Carpool Conversations

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 develop resilience through play and failure, creating space for meaningful conversations, and pointing your children toward a lasting identity in Christ. If you're parenting a Gen Alpha kid, this conversation will help you better understand the world they're growing up in and equip you to disciple them with confidence and hope.

Resources:

Reaching Generation Alpha by Shane Pruitt & Shelly Melia

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

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Question of the Week: What do you think it was like being a kid when I was growing up? How do you think being a kid today is different? 

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Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones

Guest: Shane Pruitt & Shelly Melia

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

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Learn more about WinShape Camps: winshapecamps.org

Instagram: @winshapecamps

Facebook: @winshapecamps

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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 meaningful conversations about identity, friendships, technology, dating, and faith, they offer encouragement for parents who want to disciple their sons well.

You’ll also hear why living out your faith at home matters more than perfection, how side-by-side activities can open the door to deeper conversations, and learn the five foundational truths every young man needs to understand as he grows.

Whether you're raising a young boy or walking through the teenage years right now, this conversation will equip and encourage you to point your son toward a lifelong relationship with Christ.

Resources:

72 Questions (and Answers) About Life and Becoming the Man God Designed You to Be by Tim and Mark Shoemaker

The Very Best Hands-On Kinda Dangerous Family Devotions by Tim Shoemaker

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Question of the Week: What is the best and worst part about being the exact age you are right now?

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Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones

Guest: Tim Shoemaker and Mark Shoemaker

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

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Learn more about WinShape Camps: winshapecamps.org

Instagram: @winshapecamps

Facebook: @winshapecamps

TikTok: @winshapecamps

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

Most importantly, she explains why a strong sense of identity in Christ can change the way kids approach friendships, rejection, and belonging. You'll also hear encouragement for parents who are walking alongside a child experiencing friendship struggles and learn why modeling healthy relationships matters.

Whether your child is making new friends, dealing with conflict, or learning how to be a good friend, this conversation offers biblical wisdom and practical encouragement for every stage.

Resources:

This is Friendship by Amanda Mejias & Corinne Allen

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Question of the Week: Who would you say is your best friend in this season or in your class at school?

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Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones

Guest: Amanda Mejias

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

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Learn more about WinShape Camps: winshapecamps.org

Instagram: @winshapecamps

Facebook: @winshapecamps

TikTok: @winshapecamps

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 also offer encouragement for parents walking alongside struggling teens, insight into signs that additional help may be needed, and share a powerful reminder that every child is seen, known, and deeply loved by God.

Whether you're currently parenting a teenager or preparing for the years ahead, this conversation offers biblical encouragement, practical tools, and hope for families navigating mental health challenges together.

Resources:

Book: You Are Seen by Amber Lia & Ollie Lia

Meet our Guest: Amber Lia

Meet our Guest: Ollie Lia

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Question of the Week: What in your life right now makes you feel the most anxious?

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Hosts: Amy Lowe & Marissa Ray

Guests: Amber Lia & Ollie Lia  

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

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Learn more about WinShape Camps: winshapecamps.org

Instagram: @winshapecamps

Facebook: @winshapecamps

TikTok: @winshapecamps

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

Together, they discuss the importance of viewing children as image bearers, balancing rules and relationship, and keeping the long view in mind when making everyday parenting decisions. Jen offers encouraging reminders for parents in every stage, helping them trade performance-driven pressure for a deeper trust in God's faithful work in both their children and themselves.

Whether you're in the toddler years, navigating the teen years, or somewhere in between, this conversation will encourage you to take a deep breath, hold on to what matters most, and trust that God's grace is at work in your parenting journey.

Resources:

Raising an Alien Child | Podcast

6 Part Parenting Class | The Village Church

Abide - Bible Study by Jen Wilkin

Sermon on the Mount - Bible Study by Jen Wilkin

James - Bible Study by Jen Wilkin

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Question of the Week: What do you think it looks like to be kind and generous at school—even when it’s hard or when others aren’t?

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Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones

Guests: Jen Wilkin

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

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Learn more about WinShape Camps: winshapecamps.org

Instagram: @winshapecamps

Facebook: @winshapecamps

TikTok: @winshapecamps

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 the parent-child bond, create space for meaningful faith conversations, and remind kids that they are loved, valued, and delighted in. From bath time and dinner games to backyard adventures and board games, this conversation is full of practical encouragement for parents who want to be more present and intentional.

Whether play comes easily to you or feels like something you have to work at, this episode will encourage you to start small, have fun, and never underestimate what God can do through a few intentional moments with your kids.

Resources:

Deuteronomy 6:7

Book: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

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Question of the Week: How can we play together more as a family?

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Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones

Guests: Brittany Compton

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

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Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org!

Instagram: @WinShapeCamps

TikTok: @WinShapeCamps

Facebook: @WinShapeCamps

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 kids of every age in serving others. Our conversation also explores how volunteering creates opportunities for connection, leadership, and memorable moments as a family.

Whether your family starts with a one-time project or finds a regular place to serve, this episode will encourage you to discover how serving together can shape your family's values and deepen your relationships.

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Question of the Week: If your family could make someone's day better this week, what could you do?

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Hosts: Amy Lowe & Marissa Ray

Guests: Matt Lowe

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

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Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org!

Instagram: @WinShapeCamps

TikTok: @WinShapeCamps

Facebook: @WinShapeCamps

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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’ll hear practical wisdom and encouragement on:

Whether you’re parenting toddlers or teens, this conversation will remind you of a freeing truth: you don’t have to get everything right—God is at work in your kids’ lives.

Resources:

Family Camps and Parent/Child Weekends at WinShape Camps

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Question of the Week: How were you a blessing today?

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Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones

Guests: Jeff Osborn and Courtney Osborn 

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

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Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org!

Instagram: @WinShapeCamps

TikTok: @WinShapeCamps

Facebook: @WinShapeCamps

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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, build excitement for the adventure ahead, and remind them that God has something special in store this week.

Together, you'll get a glimpse into this summer’s theme – Ascend – and be encouraged to lift your eyes, trust God with what lies ahead, and step confidently into all He has prepared.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:1-2

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Interested in learning more about WinShape Camps for Boys & Girls? Click here to view all of our overnight camp locations.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

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Interested in learning more about WinShape Camps for Boys & Girls? Click here to view all of our overnight camp locations.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.