Brave Parenting

By Brave ParentingSociety & Culture Parenting Kids & Family

Brave Parenting episodes

January 24, 2024 Ep. 140: AI Chatbots & Relationships Part 2
In today’s PART 2, examining AI chatbots and the relationships that people can develop with them, we dive into the deep waters of AI companion (or AI girlfriend/boyfriend) apps like Replika. As parents and Christians, there is much to be warned about and be discerning with regarding apps like these. And don’t worry, we did all the research needed for you! Kelly talks about her experience on Replika for one week and her AI ‘friendship,’ so you don’t have to test this one out to see if it is safe.
Check out our Brave Parenting Guide to Replika as well!
And Part 1 of this conversation if you haven’t listened.
Articles referenced:
The Man of Your Dreams
Everyday AI Chatbots are Changing How We Live and Work Today
Common Sense Media poll on AI
Parental Advisory: This Chatbot May Talk to Your Child About Sex and Alcohol
You Need to Talk to Your Kids About AI: Here Are Six Things You Should Say
When it Comes to AI, Let’s Move Fast and Fix Things
How AI Can Lead to Verbal Abuse and Unhealthy Attachments
AI Is Now Accessible to Everyone: 3 Things Parents Should Teach Their Kids
How Does AI Affect Kids? Psychologists Weigh In
The New Bing Told Our Reporter it ‘can feel or think things’
Kids Are Using ChatGPT to Socialize – and Parents Are Worried
Snapchat Tried to Make a Safe AI: It Chat With Me About Booze and Sex
AI-Human Relationships Are Flourishing-And This is Just the Beginning
AI Girlfriends Are Here-But There is a Dark Side to Virtual Companions
Books referenced:
The Benedict Option by Rod Dreher
Digital Liturgies by Samuel D. James
Scripture referenced:
Ezekiel 36:26
Hebrews 8:10
Matthew 9: 37-38
2 Timothy 4
Helpful articles for further reading:
The A to Z of Artificial Intelligence
What Does it Mean to be Human?
____________________________
Buy the book: Managing Media Creating Character

Get your Aro box to help motivate more 0ff-screen time in your life!
Use PROMO CODE: BRAVE to receive your first month free!
Check out the Pinwheel phone – it’s our favorite not-as-smart kid-safe smartphone on the market.
Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points newsletter! This helps us communicate what’s new without social media – a win for everyone!

56 min
January 17, 2024 Ep. 139: AI Chatbots & Relationships Part I
In today’s episode, we begin the discussion of AI chatbots and the relationships people can have with them. The conversational “chat” nature of informational generative AI like ChatGPT and Copilot or relational generative AI such as Replika can deceive just about anyone with their human-like qualities. In Part I, we look at informational chatbots and consider the particular ways they feel human and consider their safety in the hands of kids (and adults).
Articles referenced:
Everyday AI Chatbots are Changing How We Live and Work Today
Common Sense Media poll on AI
Parental Advisory: This Chatbot May Talk to Your Child About Sex and Alcohol
You Need to Talk to Your Kids About AI: Here Are Six Things You Should Say
When it Comes to AI, Let’s Move Fast and Fix Things
How AI Can Lead to Verbal Abuse and Unhealthy Attachments
AI Is Now Accessible to Everyone: 3 Things Parents Should Teach Their Kids
How Does AI Affect Kids? Psychologists Weigh In
The New Bing Told Our Reporter it ‘can feel or think things’
Kids Are Using ChatGPT to Socialize – and Parents Are Worried
Snapchat Tried to Make a Safe AI: It Chat With Me About Booze and Sex
1 in 10 Teens Already Use ChatGPT For School – Here’s How to Guide Them
Scripture referenced:
Psalm 89:10
Numbers 6:25
James 4:14
Hebrews 11:3
1 Peter 4:8
Genesis 2:8
Helpful articles for further reading:
The A to Z of Artificial Intelligence
What Does it Mean to be Human?
____________________________
Buy the book: Managing Media Creating Character

Get your Aro box to help motivate more 0ff-screen time in your life!
Use PROMO CODE: BRAVE to receive your first month free!
Check out the Pinwheel phone – it’s our favorite not-as-smart kid-safe smartphone on the market.
Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points newsletter! This helps us communicate what’s new without social media – a win for everyone!

49 min
January 10, 2024 Ep. 138: ChatGPT & Education
After ChatGPT’s release in November 2022, the educational world went from a panicked ban of the chatbot to now embracing it as an educational tool. In this episode, we examine what aspects of ChatGPT can actually be used to enhance learning and what aspects weaponized it against learning. We look at how parents can approach this widely popular app with middle school and high school students, as well as how to think biblically about it as a family.
Articles referenced:
ChatGPT is Going to Change Education (Not Destroy it)
Despite Cheating Fears, Schools Repeal ChatGPT Bans
How ChatGPT and Similar Will Disrupt Education
How to Use ChatGPT as a Learning Tool
1 in 10 Teens Already Use ChatGPT for School; Here’s How to Guide Them
10 Unbelievable Ways ChatGPT Shook Up the World in 2023
Chatbots Sometimes Make Things Up
Chatbots May Hallucinate More Often Than Many Realize
Unexplainable Answers of ChatGPT (according to Open AI)
Scripture referenced:
Galatians 6:7-8
Ephesians 4:28
1 Timothy 5
2 Thessalonians 3
Helpful articles for further reading:
The A to Z of Artificial Intelligence
What Does it Mean to be Human?
____________________________
Buy the book: Managing Media Creating Character

Get your Aro box to help motivate more 0ff-screen time in your life!
Use PROMO CODE: BRAVE to receive your first month free!
Check out the Pinwheel phone – it’s our favorite not-as-smart kid-safe smartphone on the market.
Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points newsletter! This helps us communicate what’s new without social media – a win for everyone!
31 min
January 05, 2024 Ep. 137: Understanding AI Lingo
Today, we begin our series unpacking AI (Artificial Intelligence) by defining many of the terms, acronyms and general jargon surrounding all things AI. What is Artificial General Intelligence? What is the big deal about quantum computing? What does GPT stand for? Kelly and her husband, Ryan walk through the basic terms that will help serve as a foundation for the series of podcasts forthcoming to help parents navigate the nuances of AI through a biblical worldview and while raising and discipling kids.
Also, check out Ep. 131: “Ethical” AI Porn
Helpful articles for further reading:
The A to Z of Artificial Intelligence
What Does it Mean to be Human?

____________________________
Buy the book: Managing Media Creating Character

Get your Aro box to help motivate more 0ff-screen time in your life!
Use PROMO CODE: BRAVE to receive your first month free!
Check out the Pinwheel phone – it’s our favorite not-as-smart kid-safe smartphone on the market.
Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points newsletter! This helps us communicate what’s new without social media – a win for everyone!
22 min
December 29, 2023 Ep. 136: Sports Betting Apps
Sports betting has been a long-standing practice, but now that it is legal in 37 states and apps have made it easier than ever to place a bet on your favorite team, it has woven itself into teen culture. In this episode, Kelly discusses the whole scope of the sports betting issue, the apps, the ads, and addiction. And a point that cannot be overlooked – how video games set teens up for problematic gambling.
Also, check out our Brave Parenting Guide to Sports Betting Apps
Articles referenced:
History of Sports Bettting
These are the Real Dangers of the Sports Betting Boom for Young Men
As Legal Gambling Surges, Some States Want to Teach Teens About the Risks
How To Protect Kids From Online Gambling Addiction
Teens are Developing ‘Severe Gambling Problems’ as Online Betting Surges
It’s Like an Addiction – American Teenagers Fall Victim to Online Sports Betting Apps
NCAA Sports Betting Activity Survey April 2023
Scripture Referenced:
Matthew 6:24
Matthew 18:6
Proverbs 22:6
Joshua 1:9
____________________________
Buy the book: Managing Media Creating Character

Get your Aro box to help motivate more 0ff-screen time in your life!
Use PROMO CODE: BRAVE to receive your first month free!
Check out the Pinwheel phone – it’s our favorite not-as-smart kid-safe smartphone on the market.
Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points newsletter! This helps us communicate what’s new without social media – a win for everyone!
42 min
December 20, 2023 Ep. 135: Evolution of Shopping & Apps Temu and Shein
Shopping has not only moved from malls to the internet, it has also evolved from being a pattern of socialization to a game-show-style transaction. As Brave Parenting continues to evaluate the ways media and technology have changed how people live, communicate, and relate, today’s look at shopping and the massively popular app Temu provides excellent context. Be sure to check out our Brave Parenting Guide to Temu at braveparenting.net for more information.
Articles referenced:
Why the Death of Malls is About More Than Shopping
One of China’s most popular apps has the ability to spy on its users, say experts
How China took over the world’s online shopping carts
Addictive, absurdly cheap and controversial: the rise of China’s Temu app
TEMU AND SHEIN: A DEEP DIVE INTO THEIR DIFFERENCES
________
Buy the book: Managing Media Creating Character

Get your Aro box to help motivate more 0ff-screen time in your life! Consider giving a year’s subscription as a gift for Christmas – it’s the best investment you can make in someone’s life.
Use PROMO CODE: BRAVE to receive your first month free!
Check out the Pinwheel phone – it’s our favorite not-as-smart kid-safe smartphone on the market.
Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points newsletter! This helps us communicate what’s new without social media – a win for everyone!
44 min
December 13, 2023 Ep. 134: Proposed Solutions to the Loneliness Epidemic
We are living in a global loneliness epidemic. Headlines saturate media news surrounding the growing problem – we collected at least ten published within twenty-four hours. In today’s episode, we highlight some of the first solutions offered by the new global initiative to combat loneliness by the World Health Organization, co-led by the U.S. Surgeon General. Like always, we look at them through a biblical worldview and the lens of Scripture. Naturally, we provide a few Brave Parenting solutions that are both pragmatic and biblical.
Articles referenced:
‘Everybody has experienced loneliness’: US Surgeon General talks mental health with ASU students
Sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer appointed New York state’s first loneliness ambassador
WHO makes loneliness a global health priority with new Commission on Social Connection
Chris Murphy Wants to Make America a Little Less Lonely
‘You live in your own bubble’: Swedish city takes on loneliness with a simple hi
Feeling Lonely? Your Brain May Process the World Differently
U.S Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community
Scripture referenced:
James 1:27
Genesis 2
Ephesians 2:1
Galatians 5:19-21
Hebrews 10:25
Romans 12:10
Hebrews 10:24
John 14:6
______________________
Buy the book: Managing Media Creating Character

Get your Aro box to help motivate more 0ff-screen time in your life! Consider giving a year’s subscription as a gift for Christmas – it’s the best investment you can make in someone’s life.
Use PROMO CODE: BRAVE to receive your first month free!
Check out the Pinwheel phone – it’s our favorite not-as-smart kid-safe smartphone on the market.
Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points newsletter! This helps us communicate what’s new without social media – a win for everyone!
41 min
November 22, 2023 Ep. 133: Constant Companion – A Review of Common Sense Media’s Report
Common Sense Media published research about a week in the life of a young person’s smartphone use, and they named it “Constant Companion.” In today’s episode, Kelly and Chelsea review the key findings in the study as well as unpack the implications of a smartphone as a “constant companion” in the lives of young people today. As always, we look at these findings through the lens of Scripture and provide suggested solutions.
Articles referenced:
2023 Constant Companion Report
Scripture referenced:
Gen 2:18-22
1 Peter 2:9-11
Galatians 5:19-22
Mark 8:36-37
Get your Aro box to help motivate more 0ff-screen time in your life! Consider giving a year’s subscription as a gift for Christmas – it’s the best investment you can make in someone’s life.
Use PROMO CODE: BRAVE to receive your first month free!
Check out the Pinwheel phone – it’s our favorite not-as-smart kid-safe smartphone on the market.
Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points newsletter! This helps us communicate what’s new without social media – a win for everyone!
48 min
November 08, 2023 Ep. 132: Why 41 States are Suing Meta
In this episode, Kelly and Chelsea discuss the recently filed lawsuit against Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, Meta. Currently, the attorney generals of forty-one states have united against one common enemy in order to protect and preserve the well-being of one common victim: children. Is this legitimate? Why are the states taking action instead of the parents? What harm is actually done by algorithm-driven social media platforms? Brave Parenting has identified five core ways social media leads to the demise of mental health and well-being among young people today. These should help motivate you to wait and limit social media until after age 16.
Articles referenced:
Meta’s Instagram linked to depression, anxiety, insomnia in kids – US states’ lawsuit
Here’s Why States Are Suing Meta for Hurting Teens with Facebook and Instagram
‘Social Dilemma’ star says Meta lawsuit will have ‘lasting impact’ compares Facebook to Big Tobacco
Scripture referenced:
Ezekiel 13:8
John 14:6
John 6:22
John 8:12
Matthew 6:24
________________
Get your Aro box to help motivate more 0ff-screen time in your life! Consider giving a year’s subscription as a gift for Christmas – it’s the best investment you can make in someone’s life.
Use PROMO CODE: BRAVE to receive your first month free!
Check out the Pinwheel phone – it’s our favorite not-as-smart kid-safe smartphone on the market.
Sign up for the Brave Bullet Points newsletter! This helps us communicate what’s new without social media – a win for everyone!
42 min
November 01, 2023 Ep. 131: “Ethical” AI Porn
November is the month that we shine a light on the dark reality of online pornography. And today, we specifically highlight the newest debate on the ethics of AI porn. Is it now “ethical” since it doesn’t exploit people in the making of it? We provide clear definitions for you to understand the intricacies and an apologetic (defense) for you to use when dealing with this topic.
Articles referenced:
Women’s Health Magazine: Ethical Porn
Tech Crunch: As AI Porn Generators Get Better the Stakes Get Higher
NCOSE: Why Ethical Porn is a Myth
Fight the New Drug: Would AI Generated Nudes Solve the Ethical Problems of Porn Sites
Fight the New Drug: Exposing the New Wave of Extreme Hentai Animated Porn
Inside Edition: Meet Milla Sofia the AI Influencer
Influencer Creates AI Version of Herself That You Can Rent as a Girlfriend
AI Porn is Colloding With Human Sexuality and Raising Some Ethical Red Flags
Wired: Deepfake Porn is Out of Control
Viewing Porn Increases Unethical Behavior
Scripture referenced:
Isaiah 5:20
1 Corinthians 6:18
Romans 1:18-32
Resource Recommendation:
Brain Heart World by Fight the New Drug
Check out last year’s No Porn November podcasts for more on this topic: Episodes 79, 80, 81, and 82
and our No Porn November Resource Guide
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46 min

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We are a network of brave parents who empower & equip others to intentionally develop & train children to have strong character & integrity. We believe brave parenting is doing the right…