Carpool Conversations

Every child is uniquely created by God, but sometimes differences in how kids think, learn, and interact with the world can leave parents wondering how to best support them. 

In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Sara sit down with author, Bible teacher, and mom of three adult children, Kristie Anyabwile, to explore the topic of neurodiversity in kids.

Drawing from her own experience receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult, Kristi helps us understand what neurodiversity is, addresses common misconceptions about neurodivergency, and shares encouragement for families navigating a recent diagnosis. S...

What does it take to raise Generation Alpha in a world that looks nothing like the one we grew up in?

In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Sara sit down with Shane Pruitt and Shelly Melia, co-authors of Reaching Generation Alpha, to unpack the unique challenges and opportunities facing today’s kids. From technology and identity to mental health, discipleship, and building real-life relationships, they explore the things that are shaping this generation and how parents can respond with wisdom and intentionality.

You’ll hear practical encouragement on setting healthy technology boundaries, helping kids...

Parenting teenage boys can feel like a never-changing adventure filled with growth spurts, big emotions, tough questions, and endless pantry raids. In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Sara sit down with father-son authors Tim and Mark Shoemaker to discuss how parents can help their sons grow into men who love and follow the Lord.

Drawing from their book, 72 Questions (and Answers) About Life and Becoming the Man God Designed You to Be, Tim and Mark share practical wisdom for navigating the teen years with intentionality and biblical truth. From building self-control and character to having...

Friendships can be one of the greatest joys in a child's life, but they can also be one of the biggest challenges. From playground disagreements to teenage drama, parents often wonder how to help their kids build healthy, meaningful relationships.

In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Sarah sit down with Amanda Mejias, Lifeway Specialist for Girls Ministry and Women in Ministry, to talk about helping kids navigate friendships with confidence. Amanda shares practical ways parents can encourage healthy friendships, help kids work through conflict, and teach them how to communicate with honesty and kindness.

Anxiety and mental health challenges are affecting more teens than ever before, leaving many parents wondering how to help. In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Marissa sit down with Amber Lia and her son, Ollie Lia, co-authors of You Are Seen, for an honest conversation about anxiety, depression, and finding hope in the midst of struggle.

Drawing from Ollie's personal journey and the lessons they share in their book, Amber and Ollie discuss practical strategies for overcoming anxiety, the value of counseling and support, and how faith and mental health resources can work together. They...

How can you raise kids who follow Christ in a world that constantly pulls them in other directions, and what does it look like to parent with grace, wisdom, and a long-term perspective?

In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Sara sit down with Bible teacher and author Jen Wilkin to talk about the challenges and joys of raising kids who are formed by the gospel rather than the culture around them. Drawing from decades of parenting experience, Jen shares practical wisdom for navigating everything from discipline and boundaries to peer pressure and meaningful family conversations.<...

How can something as simple as play help your child grow in their faith, and how can you make play a natural part of your family's everyday rhythms?

In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Sara sit down with Brittany Compton to talk about the powerful purpose behind play. While play often comes naturally to kids, Brittany reminds parents that it is far more than just fun – it's how kids learn, grow, process emotions, build resilience, and connect with the world God made.

Together, they discuss how simple, everyday moments of play can strengthen th...

In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy Lowe and Marissa Ray sit down with Matt Lowe, chaplain and volunteer coordinator at the Real Life Center and father of two, to talk about why serving others is one of the most impactful habits families can build together. 

Matt shares how volunteering not only helps those who are benefiting from your service, but also increases gratitude, joy, and purpose in the lives of those who give their time. From packing "care bags" with preschoolers to empowering teenagers to take ownership of meaningful work, he offers practical ideas for involving k...

What does it actually look like to disciple your kids in their faith – from the early years all the way through launching them into adulthood?

In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Jeff and Courtney Osborn, parents of two grown daughters who love the Lord, care deeply for others, and still have a strong relationship with their family. Jeff and Courtney share honest reflections from their parenting journey – the things they did well, the things they’d do differently, and how they learned to trust God with their kids every step of the way.

You’...

Part of the WinShape Camps Drive-In Track series–audio experiences created for Campers and families on their way to camp.

The drive to Overnight Camp is filled with excitement, anticipation, and maybe even a few butterflies—for both Campers and parents. Whether this is your Camper’s very first week away or a summer tradition they’ve been counting down to, this Drive-In Track is designed to help your family start the journey with encouragement, laughter, and truth.

You’ll join Ranger Stu, Amy, and Speedy on the way to camp as they welcome your Camper, bu...

Part of the WinShape Camps Drive-In Track series—special audio experiences created for parents, guardians, grandparents, and loved ones after Camper drop-off.

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Dropping your Camper off at Overnight Camp is a big moment–filled with excitement, anticipation, and maybe even a few butterflies. This special Drive-Out Track is designed just for you, offering encouragement, a few helpful reminders, and a glimpse into the incredible week ahead.

Parents, as you make your way home, take a moment to tune in for a glimpse into this summer’s theme–Ascend–and a special thank-you from our team.

Part of the WinShape Camps Drive-In Track series—short audio experiences for families to listen to on their way to camp.

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Camp mornings can feel rushed—breakfast on the go, bags packed, everyone trying to get out the door. These short daily Drive-In Tracks are designed to meet you right there! Each day offers a short audio experience to encourage your Camper, introduce a meaningful truth, and spark conversations that can continue long after the camp day ends.

In this episode, you’ll join Tiff and Aaron on the way to camp as they wel...

Part of the WinShape Camps Drive-In Track series–short daily audio experiences created for Campers and families on their way to camp.

Camp mornings can feel rushed–breakfast on the go, bags packed, everyone trying to get out the door. These quick Drive-In Tracks are designed to meet you right there, helping Campers start the day with excitement, meaningful truth, and conversations that can continue long after camp ends.

Today, join Tiff and Aaron as they look back on everything we learned yesterday and remind Campers that no matter what lies ahead, they never have to f...

Part of the WinShape Camps Drive-In Track series–short daily audio experiences created for Campers and families on their way to camp.

Camp mornings can feel rushed–breakfast on the go, bags packed, everyone trying to get out the door. These quick Drive-In Tracks are designed to meet you right there, helping Campers start the day with excitement, meaningful truth, and conversations that can continue long after camp ends.

In this episode, you’ll join Tiff and Aaron on the way to camp as they encourage your Camper to show up as their true self and re...

Part of the WinShape Camps Drive-In Track series–short daily audio experiences created for Campers and families on their way to camp.

Camp mornings can feel rushed–breakfast on the go, bags packed, everyone trying to get out the door. These quick Drive-In Tracks are designed to meet you right there, helping Campers start the day with excitement, meaningful truth, and conversations that can continue long after camp ends.

In this episode, you’ll join Tiff and Aaron on the way to camp as they reflect on what your Camper has learned so far and challe...

Part of the WinShape Camps Drive-In Track series–short daily audio experiences created for Campers and families on their way to camp.

Camp mornings can feel rushed–breakfast on the go, bags packed, everyone trying to get out the door. These quick Drive-In Tracks are designed to meet you right there, helping Campers start the day with excitement, meaningful truth, and conversations that can continue long after camp ends.

In this episode, you’ll join Tiff and Aaron on the way to camp as they celebrate all your Camper has experienced this week and remind them o...

In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Sara sit down with Taylor Shannon from ESP (Extra Special People) to talk about what it really means to help kids with disabilities experience belonging. Taylor shares how ESP creates relationship-centered spaces where individuals with disabilities and their families are known, valued, and included, and offers practical encouragement for parents who want to raise compassionate, confident kids who see and celebrate others well.

Together, they discuss how to respond when kids ask awkward questions in public, simple ways families can build genuine friendships within the disability community, and what...

In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Marissa sit down with Beth Guckenberger – co-founder of Back2Back Ministries, author, speaker, and mom – to talk about a parenting challenge many families face – helping kids process difficult, confusing, and sometimes complicated news.

So how do parents talk honestly about hard things without overwhelming or frightening their kids? Drawing from her experience as a missionary, parent, and ministry leader, Beth shares practical, faith-filled wisdom for navigating tough conversations with confidence and compassion.

Together, they discuss how to discern what to share (and what not to share), signs your c...

In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Marissa sit down with author, speaker, and podcast host Tara Sun to talk about something every parent feels but rarely escapes—overwhelm. Between packed schedules, constant noise, and the pressure to “do it all,” finding peace can feel out of reach.

Drawing from her book Overbooked and Overwhelmed, Tara shares her personal story of hitting a turning point that revealed just how disconnected she had become—from God, from her purpose, and even from the present moments of motherhood. With honesty and encouragement, she reminds parents that peace isn’t found in...

In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with author and mom of four, Amber Lia, to talk honestly about something many parents wrestle with but rarely say out loud—anger. Drawing from her new book, Untriggered: 60 Days of Transformation for Moms Who Struggle with Anger, Amber shares her own story with refreshing vulnerability and offers practical, grace-filled tools for the moments when frustration rises.

Together, they explore how anger shows up in parenting, recognizing the difference between righteous anger and destructive frustration, and what it looks like to grow in patience even on the hardest days. Am...

From big questions to big imaginations, every child has a unique spark of creativity worth noticing and nurturing.

In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Emily and Marissa sit down with Travis Hawkins, Manager of the Creative Services team at WinShape Camps to talk about what it looks like to nurture creativity and curiosity in our kids. Together, they explore how creativity reflects the heart of our Creator, how every child may express their creativity differently, and how parents can encourage it in simple, meaningful ways.

Whether your child loves to build, imagine, ask questions, make...

Kids experience a lot of emotions—and sometimes those feelings can change by the minute. As parents, it can be hard to know how to help our kids understand what they’re feeling and express themselves in healthy ways. 

In this episode we sit down with author, speaker, and family coach Dr. Josh Straub to talk about why emotional awareness matters and how parents can create space for meaningful conversations about feelings.

Josh and his wife, Christi, have dedicated their work to helping families grow in emotional intelligence and healthy relationships. Together, they’ve written a child...

From the pressure to “get it right” to the constant second-guessing, so many of us carry quiet questions in motherhood: Am I doing enough? Am I messing this up? Am I a good mom?

In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Sara and Marissa sit down with author and podcast host Hallie Dye to talk honestly about the weight moms carry—and the freedom found in surrendering that weight to the One who never fails.

Hallie shares the heart behind her first book, You’re Still a Good Mom: Motherhood Surrendered to the One Who Never Fails, a...

In a culture that celebrates busy schedules and constant hustle, what would it look like to slow down as a family?

This week, Sara and Marissa sit down with author and mom of four, Samantha Decker, to talk about unhurried parenting. Drawing from her book Unhurried, Samantha shares how the Lord used a simple call to to reshape her family’s rhythms and perspective on eternity.

They discuss margin, the connection between control and hurry, and practical steps for creating a schedule that makes room for what matters most. This episode offers encouragement and hope fo...

How do we help our kids see beyond themselves—and discover their place in God’s bigger story? In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Sara and Marissa sit down with author, illustrator, and global ministry leader Sarah Nunnally to talk about giving kids a vision for their community and the nations.

Drawing from her years serving overseas and her new children’s book series God Everywhere, Sarah shares practical, hope-filled ways parents can nurture compassion, curiosity, and faith in their kids—starting right where they are. You’ll walk away encouraged and equipped to help your children love their...

Where do our kids learn what they’re worth – and how do we guide them toward the truth that their value comes from God, not achievements or approval? 

Today, Amy and Marissa are joined by returning guest Margaret Sharpe to talk about how the question of worth shows up at every stage of childhood, from early elementary through high school. Together, they unpack the lies that kids often believe about themselves, how those lies evolve as kids grow, and how Scripture speaks directly to the questions our kids are asking – even when they can't find the words for the...

Chores. Just hearing the word can bring up a mix of reactions—from sighs to eye rolls to “we should really work on that in our house.” In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that seems simple on the surface but can be surprisingly challenging to put into practice. We’re talking about why chores matter and how everyday responsibilities help prepare our kids for life beyond our homes—while also building important life skills through responsibility and natural consequences.

We’re joined by Kim Smelley—mom of three, camp mom, and master of what she calls “so...

Family relationships can be some of the most meaningful—and the most challenging. In this episode, Sara and Marissa sit down with Dr. Rob and Amy Reinow from Visionary Family Ministries to talk about what reconciliation really means, why forgiveness is a heart-level issue, and how parents can cultivate a culture of healing and forgiveness in their homes. Whether you’re navigating daily conflicts or deep family hurts, this conversation offers biblical wisdom and practical steps for restoring what’s broken in your family or any relationship.

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Book: Healing Family Relationships: A Guide to Peace...

Perspective can change the way we see life, parenting, and even our daily struggles—but it’s not always easy to gain. Amy and Sara sit down with Cody Braun, Marketing Manager for WinShape Camps and father of two, to talk about how perspective can grow patience and gratitude, why it’s so hard in the moment, and practical ways to see life more clearly.

They also explore how perspective can help in every season—mountaintops, messes, and everything in between—and Cody shares lessons from parenting his young kids. Tune in for an honest, hope-filled conversation that will...

Adoption is a beautiful reflection of God’s heart — but it’s also a journey filled with questions, challenges, and deep emotions. In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Stephen Moore, Director of WinShape Camps for Communities and proud dad of three, two of whom are adopted. Stephen shares his family’s adoption story — from their first “yes” to welcoming their children home — and opens up about how faith has guided every step along the way.

Together, they unpack common misconceptions about adoption, how to navigate conversations about biological family, and what it looks like to help kids und...

We all know how important the church is in shaping a kid's faith — it’s where foundations are built and seeds of belief take root. But let’s be honest: sometimes our kids just aren’t excited about going to church. It can start to feel more like a “have to” than a “get to.”

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Collier to talk about practical ways to help kids actually look forward to church. A father of two with over 14 years of experience in kids and camp ministry, Aaron shares wisdom and encouragement to help families ma...

What happens when God calls your family to something new—and it feels a little scary? This week, we were joined by Andre Rose, who shares his family’s story of trusting God through a big life transition. From the first moment he sensed God might be leading them somewhere new, to their decision to finally say “yes”, Andre talks about how they navigated uncertainty together as a family.

If your family is walking through a change—or just wondering how to know if God is calling you to something new—this conversation will encourage and equip you to take...

Talking to our kids about the "birds & the bees" can feel overwhelming—but if we don’t, the world will have the conversation for us. In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Dr. Juli Slattery to explore why this conversation is so important and how parents can approach it with confidence and grace. From understanding biblical sexuality to setting healthy boundaries with technology, Dr. Slattery offers practical wisdom for normalizing ongoing conversations with your kids—starting early and continuing as they grow. 

You’ll hear insights on:

• Why "the talk" can feel intimidating for parents...

In today's episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Kendy Bowman as she shares her journey of parenting through grief after the passing of her husband, Cameron. She talks about the unexpected ways God prepared her family, the peace that surpasses understanding, and how she has learned to embrace both the hard and the hopeful moments along the way.

Kendy also opens up about what it looks like to help kids process something you’ve never experienced yourself, creating a new life as a family, and finding joy again even as grief remains. Whether you’re walking thro...

What does it really mean to be an engaged parent? In this episode, Michael Kelley—author of The Whole Story for the Whole Family—joins us to talk about parenting with intentionality. From helping kids grow in faith to normalizing spiritual conversations at home, Michael unpacks the mindset and actions that shape engaged parenting. Whether you’re raising little ones or navigating the teen years, this conversation offers encouragement, practical tips, and a reminder that parenting is more of a field than a factory.

Book: The Whole Story for the Whole Family – by Michael Kelley

Book: Th...

Every kid receives love differently. Understanding how your kids best experience love can transform your relationship with them. In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Dr. Gary Chapman—world-renowned author of The 5 Love Languages—as he shares how understanding your kids' unique love language can strengthen your connection and help them feel truly loved. Learn practical ways to speak love in a way your kids can hear, understand, and feel.

The Five Love Languages

The Five Love Languages of Children

The Five Love Languages Quizzes

Teen's Guide to the Five...

Did you know that over 35% of Americans today have a step-relationship? Blended families are more common than ever—and with them come unique dynamics that can be both beautiful and complex.

In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Ron Deal, one of the nation’s leading experts on stepfamilies, to talk about how parents can lead with grace, patience, and understanding in blended family dynamics. Ron shares powerful metaphors, like his famous "crock-pot" analogy, to explain why these families need time—not pressure—to thrive. He also unpacks common challenges, offers practical tools for step-parents, and give...

Marriage takes intentionality—and in the middle of raising kids, balancing work, and keeping up with the daily grind, it’s easy for couples to put their relationship on the back burner. In this episode, Amy and Marissa sit down with Genee Francis, Assistant Director of Content and Programming at WinShape Marriage, to talk about what it really looks like to invest in your marriage. 

From practical rhythms to heart-level encouragement, Genee shares wisdom for strengthening connection, building trust, and keeping Christ at the center—no matter your season. Whether you’re newly married or years into the journ...

What makes summer camp such a meaningful and formative experience for kids—and why do so many keep coming back year after year? In this episode, Amy sits down with two leaders from the WinShape Camps team for a behind-the-scenes look at how camp is intentionally designed to help kids grow in faith, confidence, and resilience. From counselor influences to outdoor play and faith-filled moments that stick, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how camp can shape your kids in powerful ways. You'll also hear about what sets WinShape Camps apart, why camp remains valuable as kids...

Parenting today can feel more challenging than ever before. Research shows that anxiety is increasing at an alarming rate, and there seems to be a decrease in kindness happening at the same time. That's where some Biblical truth can help us as parents. In this episode, Sara and Amy sit down with Ammie Akin — a wife, mom of three boys, and career educator with a background spanning all levels of administration, from elementary to high school and college. Ammie shares about being authentic as a parent, utilizing the Bible to help guide you, finding joy in whatever stage of pa...