What does it really mean to be an engaged parent? In this episode, Michael Kelly—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 Kelly

Book: The Tech-Wise Family – by Andy Crouch

--

Question of the Week: 

(Younger) What do you think it would mean for me to be the "best parent ever?" 

(Older) Where do you need me to dial in more into your life? Where would you like me to step back?

--

Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones

Guest: Michael Kelley

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

--

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.

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 Love Languages

Choose Greatness: 11 Wise Decisions that Brave Young Men Make

Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Became Parents

--

Question of the Week: How do you love someone who is super different than you?

--

Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones

Guests: Dr. Gary Chapman

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

--

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.

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 gives hopeful encouragement to those in the thick of it.

Whether you're parenting in a blended family, supporting one, or simply want to better understand how to love the people in your community, this conversation is full of wisdom, empathy, and next steps.

Website: Family Life Blended

Blended Family Resources: The Smart Stepfamily

The Smart Stepfamily: 7 Steps to a Healthy Family

PDF: A Guide to Building Love with the 5 P's of Step-Parenting

--

Question of the Week: 

For those in Step-families: What are some benefits of us having a blended family? 

For those not in Step-families: Who do you know that might be in a blended family and what kind of questions do you have about blended families?

--

Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones

Guests: Ron Deal

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

--

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.

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 journey, this conversation is filled with hope, humor, and practical ways to grow stronger together.

Explore WinShape Marriage Retreat Options

Explore WinShape Marriage Free Resources

-

Question of the Week: What qualities are you going to look for in someone to marry one day? Why are those important to you? 

--

Hosts: Amy Lowe & Marissa Ray

Guests: Genee Francis

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

--

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 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 get older, and how it creates a safe space for them to try new things, build relationships, and thrive.

WinShape Camps Website

Podcast: Are My Kids Ready for Overnight Camp?

-- 

Question of the Week: What is a recent challenge that you have overcome?

--

Hosts: Amy Lowe

Guests: Keenan Riley & Emma Del Sesto

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

--

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.

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 parenting you're in, and being intentional in everyday moments.

Book: The Anxious Generation

--

Question of the Week: Who is the kindest person you encounter at school (or you can pick a different location)? What specific things do they do that made you think of them as kind?

--

Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones

Guests: Ammie Akin

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

--

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.

When we walk through something hard, our instinct is often to take control, fix it ourselves, or hold everything together for the people we love. But what if healing comes not from holding on—but from letting go? And what does letting go look like?

In this episode, Amy and Marissa sit down with Kylie White—wife, mom of four teens, philanthropist, and a servant-leader in her family’s business, Chick-fil-A. Kylie shares how God met her in the midst of a life-changing diagnosis and a pivotal moment of surrender. She opens up about her journey of letting go, discovering the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit, and finding a depth to her faith she never knew before.

Kylie's story reveals how her letting go of control led to profound spiritual transformation, and how these lessons are shaping her life as a wife, mom, and leader. We hope this episode will inspire you to loosen your grip, find peace in God’s presence, and trust in His faithfulness—even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

Kylie White's Blog

--

Question of the Week: First, tell your kid(s) a story about a time when you stepped out in bold faith. What did that look like—whether big or small? Then ask them: Are there any areas where you need to take steps of bold faith?

--

Hosts: Amy Lowe & Marissa Ray

Guests: Kylie White

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

--

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.

Parenting can feel heavy—especially when we carry around the weight of how our kids will turn out on our shoulders. But what if we weren’t meant to carry that pressure? In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with bestselling author and mom of five boys, Jeannie Cunnion, to talk about parenting in freedom rather than fear.

Jeannie shares encouragement for moms and dads who are weary from trying to do it all perfectly. She dives into what it looks like to trade our performance mindset for a grace-filled approach to both parenting and our relationship with God. Whether you’re raising toddlers or teenagers, you’ll walk away from this episode feeling lighter, more equipped, and reminded that you’re not in this alone.

--

Jeannie Cunnion Website

The 509 Foundation

Mom Set Free Bible Study by Jeannie Cunnion

--

Question of the Week: Where are you feeling stress or pressure in your life?  And then – As your mom/dad where do I stress/worry too much in our relationship?

--

Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones

Guest: Jeannie Cunnion

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

--

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.

Today, Amy Lowe and Emily Alters sit down with two incredible parents who have launched their kids into adulthood and are now navigating the empty nest season—Jeff Stryker and Lynn Alters. Between them, Jeff and Lynn bring decades of parenting wisdom to the table. Both of their families have deep roots at WinShape Camps, with kids who spent summers growing up at camp and are now faithfully following Jesus in their own unique callings. These two empty nesters reflect on their parenting journeys—sharing both meaningful wins and honest missteps—and offer practical advice and encouragement for moms and dads still in the thick of it. Whether you're raising little ones or teenagers, their insight brings encouragement and perspective for the road ahead.

Parenting truth we’re holding onto today: You won’t do everything perfectly—but being intentional, present, and Christ-centered matters more than you think.

Plus: Don’t miss what Jeff and Lynn are still learning—even after raising kids into adulthood.

--

Question of the Week: What is something I'm doing well (as a parent)? What is something I could work on (as a parent)?

--

Hosts: Amy Lowe & Emily Alters

Guest: Lynn Alters, Jeff Stryker

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

--

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.

A summer job is just a job—right? Not when it’s working at camp. Today, Amy and Marissa dive into the transformative experience of serving as Summer Camp Staff. Working at camp helps young adults grow in their faith, develop leadership skills, and prepare for life beyond college. Longtime WinShape Camps staffers Alex Scales and Grace Kilgore share the lessons they’ve learned, why they kept coming back, and how their summers on staff shaped their futures. Whether your kids are still little or heading toward their college years, this conversation offers a powerful glimpse into how camp can impact both campers and the incredible college students who invest in them. Plus, if you know a college student looking for a meaningful summer, we’ll share how they can get involved!

Want to learn more about working at WinShape Camps? 

--

Question of the Week: What is your dream job? What skills do you need if you had that job? 

--

Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones

Guests: Alex Scales & Grace Kilgore

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

--

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.