episode, Catherine takes on one of the most pressing battlegrounds for today’s Christian families: the supposed war between science and belief. Are young people right to think science has rendered God unnecessary? What do you do when biology class asks your kids to choose between facts and faith?

To help tackle these big questions, Catherine welcomes Allan Pereira, creative force and co-creator behind the new documentary series, The Science Dilemma. With a background in student min...

Life will throw you curveballs—but what does it take to overcome rather than become bitter, broken, or stuck?

Every parent knows the reality: plans fall apart, hearts break, and the future can look nothing like what we expected. In those moments, the temptation is to let disappointment, anger, or grief pull us away from God—or, worse, leave us stranded in bitterness and regret. But what if those hard seasons could press us deeper into faith, transforming us into true overcomers and not just survivors?

Moving From Crisis to Overcoming

In this epis...

When Life Throws a Curveball: How to Stay Faithful When the Bottom Drops Out

Few challenges stretch a parent’s faith and emotional reserves more than life’s unexpected curveball seasons—the plot twists that leave you wondering, “God, what are you doing?” How do you remain anchored in truth when the bottom drops out?

This week on Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine welcomes back her very first guest and trusted friend, Dr. Erin Barry, to help parents not only survive, but find hope and stability in life’s most turbulent moments. Dr. Barry is a clinical C...

Every Christian parent will, at some point, “blow it” with their kids—but what you do next could be the difference between wounds that linger and relationships that deepen.

In this special “Best Of” episode, host Catherine tackles one of the most universal and important questions in parenting: How do you reset when you’ve messed up with your kids? Whether it’s a moment of lost control, harsh words, or simply allowing daily stresses to overflow, the fallout can feel overwhelming. And yet, as Catherine reveals, these are the moments that matter most in shaping your child’s faith...

Nothing repairs a parent-child relationship—or models the heart of the gospel—more powerfully than eight humble words: “I’m sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me.” In a world where authority is often prized over humility, Catherine shines a light on the crucial, yet challenging, words every parent must be willing to say.

In this deeply practical “Best Of” episode, Catherine explores why these eight words are harder to say than most—and how they carry the potential to transform the atmosphere of our homes. With her trademark honesty and grace, Catherine tackles the barriers parents face in admittin...

Few topics divide opinion in the church like money. But what if much of what we've been taught about giving isn't truly biblical?

In this eye-opening episode, host Catherine welcomes Bible scholar and award-winning author, Clifton Payne Jr., to set the record straight on what the Bible really says about money, tithing, and generosity. They cut through decades of confusion and misinterpretation, addressing the guilt-driven giving, prosperity promises, and toxic church culture that have warped how Christians view their finances—and God's character.

Clifton Payne Jr. reveals little-known truths from scripture (including the fact that th...

When spiritual heroes fall, what happens to our faith—and that of our children? Financial manipulation and abuse within the church can leave deep wounds, shaking the foundation of trust and faith for entire families.

In this powerful episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, host Catherine tackles one of the most urgent and painful issues affecting Christian families today: how to respond when trusted church leaders become charlatans, using their position for financial—or even sexual—exploitation. With real-life stories, audio clips, and biblical insight, this episode equips parents to guide their children through disappointment without abandoning the tr...