Raising Godly Girls
For over 30 years, American Heritage Girls® has come alongside families and youth ministry leaders in offering Christ-centered, girl-focused character development. Through the Raising Godly Girls® Podcast, presented by American Heritage Girls, listeners get to tap into the advice that seasoned AHG leaders have gleaned over three decades of ministering to girls. Plus, hear from industry experts with solutions to a broad range of issues impacting today's girls. Get Biblically-sound and actionable tips from fellow parents, volunteers, and thought leaders on how to raise up a girl after God's own heart.
Ep. 386 – Rock-Solid Dads: Celebrating Christian Fatherhood with Andy Dalton
In a culture that often minimizes the role of fathers, Scripture paints a very different picture—one of strength, servant leadership, and spiritual legacy.
In this powerful episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Melissa Bearden welcomes Andy Dalton of Rock Solid Families for a conversation about the life-shaping influence of faithful Christian dads. Together, they explore how spiritually healthy fathers help anchor their daughters' identity, build confidence rooted in Christ, and model God's design for family leadership.
Today's cultural messaging frequently tells men that marriage and children will limit their pe...
Ep. 385 – Godly & Faithful: Celebrating the Christian Dads in Our Lives
Father's Day has a way of bringing out the little things that matter most—inside jokes, favorite meals, family traditions, and the quiet, faithful presence of a dad who loves his family well. In this special Father's Day week episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden celebrate the powerful role Christian fathers play in shaping the hearts and faith of their daughters. From chess games and sports afternoons to songs, gummy candy, and chicken fried steak, this conversation is packed with warmth, encouragement, and practical ways to honor the Godly dads in our li...
Ep. 384 – Solid Christian Families Start with Solid Christian Dads
As Father's Day approaches, this heartfelt episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast celebrates the incredible gift of Christian dads and the powerful role fathers play in shaping the hearts, faith, and future of their daughters.
Co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden dive into what strong, Christ-centered fatherhood looks like in today's culture—a balance of strength and gentleness, wisdom and fun, protection and empowerment. In a world that often minimizes or mocks fathers through media and cultural messaging, this conversation boldly affirms that dads matter deeply in God's design for the family.
Drawing from re...
Ep. 383 – Financially Faithful Girls: Stewardship, Spending, and Godly Wisdom with Matt Bell
Money is one of the most practical—and spiritual—areas of our lives, yet it's often one of the least intentionally taught within the home.
In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Patti Garibay welcomes financial author and stewardship expert Matt Bell for an important conversation about raising girls who honor God with their finances. From everyday spending decisions to long-term financial planning, this episode explores how parents can disciple their daughters to think Biblically about money from an early age.
Together, Patti and Matt tackle some of the most...
Ep. 382 - From Lemonade Stand to Lead: Giving Your Girls Ways to Practice Godly Money Habits
In this inspiring episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose explore how to nurture an entrepreneurial spirit in your daughter—one that's not driven by profit alone, but by purpose, generosity, and a heart for God's Kingdom.
From childhood lemonade stands to bold, big-picture leadership, this conversation invites moms to see everyday opportunities as training grounds for future influence. With relatable stories of early entrepreneurial attempts (some more successful than others!), Rachael and Natalie highlight the value of giving girls space to try, fail, learn, and grow—building confidence and resilience alon...
Ep. 381 - Why You're the Most Accurate Predictor of Your Girl's Adult Money Habits Someday
In this practical and heart-checking episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose kick off a brand-new series on Biblical financial stewardship—helping moms raise girls who handle money with wisdom, contentment, and Christ-centered purpose.
From lighthearted conversation about being a "spender" or a "saver" to deeper reflections on what money reveals about our hearts, this episode gently guides listeners into a Biblical understanding of stewardship. Rachael and Natalie break down this foundational concept into three simple practices—giving, saving, and spending—while reminding us that how we manage money ultimately reflects what w...
Ep. 380 – Why Genesis Matters: Helping Girls Build a Foundation of Faith
What does the Book of Genesis have to do with modern motherhood, science classes, dinosaur questions, and raising confident Christian girls in today's culture? In this rich and encouraging weekend conversation on the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Natalie Ambrose sits down with scientist, author, and ministry leader Dr. Georgia Purdom to unpack why the very first book of the Bible still matters deeply for families today.
Between busy schedules, endless cultural noise, and the pressure to "keep up" with modern parenting trends, many Christian parents can feel overwhelmed trying to raise girls with a strong Biblical...
Ep. 379 - Ways Your Girl Can Steward the Environment Biblically
In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden continue their Genesis series with a conversation that feels especially relevant in today's world: what does it actually mean to "steward the earth" as a Christian family?
Starting in Genesis 1:28, Rachael and Melissa unpack the idea of dominion—not as domination or destruction, but as thoughtful care, cultivation, and responsibility. Using the simple but powerful analogy of gardening, Rachael paints a picture of stewardship as tending, nurturing, and bringing order to what God has created. It's a perspective shift that invites both mo...
Ep. 378 – Helping Your Girl Understand the Importance of 'In the Beginning, God'
In this thought-provoking episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden kick off a powerful new series centered on the Book of Genesis and its relevance for today's families. With warmth, curiosity, and a shared love for Scripture, they begin at the very beginning—exploring the creation account and what it reveals about God's nature, His design, and His enduring truth.
From imagining the wonder of each day of creation to unpacking why it matters that we teach our girls the truth of Genesis—not just as a story, but as a hist...
Ep. 377 – When Faith Meets Fatigue: Hope for Strong Women Leaders with Ann E. Thompson
Leadership is a gift, but it can also be exhausting.
Many Christian women today are carrying a heavy load: leading at work, serving in ministry, managing a home, discipling their children, nurturing a marriage, and striving to remain faithful in their own walk with the Lord. And while the calling is beautiful, the fatigue can be very real.
In this encouraging episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Melissa Bearden sits down with author and mentor Ann E. Thompson to talk about what happens when faith meets fatigue. Together, they explore how women...
Ep. 376 – Modeling Servant Leadership in Your Family
Welcome back to Raising Godly Girls, the podcast where we equip and encourage you to raise daughters with courage, character, and Christ-centered confidence.
In today's conversation, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose pull back the curtain on one of the most influential leadership environments your daughter will ever experience—your home. While leadership is often discussed in boardrooms, classrooms, and public platforms, this episode brings it right to the kitchen table, the car ride, and the everyday rhythms of family life.
Natalie begins by exploring the idea of "leadership style" and how modern parenting frameworks at...
Ep. 375 – Faith-Fueled Leadership in Your Girl
What does leadership look like for the next generation of Christian girls and women? In this empowering episode of Raising Godly Girls, Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dive into a conversation every faith-filled family needs to have: how strong faith fuels confident, wise, Christ-centered leadership.
From ministry leadership and motherhood to the everyday moments where girls learn to step up, this episode reminds listeners that leadership is not reserved for adulthood. God begins shaping leaders early—through growth, mistakes, humility, and courage. Whether your girl is naturally bold or quietly influential, this conversation will help you nurture th...
Ep. 374 – Gratitude & Responsibility: The Heart of Memorial Day with Tim Barton of Wallbuilders
Memorial Day is more than a long weekend—it is a sacred invitation to remember.
In this special episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Natalie Ambrose welcomes Tim Barton of WallBuilders to explore the deeper meaning behind Memorial Day and how Christian families can approach patriotism with both gratitude and responsibility. In a culture where love of country can sometimes feel politically charged or divisive, this conversation offers a balanced, Biblically grounded perspective on Christian citizenship.
Together, they reflect on lessons from America's history, the faith convictions that shaped our na...
Ep. 373 – Connecting Your Family to Your Community through Patriotism
What does it look like for neighbors to truly come together—linking arms, sharing life, and building something meaningful right where God has placed them?
In this special Memorial Day–focused episode of Raising Godly Girls, Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden shift the conversation away from the noise of cultural division and toward something far more powerful: Christ-centered community. Because while patriotism can stir strong opinions, this episode invites families to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us.
You'll be reminded that as believers, our identity is anchored first in Christ. We are...
Ep. 372 - Passing Along a Biblical Worldview of Memorial Day to Your Girl
As Memorial Day approaches, many families begin to reflect on what it truly means to love and honor our country. In this meaningful episode of Raising Godly Girls, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden step into a timely and sometimes complex conversation: how do we raise daughters who hold both a deep love for God and a healthy, grounded appreciation for their country?
From heartfelt memories of national unity in the days following 9/11 to personal traditions like placing flags on veterans' graves, this episode invites moms to consider how patriotism is formed—not just in grand gestures, bu...
Ep. 371 – Faithful & Fierce: Sustaining Ministry & Life without Burnout with Melissa Mashburn
For many Christian women, vocational ministry is both a calling and a weight they carry daily. In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Melissa Bearden is joined by ministry leader, speaker, and author Melissa Mashburn for an honest and hope-filled conversation about sustaining ministry without succumbing to burnout or performance culture.
Together, they explore the unique pressures faced by working women and moms in ministry settings, where faith, leadership, family, and expectations often collide. Drawing from New Testament Scripture, personal experience, and pastoral wisdom, Melissa Mashburn helps listeners reframe calling through the...
Ep. 370 – When Home & Ministry are Mixed Arenas for Your Family
In this heartfelt episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Melissa Bearden and Natalie Ambrose open an honest, encouraging conversation about what it means to walk in vocational ministry as a woman—especially in the midst of motherhood. Whether your work happens inside the home, within the Church, or out in the world, this episode reminds you that your calling is deeply seen, eternally significant, and worthy of intentional stewardship.
Melissa shares her personal journey from serving in women's and children's ministry to stepping into a full-time vocational role—offering a powerful glimpse into how God ofte...
Ep. 369 - Setting a Sustainable Example for Your Girl as a Modern Working Mom
What does it look like to faithfully navigate work, motherhood, and calling—all at the same time?
In this honest and encouraging episode of Raising Godly Girls, co-hosts Melissa Bearden and Natalie Ambrose open the door to a conversation so many moms are living in real time: the journey of being a working mom. Whether you're in the home, in the office, working remotely, or juggling a side hustle, this episode meets you right where you are.
Melissa and Natalie share their own stories—highlighting the ebb and flow of seasons, the factors that shape work...
Ep. 368 – Christian Motherhood, Faith, and God's Faithfulness with Rebecca St. James
In this special Saturday episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, we pause to celebrate Christian motherhood in all its forms—the visible and the unseen, the joyful and the sacrificial, the seasons of waiting and the moments of fulfillment. Host Rachael Culpepper is joined by beloved Christian artist, author, and mom Rebecca St. James for a conversation that honors the sacred calling of mothers and the God who faithfully meets them in every chapter.
Rebecca reflects on how her journey of faith has evolved through marriage and motherhood, sharing how God has shaped her he...
Ep. 367 - Celebrating God's Design for Supported Motherhood
Mother's Day is here—and while it's a time to celebrate, many moms are quietly carrying more than anyone realizes.
In this special Mother's Day week episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden speak directly to the heart of the modern Christian mom—the one juggling the mental load, navigating loneliness, and wondering if she's the only one feeling overwhelmed.
With research showing that many mothers today feel more isolated than expected, this episode offers a refreshing and faith-filled reset. Because the truth is, mama—you were never meant to do thi...
Ep. 366 – The Holy High Five that All Christian Moms Need
Motherhood is no small calling—and if you've ever felt the weight of it, you're not alone.
In this special Mother's Day week episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden bring encouragement, honesty, and a little holy boldness to the conversation. From late-night theological questions in pajamas to the everyday rhythms of meals, messes, and meaningful moments, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that motherhood is full-contact ministry—and none of it is wasted.
With her signature passion, Melissa sets the tone by reminding moms that shame has no place in t...
Ep. 365 – Raising Adventurous Girls: How God Uses Creation, Curiosity, & Courage with Hudson Wild
In today's digital-first world, many girls are growing up more anxious, more indoors, and more disconnected from God's creation than ever before. In this episode of Raising Godly Girls, host Natalie Ambrose sits down with Hudson Wild of Wild Brothers TV to explore how outdoor adventure can become a powerful tool for nurturing mental health, faith, and courage in young Christian girls.
Hudson shares how growing up in remote corners of the world shaped his understanding of God, His creation, and the Great Commission. From kayaking in Indonesia to filming faith-filled adventures across the globe, Hu...
Ep. 364 – It's Not Only Up to Your Girl to Save the Planet
In a culture where climate concerns are rising—especially among the next generation—how can parents guide their girls to respond with truth instead of fear?
In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden step into a timely and often emotionally charged conversation: climate change, cultural messaging, and what it means to raise a girl with a confident, Biblical Worldview. With research showing that many Gen Z girls feel deep concern about the future of the planet, this episode equips parents to meet those concerns with compassion, clarity, and Christ-centered truth.
<...Ep. 363 – Your Family's Joy & Adventure in Discovering Your Local Outdoors
Spring has sprung—and with it comes a fresh invitation to step outside, slow down, and rediscover the beauty of God's creation.
In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden kick off a week of conversations centered on the wonder of the outdoors and the role it plays in shaping a girl's faith. Whether your family thrives on planned adventures or leans into spontaneous Saturday outings, this conversation will encourage you to see the natural world not just as a backdrop—but as a living testimony to God's power, presence, and purp...
Ep. 362 — When Mom Feels Overwhelmed: Editing Life with Godly Intention with Jamie Erickson
If motherhood has ever felt like too much—too busy, too heavy, too lonely—you are not alone. And more importantly, you were never meant to carry it all by yourself.
In this weekend edition of Raising Godly Girls, host Melissa Bearden invites you into a deeply encouraging and honest conversation about the reality so many moms are quietly facing: overwhelm. With cultural pressures mounting and expectations soaring, today's mothers are navigating exhaustion, isolation, and the constant feeling of falling short. But what if there was a better way? A more intentional, peaceful, and joy-filled rhythm rooted in C...
Ep. 361 – Embracing the Art of Presence in Your Family's Special Calendar Moments
What if saying "no" could actually be one of the most faithful "yeses" you offer your family?
In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose continue the conversation around navigating the busy "Maycember" season with intention and peace. As calendars fill with celebrations, commitments, and end-of-year milestones, many moms feel the pressure to do it all—and do it perfectly. But is that really what matters most?
Through honest reflections and practical encouragement, Rachael and Natalie unpack the art of a kind, well-placed "no." Together, they explore how embracing a...
Ep. 360 – When Moms Move into Calendar Triage Mode, May is Here
For many families, May doesn't just arrive—it hits. Hard.
In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose step into the all-too-familiar whirlwind of "Maycember"—that end-of-school-year rush filled with concerts, ceremonies, parties, and milestones that can quickly overwhelm even the most organized mom. From graduation celebrations to last-minute logistics, the pressure to "do it all" can leave families exhausted and disconnected.
But what if it doesn't have to be that way?
Through a timely Raising Godly Girls Minute, Patti Garibay reminds us that while God's plan...
Ep. 359 – The Adventure of Faith & Curiosity in Christian Parenting with Ryan & Selena Frederick
This week on Raising Godly Girls, Patti Garibay sits down with Ryan and Selena Frederick, founders of Fierce Marriage, Fierce Parenting, and Fierce Families, for a conversation about sparking curiosity and faith in young children. Married for 22 years with four daughters, the Fredericks have dedicated their lives to equipping Christian families with tools to grow spiritually together.
Ryan shares his new Atom & Iota series—whimsical storybooks for children ages 4-8 that connect science, Scripture, and creation. These stories help kids explore God's wonders while learning foundational theological truths in a fun, visual way. Selena explains how pa...
Ep. 358 – Embracing Your Outdoors & Cultivating Curiosity in Your Girl
What if one of the most powerful ways to grow your girl's faith… is simply to step outside?
In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose invite you into a refreshing conversation about rediscovering curiosity, wonder, and connection with God through the beauty of the natural world. In a culture where answers are instant and screens often replace exploration, it's easy for curiosity to fade into convenience. But God's design for girlhood tells a different story—one filled with discovery, awe, and hands-on wonder.
As the seasons shift and...
Ep. 357 – Igniting the Lost Art of Boredom in Your Girl
What if one of the greatest gifts we could give our daughters isn't more entertainment—but a little more boredom?
In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose kick off a week of conversations centered on the wonder and curiosity of girlhood. From childhood daydreams and backyard adventures to the quiet moments that spark imagination, this episode invites parents to rediscover something our culture has nearly forgotten—the beauty and purpose of boredom.
In a world filled with constant noise, screens, and stimulation, many girls are losing the abil...
Ep. 356 – Keeping Faith on Fire: Preparing Girls for College & Beyond with Jeannie Banter
As Christian parents prepare their high school daughters for college, many wonder how to help their faith endure in a challenging culture. In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Natalie Ambrose speaks with Jeannie Banter, Chaplain and Associate Dean of Student Spiritual Life at Asbury University, about faith formation during the college years.
Jeannie shares insights from her experience walking alongside students, including a firsthand look at the Asbury University Outpouring, a revival in 2023 that took the world by storm. Natalie and Jeannie will discuss what it reveals about God's work among today's young adults...
Ep. 355 - Launching Your Girl into Adulthood with Confidence
In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden talk honestly about what it looks like to launch a daughter from the nest and walk alongside her through those early adult years. Melissa shares about the surprising joys and challenges of sending her daughter off to college—including the simple gift of a FaceTime call that brightens even the hardest days when miles separate your family.
For many parents, this stage brings new questions. What happens to your role once your daughter leaves home? How can you continue guiding he...
BONUS EPISODE — For Godly Girls: How to Keep Your Faith Strong in High School & College with Alena Pitts Franklin
What does it take to raise girls whose faith actually lasts?
In this special live episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, recorded at the American Heritage Girls 30th Anniversary Convention, Patti Garibay sits down with actress, author, and speaker Alena Pitts Franklin for a powerful conversation about "sticky faith"—the kind of faith that holds steady through high school, college, and beyond.
For many parents, the statistics are sobering: a large percentage of students walk away from their faith after graduation. But this episode offers a hopeful reminder that God is...
Ep. 354 – Building Lasting Faith Muscles: Parenting Through Every Season
In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden launch a week of conversations focused on helping girls build a faith that lasts beyond high school and into adulthood. As girls grow into their late teen years, parents often begin asking big questions: Have we prepared her well? Will she continue walking with the Lord when she's on her own?
Amid those questions, there is also incredible hope. Across the country, many young adults—especially girls in their late teens and early twenties—are leaning into their faith with rene...
Ep. 353 – Raising Girls Who Rejoice: Walking Holy Week Toward Easter with Phylicia Masonheimer
As families prepare to celebrate Easter, many parents wonder how to help their daughters truly understand and rejoice in the Gospel story—not just on Resurrection Sunday, but throughout Holy Week. In this special Raising Godly Girls episode, host Natalie Ambrose is joined by theologian, author, podcaster, and founder of Every Woman a Theologian, Phylicia Masonheimer, for a rich conversation on walking families toward the joy of Easter with intention and faith.
Airing on the Saturday before Easter, this episode meets families in the space between the cross and the empty tomb. Phylicia shares why Holy Week...
Ep. 352 – Intentional Easter Celebration Planning for Your Family
On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose invite families to prepare their hearts for the joy of Easter by reflecting on the powerful story at the center of the Christian faith. Together, they discuss the journey of Holy Week—from Jesus' suffering and sacrifice to the glorious victory of His resurrection—and the deep reason Christians call Good Friday "good." Because through Christ's finished work on the Cross, the chasm between humanity and God has been bridged and the promise of eternal life has been secured.
Listeners will...
Ep. 351 – Balancing the Ache & Hope of Holy Week in Your Parenting
Holy Week is one of the most sacred moments in the Christian calendar—the final days of Lent when believers around the world pause to remember Jesus' journey to the Cross and celebrate the victory of the Resurrection. Yet for many families, the week can easily pass by like any other busy stretch of spring. School schedules, activities, and daily responsibilities crowd in, and the deeper meaning of the season can slip quietly past.
On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose reflect on the profound beauty and gr...
Ep. 350 — Strength in the Climb: Discovering God's Power and Purpose Through Adventure for All
The outdoors can be a place of awe, challenge, and discovery—yet for many families, especially those raising daughters with physical, emotional, or developmental challenges, stepping into adventure can feel overwhelming or even out of reach. But what if those very challenges are where God's power shines most clearly?
On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay continues a special conversation about helping families experience the beauty of the outdoors and the powerful faith lessons it can teach. Patti welcomes Kevin Schweiger, founder of Luke 5 Adventures, a ministry dedicated to making th...
Ep. 349 – Expanding Expectations: Outdoor Activities & Finding the Possible for Special Needs Families
On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose continue their week of conversations about supporting families with differently-abled daughters. Today's discussion centers on those beautiful moments when God's power breaks through human expectations—opening new doors for connection, joy, and adventure.
Too often, girls with special needs are defined by limitations instead of possibilities. But Scripture reminds us that we serve the God of the possible—the One who provides strength, purpose, and opportunity far beyond what we can imagine. When Christian families shift their perspective from focusing on w...
Ep. 348 – Family Activities & The Differently-Abled Child
On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose begin a week of conversations focused on how families can cultivate fun, connection, and belonging for girls with differing abilities. Together, they explore how Christian families can move beyond fear or uncertainty and embrace a Gospel-centered vision of inclusion—one that sees every girl as an image bearer of God.
Throughout the episode, Rachael and Natalie reflect on the beauty of people-first language, the importance of empathy in friendships, and the ways families can thoughtfully adapt activities so every girl ha...