Carpool Conversations

Carpool Conversations

By WinShape CampsParentingKids & Family
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Carpool Conversations episodes

  • Helping Kids Name & Navigate Their Emotions

    Kids experience a lot of emotions—and sometimes those feelings can change by the minute. As parents, it can be hard to know how to help our kids understand what they’re feeling and express themselves in healthy ways. 

    In this episode we sit down with author, speaker, and family coach Dr. Josh Straub to talk about why emotional awareness matters and how parents can create space for meaningful conversations about feelings.

    Josh and his wife, Christi, have dedicated their work to helping families grow in emotional intelligence and healthy relationships. Together, they’ve written a children’s book series designed to help kids name and navigate their emotions. In this conversation, they discuss why helping kids identify their feelings is such an important part of spiritual and emotional growth, how simple tools can help kids express what they're feeling, and how parents can guide their children to invite God into every emotion—from anger and worry to joy and gratitude.

    If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child talk about big emotions—or how to respond with empathy when feelings run high—this episode offers practical encouragement and simple ways to start meaningful, faith-centered conversations at home.

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    Meet our guest: Josh Straub

    Book: What Am I Feeling - by Dr. Josh Straub & Christi Straub

    Book: What Do I Do With Anger?

    Book: What Do I Do With Worry?

    Famous at Home Podcast

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    Question of the Week: What is one feeling to describe how you felt today? Why?

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    Hosts: Sara Jones & Marissa Ray

    Guest: Josh Straub

    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.

    46 min
  • Mom Guilt & Trusting God with the Pressures of Parenting

    From the pressure to “get it right” to the constant second-guessing, so many of us carry quiet questions in motherhood: Am I doing enough? Am I messing this up? Am I a good mom?

    In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Sara and Marissa sit down with author and podcast host Hallie Dye to talk honestly about the weight moms carry—and the freedom found in surrendering that weight to the One who never fails.

    Hallie shares the heart behind her first book, You’re Still a Good Mom: Motherhood Surrendered to the One Who Never Fails, and unpacks what it really means to be “a good mom” from a biblical perspective. Together, they discuss why our limitations are by design, how surrender reshapes the way we approach our roles, and how to navigate the tension between responsibility and trust in God.

    Whether you’re in the thick of diapers and sleepless nights or navigating new challenges with older kids, this conversation is a gentle reminder: your worth was never meant to be measured by your performance.

    You are still a good mom.

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    Meet our guest: Hallie Dye

    Book: You’re Still a Good Mom: Motherhood Surrendered to the One Who Never Fails 

    Podcast: The Saltworks

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    Question of the Week: What is something you enjoy and want me to keep doing as your mom/dad?

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    Hosts: Sara Jones & Marissa Ray

    Guest: Hallie Dye

    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.

    45 min
  • Learning to Slow Down as a Family

    In a culture that celebrates busy schedules and constant hustle, what would it look like to slow down as a family?

    This week, Sara and Marissa sit down with author and mom of four, Samantha Decker, to talk about unhurried parenting. Drawing from her book Unhurried, Samantha shares how the Lord used a simple call to to reshape her family’s rhythms and perspective on eternity.

    They discuss margin, the connection between control and hurry, and practical steps for creating a schedule that makes room for what matters most. This episode offers encouragement and hope for anyone feeling stretched thin or stuck in a cycle of hurry.

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    Meet our guest: Samantha Decker

    Unhurried – written by Samantha Decker

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    Question of the Week: Where in our lives do you think we need to slow down as a family?

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    Hosts: Sara Jones & Marissa Ray

    Guest: Samantha Decker

    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.

    33 min
  • Raising Kids with a Heart for the World

    How do we help our kids see beyond themselves—and discover their place in God’s bigger story? In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Sara and Marissa sit down with author, illustrator, and global ministry leader Sarah Nunnally to talk about giving kids a vision for their community and the nations.

    Drawing from her years serving overseas and her new children’s book series God Everywhere, Sarah shares practical, hope-filled ways parents can nurture compassion, curiosity, and faith in their kids—starting right where they are. You’ll walk away encouraged and equipped to help your children love their neighbors near and far and see how God invites every family into His global story.

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    Meet our Guest: Sarah Nunnally

    Books: God Everywhere Series - written and illustrated by Sarah Nunnally

    Videos: Beginner Art Tutorials by Sarah Nunnally

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    Question of the Week: How do you think God has designed you uniquely to serve and love others around the world?

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    Hosts: Sara Jones & Marissa Ray

    Guest: Sarah Nunnally

    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.

    33 min
  • Helping Kids See Their Worth Through God's Eyes

    Where do our kids learn what they’re worth – and how do we guide them toward the truth that their value comes from God, not achievements or approval? 

    Today, Amy and Marissa are joined by returning guest Margaret Sharpe to talk about how the question of worth shows up at every stage of childhood, from early elementary through high school. Together, they unpack the lies that kids often believe about themselves, how those lies evolve as kids grow, and how Scripture speaks directly to the questions our kids are asking – even when they can't find the words for them. 

    You’ll also get a sneak peek into WinShape Camps’ upcoming theme for summer 2026, ASCEND: Encounters with the Holy God, and walk away with gospel-centered truths to help your kids (and yourself) rest in the worth God has already given.

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    WinShape Camps 2026 Theme Preview: Ascend

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    Question of the Week: What do you think that God thinks about you?

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    Hosts: Amy Lowe & Marissa Ray

    Guest: Margaret Sharpe

    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.

    30 min
  • Teaching Life Skills Through Chores

    Chores. Just hearing the word can bring up a mix of reactions—from sighs to eye rolls to “we should really work on that in our house.” In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that seems simple on the surface but can be surprisingly challenging to put into practice. We’re talking about why chores matter and how everyday responsibilities help prepare our kids for life beyond our homes—while also building important life skills through responsibility and natural consequences.

    We’re joined by Kim Smelley—mom of three, camp mom, and master of what she calls “somewhat organized chaos.” Kim shares how chores have evolved in her family, what’s worked (and what hasn’t), and practical ways to encourage kids when motivation is low. Whether chores are a strength in your home or a struggle, this conversation will help you see them as an opportunity for growth, teamwork, and meaningful connection with your kids.

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    Question of the Week: What is your favorite chore to do around the house? What is your least favorite chore?

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    Hosts: Sara Jones & Amy Lowe

    Guests: Kim Smelley

    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.

    37 min
  • Seeking Reconciliation and Practicing Forgiveness

    Family relationships can be some of the most meaningful—and the most challenging. In this episode, Sara and Marissa sit down with Dr. Rob and Amy Reinow from Visionary Family Ministries to talk about what reconciliation really means, why forgiveness is a heart-level issue, and how parents can cultivate a culture of healing and forgiveness in their homes. Whether you’re navigating daily conflicts or deep family hurts, this conversation offers biblical wisdom and practical steps for restoring what’s broken in your family or any relationship.

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    Book: Healing Family Relationships: A Guide to Peace & Reconciliation by Rob Reinow

    Book: Visionary Parenting: Capturing a God-sized Image for Your Family by Rob & Amy Reinow

    About: Visionary Family Ministries

    Podcast: Family Vision by Dr. Rob and Amy Reinow

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    Question of the Week: Which relationship in our family is the most challenging right now?

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    Hosts: Sara Jones & Marissa Ray

    Guests: Dr. Rob Reinow and Amy Reinow

    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.

    45 min
  • Gaining Perspective in Parenting and Life

    Perspective can change the way we see life, parenting, and even our daily struggles—but it’s not always easy to gain. Amy and Sara sit down with Cody Braun, Marketing Manager for WinShape Camps and father of two, to talk about how perspective can grow patience and gratitude, why it’s so hard in the moment, and practical ways to see life more clearly.

    They also explore how perspective can help in every season—mountaintops, messes, and everything in between—and Cody shares lessons from parenting his young kids. Tune in for an honest, hope-filled conversation that will help you slow down and gain a bigger God-sized view on life.

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    Question of the Week: If you could go back in time, what is one thing that you would do differently?

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    Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones

    Guests: Cody Braun

    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.

    28 min
  • Helping Kids & Adults Understand Adoption

    Adoption is a beautiful reflection of God’s heart — but it’s also a journey filled with questions, challenges, and deep emotions. In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Stephen Moore, Director of WinShape Camps for Communities and proud dad of three, two of whom are adopted. Stephen shares his family’s adoption story — from their first “yes” to welcoming their children home — and opens up about how faith has guided every step along the way.

    Together, they unpack common misconceptions about adoption, how to navigate conversations about biological family, and what it looks like to help kids understand adoption in a healthy, Christ-centered way. Whether you’re considering adoption, have already adopted, or simply want to help your kids see adoption through a biblical lens, this conversation will encourage you to view family the way God does.

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    Christian Kids Music - Slugs & Bugs

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    Question of the Week: What makes a "family” a family?

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    Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones

    Guests: Stephen Moore

    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.

    34 min
  • Getting Your Kids Excited to Go to Church

    We all know how important the church is in shaping a kid's faith — it’s where foundations are built and seeds of belief take root. But let’s be honest: sometimes our kids just aren’t excited about going to church. It can start to feel more like a “have to” than a “get to.”

    In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Collier to talk about practical ways to help kids actually look forward to church. A father of two with over 14 years of experience in kids and camp ministry, Aaron shares wisdom and encouragement to help families make church a place their kids love to be.

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    Question of the Week: What are some of your favorite parts of going to church?

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    Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones

    Guests: Aaron Collier

    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.

    30 min

About Carpool Conversations

From the publisher's feed

Carpool Conversations is a podcast dedicated to encouraging and equipping parents just like you to have meaningful conversations with your kids. Hosted by two moms, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones have…

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