Raising Godly Girls

As Halloween approaches, culture puts darkness on display in costumes, decorations, and entertainment. But the truth is, not all darkness wears a costume. Beneath the surface of our daughters’ social media feeds, school hallways, and friend groups, there are subtle yet powerful influences shaping their view of truth, beauty, and even God Himself. 

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay welcomes Dr. Natalie Atwell—a licensed clinical mental health counselor, professor, and creator of the Mental Warrior course—for an eye-opening conversation about what’s really messing with our girls’ minds. With over 20 yea...

Every day, our daughters are surrounded by cultural messages that claim to be empowering, positive, or even “spiritual.” From TikTok reels to Pinterest mantras to influencer hashtags, the slogans sound harmless—“Good vibes only,” “She believed she could, so she did,” “Trust the universe.” But as Christian parents, we have to ask: what’s really behind those words? Are they pointing our girls toward God’s truth—or leading them into deception? 

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden expose the subtle lies hidden in today’s social media trends. With insight from A...

As Halloween approaches, culture bombards our daughters with images of fear, darkness, and death—often disguised as harmless fun. But behind the costumes, creepy décor, and “fear-as-fun” mentality lies a much deeper reality: the unseen spiritual battle for our girls’ hearts and minds. 

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden unpack what it looks like to discern the subtle and not-so-subtle spiritual influences shaping our daughters. Drawing from Scripture—including Ephesians 6:12, which reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood—they help moms recognize that insecurity, re...

Courage is not the absence of fear—it’s choosing faith in the midst of fear. In this week’s episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, American Heritage Girls Executive Director and host Rachael Culpepper sits down with award-winning children’s author and content creator Kirthana Fanning to talk about raising daughters who have the courage to overcome life’s obstacles. 

Kirthana brings years of experience as a writer, producer, and the creator of Read Believe Grow TV, a YouTube channel dedicated to helping children encounter God’s truth in engaging ways. In this conversation, she shares her pa...

What makes an everyday hero? It’s not fame, recognition, or a grand stage—it’s a willingness to step into hard moments with faith and courage, even when fear is present. This week on the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dive into what it looks like for Christian families to raise daughters who are ready and willing to answer God’s call in both ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. 

Drawing inspiration from the life of missionary Elisabeth Elliot, they unpack her powerful reminder: “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different...

Every girl will face fear—whether it’s speaking up in class, standing up to a bully, trying something new, or stepping into leadership. But the true measure of courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s learning how to move forward with fear, leaning on God’s strength instead of shrinking back in doubt. 

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose tackle the topic of courage head-on, exploring how parents can help their daughters face giants with faith. Drawing from Scripture, personal stories, and AHG’s own legacy of raisi...

Shame is one of the enemy’s most powerful tools—it twists mistakes into identity, leaving our daughters believing lies like “I’m not enough, I’ll never measure up, I’ll always be a failure.” Left unaddressed, those inner whispers can grow into heavy chains that shape how a girl views herself, others, and even God. 

In this powerful conversation, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director and podcast host Patti Garibay is joined by Brittany Sawrey-Coulson, Licensed Professional Counselor and Director of Content at Trueface. With wisdom and compassion, Brittany unpacks the difference between guilt and shame, why nega...

We’ve all heard it—those quiet but crushing words our daughters whisper to themselves: “I’m not good enough.” “I always mess up.” “I’ll never get this right.” This negative self-talk may sound small, but it carries weight, planting seeds of shame, doubt, and insecurity that can shape how a girl sees herself, her choices, and even her faith. The enemy uses these whispers to keep our girls bound in fear—but God has already spoken a louder, truer word over them. 

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden dive de...

Shame has a way of whispering lies that drown out truth. For today’s girls, those lies are amplified by comparison, perfectionism, and a culture that magnifies flaws instead of celebrating God’s design. Left unchecked, shame doesn’t just shape how our daughters see themselves—it can entangle whole families in cycles of silence, generational sin, and negative self-talk. But as followers of Christ, we know shame doesn’t get the last word. 

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden step into one of the hardest yet most necessary c...

Ep. 277 — Standing in the Gap: A Parent’s Prayer for their Prodigal Child with Dr. James Banks 

Few things break a Christ-following parent’s heart more than watching a daughter walk away from her faith. In a culture where drifting and deconstruction are becoming all too common, it can feel overwhelming to know how to respond. Yet Scripture offers both hope and a blueprint: we serve a God who runs toward prodigals with open arms (Luke 15:20), and prayer is the bridge that can bring wandering hearts home. 

In this powerful episode, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executiv...

Every parent has a story. For some, it’s a story of steady faith passed down through generations. For others, it’s a testimony of wandering, stumbling, and finding God’s grace in unexpected places. No matter which story you carry, your testimony is one of the most powerful tools God has given you to disciple your daughter. 

In this episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose unpack the beauty and challenge of parenting through your own testimony. Natalie vulnerably shares about her years of struggle and redemption, while Rachael reflects on the grace of a “tame” testimony...

Every Christ-following parent dreams of raising a daughter who clings tightly to her faith. But what happens when she doesn’t? What if she begins to question, rebel, or even walk away from the truth you’ve poured into her? 

In this week’s episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose step into one of the hardest realities of Christian parenting: the prodigal season. With honesty and grace, they talk about what it looks like to parent with firm love while keeping the door open with compassion and forgiveness. 

Drawing...

Burnout isn’t just an adult problem—it’s showing up in the lives of our daughters at alarming rates. Between heavy academic loads, endless extracurriculars, and the pressure to be “perfect” online and in real life, girls today are carrying stress that leaves them weary in body, mind, and spirit. 

On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Rachael Culpepper, Executive Director of American Heritage Girls, sits down with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, physician, international speaker, and bestselling author of Sacred Rest. Together, they unpack how burnout is shaping this generation of girls—and how moms can step...

We live in a culture that applauds busyness and rewards hustle—but our daughters are quietly paying the price. Exhausted schedules, constant connectivity, and the unspoken demand to always “do more” are burning out today’s girls long before adulthood. 

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden pull back the curtain on one of the greatest needs in our homes: true Sabbath rest. Far from being an outdated ritual or just “a Sunday nap,” Sabbath is God’s gift to His people—a rhythm of renewal that restores body, mind, and soul. <...

Today’s girls are growing up in a culture that glorifies hustle—and it’s leaving them exhausted. From academics to athletics, friendships to faith commitments, many daughters are running on empty long before adulthood. Is busyness shaping their identity more than God’s truth? 

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden tackle the silent epidemic of burnout among girls. With honesty, humor, and Biblical wisdom, they share how nonstop schedules can rob girls of peace and distort their sense of worth—and how parents can push back with rhythms of...

As parents, it’s natural to want to smooth the path for our daughters—to protect them from hurt, hardship, and struggle. But when we make life too easy, we may unintentionally rob them of the very opportunities that build strength, character, and faith. 

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay, Founder & Executive Director Emeritus, is joined by Erin Kunkle, co-founder of MAVEN and a veteran homeschooling mom, to talk about why struggle is not the enemy of growth—it’s the catalyst for it. Erin draws from her experience as a ministry...

Every parent wants to protect their daughter—but when does protecting cross the line into preventing her from growing? On this week’s Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dive into the challenge of “lawnmower parenting” and how stepping back actually strengthens our daughters for the road ahead. 

Through honest stories and Biblical encouragement, Rachael and Natalie share what it looks like to let our girls face healthy adversity, build resilience, and learn to trust God’s leadership in their own lives. From kindergarten battles over hair bows to navigating playground conflicts and tough conve...

As parents, our hearts want the very best for our girls. We long to shield them from failure, hardship, and pain. But what if our desire to protect is actually preventing them from growing into the young women God created them to be? 

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dive into the parenting pitfalls of “helicoptering” and “lawnmowing”—those tendencies to hover or clear every obstacle out of our daughter’s path. Together, they wrestle with the tension between loving our girls well and trusting the Lord to use challenge...

If there’s one thing every parent of girls knows, it’s this: emotions can run deep, wide, and loud. From tearful meltdowns to dramatic outbursts, our daughters’ feelings can often feel like tidal waves that threaten to pull the whole household under. But what if those very moments weren’t interruptions to parenting—but opportunities for discipleship? 

In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay, Founder & Executive Director Emeritus of American Heritage Girls, sits down with licensed professional counselor and bestselling author Michelle Nietert to unpack how parents can guide their daughters through big...

Big emotions are a normal part of growing up—but when those emotions start calling the shots, our girls can quickly feel overwhelmed, discouraged, and even defeated. As moms, we want to raise daughters who feel deeply while also learning that their emotions don’t get to be in charge—Christ does. 

In this episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden explore what it means to guide our daughters through the highs and lows of anger, sadness, joy, and fear with patience, connection, and truth. You’ll hear honest mom-to-mom stories, practical tools like “do-overs” and weekly check-ins, an...

Emotions can be overwhelming—both for our daughters and for us as moms. From tearful meltdowns to unpredictable mood swings, it’s easy to feel like big emotions threaten to take over the day. But here’s the truth: feelings aren’t something to fix or fear. They’re invitations—opportunities to lean into God’s presence, disciple with compassion, and point our girls toward steadfastness in Christ. 

In this episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden share personal stories of their own girlhood “big emotion” moments, reminding us that as moms, we’ve stood where our daughters now stand...

In today’s fast-paced culture, the generational divide can feel wider than ever. Parents and grandparents long to pass on a vibrant faith, but too often wonder if their words will land—or if younger hearts are even listening. Statistics paint a sobering picture: nearly 70% of young adults raised in the church walk away as they enter adulthood. But this isn’t just a statistic. It’s a wake-up call to reclaim the power of spiritual legacy. 

In this episode, host Patti Garibay sits down with Kate and Mike Battistelli—parents to Grammy Award-winning artist Francesca Battistelli and faithfu...

In a culture where communication is constant but true connection feels scarce, today’s teens are navigating pressures unlike any generation before them. From endless scrolling to viral slang, it can seem like their world is unreachable for parents, grandparents, and mentors. But here’s the good news: the deepest needs of teen girls haven’t changed. They still long for trusted relationships, authentic guidance, and meaningful time with the people who care most about them. 

In this episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose unpack how to build bridges with teens who live in a tech-saturated world b...

Bridging the gap between generations isn’t just about understanding slang—it’s about building trust, opening doors for discipleship, and creating a shared language of faith. In this episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose take a lighthearted (and sometimes hilarious) look at the “Gen Z Bible,” then turn the conversation toward a much deeper truth: God is doing something unprecedented among today’s youth. 

With Gen Z leading the largest surge of faith growth in modern history, the question for parents, mentors, and leaders is clear—will we be ready to connect, disciple, and walk alongside them...

Cancel culture has become one of the most defining—and divisive—features of our modern world. For parents raising daughters, the stakes are high: one wrong post, one unpopular opinion, and she could face public shaming or social exile. How do we raise girls who remain unshaken in their Biblical convictions while leading with love, grace, and resilience? 

In this episode, Rachael Culpepper is joined by journalist, author, and cultural commentator Billy Hallowell for a powerful conversation on equipping girls to stand firm in Christ in the face of cultural pressure. Together, they unpack how cancel culture disto...

Cancel culture seems to demand that we choose sides—cutting off, calling out, and canceling others with little room for redemption. But what does a Gospel response look like? How do we teach our daughters to stand firm in their faith without returning fire with fire? 

In this Thursday episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dig deep into how the divide created by cancel culture can be reconciled—not through compromise, but through Christ. Rooted in the ministry of reconciliation described in 2 Corinthians 5, this episode explores what it means to be a peacemaker in a polarized world...

In a world where boycotts trend by the hour and social media justice can render someone “canceled” overnight, Christian parents are left wondering—how should we respond? In this insightful and deeply relevant episode, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose step into the emotionally charged topic of Cancel Culture with clarity, nuance, and a Biblical lens. 

Rather than being driven by reactionary outrage, Christians are called to be rooted in grace, truth, and discernment. The conversation explores the dangers of modern Cancel Culture—doxing, boycotting, and outrage cycles—and contrasts them with the radical love and reconciliation found in Ch...

Parenting in today’s world is not for the faint of heart—and emotional intelligence may be one of your most powerful, overlooked tools in raising a resilient, Christ-centered daughter. 

In this insightful conversation, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay sits down with Christ-centered leadership coach and author Vic Clesceri to unpack how Emotional Intelligence (EI) transforms the way we parent. From managing our own triggers to modeling self-awareness and empathy, Vic helps us see parenting not as a performance—but as a spiritual practice rooted in grace, surrender, and intentional growth. 

You’ll h...

Is your daughter shutting down emotionally—retreating behind “I’m fine” and silence when life feels too big? In a world that often confuses resilience with repression, many girls grow up without the tools or trust to process their emotions in a healthy, God-honoring way. This episode is here to help change that. 

Join co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden as they explore how to build emotional bridges with your daughter, not barriers. From personal stories of girlhood to faith-rooted wisdom, this episode will equip you with simple, practical ways to create a safe space for vulnerability—while still...

Emotions can feel overwhelming—both hers and yours. So how do you raise a Godly girl who’s emotionally wise, not just reactive? 

In this episode, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden explore how emotional intelligence (EQ) can shape your daughter’s spiritual maturity—and your parenting too. You’ll hear practical ways to help her name her feelings, respond with grace, and grow in wisdom from a Biblical Worldview. 

Discover how Jesus modeled empathy and self-control, why EQ is more than a buzzword, and how God uses emotions to shape both moms and daughters into His lik...

How do we raise daughters who reflect the humility of Christ in a world that rewards self-promotion? How do we steer their hearts away from “me first” and toward “others first”? In this powerful weekend episode, Raising Godly Girls host and American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay welcomes character education expert and author Jill Garner to explore how parents can guide girls from self-absorption to selflessness through intentional heart training. 

Jill Garner, founder of Manners of the Heart, brings decades of insight on shaping young hearts through respect-based education rooted in Biblical truth. As the autho...

From toddler tantrums to teen drama, it’s easy to spot the signs of self-focus in our daughters—but it’s harder to correct that trajectory in a culture that rewards self-obsession. This episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast gently but boldly tackles the uncomfortable topic of selfishness and entitlement, equipping moms with Biblical tools to shepherd their daughters into a Christ-centered life of humility and service. 

Co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose offer heartfelt insight, Scripture-based truth, and real-life reflection on how selfish habits form—and how to break them with grace. From the sassy toddler m...

The desire to be liked is natural—but left unchecked, it can quietly shape your daughter’s identity in unhealthy, even addictive ways. From the playground to the group chat, the pressure to earn approval can steal her joy, distort her view of self, and distance her from the truth of who she is in Christ. 

In this must-listen episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dive deep into the social and spiritual undercurrents of girls' need for affirmation. Together, they unpack how a girl’s early development can fuel her craving...

In this “best of” episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay welcomes Dr. Danny Huerta from Focus on the Family to discuss practical strategies for achieving peace at home through effective conflict resolution. The average family experiences around 2,100 arguments a year. That's nearly 49 minutes of daily conflict! But how we handle these inevitable clashes can make all the difference in fostering a loving and harmonious home environment. 

Dr. Huerta shares his expertise on the most common sources of family conflict and offers insights on how parents can identify and addre...

In this “best of” episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast co-hosts Rachael and Melissa dig deep into the often-challenging terrain of parent-daughter arguments. While sibling spats can teach valuable lessons in conflict resolution, parent-daughter disagreements require a different approach to foster healthy, respectful communication. 

Join us as we explore practical strategies and Biblical wisdom to navigate these conflicts, transforming moments of disagreement into opportunities for connection. In this episode, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay shares insightful advice on overcoming conflict and creating lasting bonds with your daughter. 

Discover the power of und...

Join co-hosts Rachael and Melissa in this “best of” episode as they discuss the complexities of sibling arguments and how to guide your daughters through them with grace and wisdom. In this replay episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, we discuss practical strategies rooted in Biblical principles to help your daughters navigate disagreements with their siblings. Featuring insights from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay, we explore the importance of cultivating a heart filled with the Fruit of the Spirit and the power of gentle, kind communication. 

Tune in as we share personal anecdotes, Bibli...

In this insightful “best of” episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay is joined by Sarah Stonestreet, the vibrant host of the Colson Center's Strong Women Podcast. Together, they delve into the core principles of raising strong, resilient girls grounded in their faith. Sarah shares her passion for empowering young girls and the pivotal role of Biblical principles in cultivating strength and boldness. They explore how parents can redefine meekness as a powerful virtue and equip their daughters to lead with humility and confidence. 

Through engaging discussions, Patti and Sarah highlight the significance of nurtu...

In this “best of” episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Natalie delve into the theme of revealing the confidence of Christ to your daughter. They share personal stories about the moments their faith truly became their own and explore how parents can guide their girls to embrace and live out the boldness of Christ in a world that often pushes back against Christian values. 

Drawing inspiration from a recent Raising Godly Girls Minute by American Hertiage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, they discuss practical ways to help girls confidently share the Gospe...

In this ‘best of’ episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Natalie explore the theme of Christian boldness. They share personal stories and Biblical examples, like Jochebed and Esther, to illustrate how women have historically and courageously advanced God's Kingdom. Emphasizing the importance of embodying faith both in word and action, they reference 1 Corinthians 1:18 and Matthew 5:14-16 to highlight that living a life reflective of Christ's teachings enhances the credibility of the Gospel message. 

The episode also features a Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus, focusing on th...

Today’s episode is a must-listen for every parent who wants their daughter’s education to be rooted in more than just grades and test scores. When it comes to shaping a girl’s heart, soul, and mind, discipleship doesn’t end at church—it starts at home. And for an increasing number of families, that includes homeschooling. 

This weekend on the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay welcomes back Yvette Hampton—host of The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast and producer of the powerful documentary Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution. Yvette shares her heartfelt journey into homeschooling and offers an...