Can your spouse tell you anything, without fear of defensiveness, dismissal, or drama?

In episode 253 of the Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra tackle a powerful questions every couple needs to ask: "Am I safe to speak to?" Using 1 Samuel 25:17 as a launching point, they explore what happens when pride replaces humility in marriage, and how it damages connection, trust, and communication.

"One cannot speak to him..." That's how the Bible describes Nabal, a man so prideful and closed off that no one could reason with him. Could your spouse ever feel the same about you?

You'll learn:

• How defensiveness shuts down emotional intimacy.
• What makes a marriage safe for honesty and feedback.
• The difference between listening and truly receiving.
• How to practice humility even when you think you're right.
• Why biblical leadership includes the ability to be corrected.

If you want deeper connection and mutual respect in your marriage, this episode will help you turn the volume up on love, and down on pride.

BONUS RESOURCE: Send an email to [email protected] for our "Am I Safe to Talk To?" Self-Check Guide.

For more information: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

Are you clearing every obstacle from your child's path... and accidentally stunting their growth?

In episode 252 of the Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra break down the 5 signs that you might be a lawnmower parent, someone who steps in to solve every problem before a child even faces it. While well-intentioned, this style of parenting often robs kids of the opportunity to build resilience, confidence, and independence.

You'll learn:

• What lawnmower parenting looks like (even in small ways).
• 5 red-flag behaviors that may be holding your child back.
• Biblical wisdom on training, not rescuing, your children.
• Practical shifts you can make to develop trust, responsibility, and courage in your home.
• How to raise kids who are capable, not coddled.

If you want to raise strong, faith-filled, problem solving kids, this episode is your roadmap to get there.

BONUS RESOURCE: For a copy of our "Let Them Grow" Parenting Reflection Guide send an email to [email protected]

For more information: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

Behind every confident spouse is someone who believed in them when it mattered most.

In episode 251 of the Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra talk about what it means to your your spouse's biggest fan, in private, in public, and in the everyday mess of life. Whether they're chasing a dream battling insecurity, or just navigating the weight of work and parenting, your encouragement can make or break their spirit.

You'll discover:

• Why your voice matters more than anyone else's in their life.
• How to spot (and stop) subtle ways we discourage each other.
• Simple phrases that build confidence, unity, and trust.
• Biblical wisdom on how to "spur one another on in love".
• What being a teammate, not just a roommate, really looks like.

If you've been drifting into criticism or emotional distance, this episode will help you reset your tone, renew your support, and cheer your spouse on like never before.

Listen + subscribe now and start becoming the encourager your spouse needs most.

BONUS: Send an email to [email protected] to get our "10 Ways to Cheer On Your Spouse" printable.

Want to go deeper in breaking the cycle of criticism? Check out our Breaking the Cycle Group Coaching Experience or our Breaking the Cycle 1-on-1 Coaching Experience.

Your words shape your child's world—more than you know.

In this special milestone 250th episode of the Family Meeting Podcast, the four Osterkamp girls take over the mics to talk about what you should never say to your children. We're sharing real comments from our Family Meeting community, powerful research on the lasting effects of negative language, and the biblical call to speak life over our kids.

You'll hear:

• Phrases that leave lasting emotional scars—even if said in frustration.
• The long-term impact of negative words on your child's identity and confidence.
• What the Bible says about the power of the tongue.
• How to reframe correction, discipline, and disappointment without damaging your child's heart.
• What the Osterkamp daughters say really stuck with them growing up.

This episode is honest, eye-opening, and filled with grace.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or leader of the next generation, this conversation will challenge you to speak life, not labels.

Listen + subscribe now to start evaluating the things that you say to your children.

BONUS RESOURCE: Send an email with the heading "Speak Life Over Your Kids" to [email protected] to get our FREE Speak Life Over Your Kids printable for your fridge!

For more info: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

You don't have to repeat what was handed to you.

In episode 249 of the Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra open up about the power—and responsibility—of breaking generational cycles in your family. Whether it's anger, addiction, emotional distance, or spiritual neglect, many of us carry patterns from our past that we never intended to pass on.

But in Christ, change in no only possible—it's promised.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Common family cycles that quietly shape homes.
• Why awareness isn't enough—you need a Spirit-led plan.
• Biblical truth for breaking strongholds and building something better.
• Practical steps to shift your family's direction, starting today.

You past doesn't define your future.

With God's help, you can break the cycle and begin a new legacy.

Listen + subscribe now and take the first step toward freedom and restoration.

BONUS RESOURCE: Send an email with the heading "Breaking the Cycle" to [email protected] to get our FREE Breaking the Cycle Worksheet!

For more info: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

Words build homes—or break them.

In episode 248 of the Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra dive into a vital communication principle every Christian family needs to master:

Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But don't say it in a mean way.

Whether you're in a heated marriage conversation, parenting through defiance, or just navigating daily misunderstandings, how you say something can matter just as much as what you say.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why tone, timing, and truth must work together.
• How to speak honestly without crushing your spouse or child.
• What Scripture teaches about meaning what you say and guarding your tone.
• Practical ways to model respectful, loving communication in your home.

If you're tired of explosive arguments, constant defensiveness, or silent resentment—this episode will help you reset the way your family speaks.

Listen now + subscribe and start speaking life into your home.

For more info: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

Are you raising a stressed-out child without even realizing it?

In this episode of the Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra explore Hurried Child Syndrome—the modern trend of rushing kids through life with overscheduling, high expectations, and performance pressure.

You'll discover:

• What Hurried Child Syndrome is and why it's increasing
• Warning signs your child may be too busy or burned out
• How overscheduling affects mental, emotional, and spiritual health
• A biblical approach to slowing down and restoring childhood
• How to create space for joy, play, rest, and connection in your home

If you want to raise emotionally healthy, spiritually grounded kids who feel seen and safe—this episode is a must-listen.

Listen now + subscribe for weekly biblical parenting tools.

For more info: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

In this episode of the Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra dive into the subtle but powerful world of body language in marriage and parenting. You'll learn how nonverbal cues like posture, eye contact, tone, and facial expressions can either build trust—or break connection.

They cover:

• The types of body language you're using every day (whether you realize it or not)
• How your kids and spouse are reading your nonverbal cues
• Ways to align your tone and posture with the love and respect you intend

Want to improve connection in your home without  saying a word? This episode will help you see and shape your body language through the eyes of your family.

Listen now + Subscribe to grow in family communication.

For more info: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

What does your family stand for? In this episode of the Family Meeting Podcast, Thomas and Lysandra walk you through how to create a powerful, Christ-centered family mission statement-one that actually guides your parenting, marriage, and daily decisions.

You'll learn:

• Why every family needs a mission statement (even if your kids are still little)
• The 3 key questions to ask before you start writing
• Real examples from our own home and how they've shaped our culture
• How to involve your children and make it stick

If you've ever felt like your family is drifting, disconnected, or reactive rather than intentional, this episode will help you hit reset and move forward with clarity and unity.

Subscribe for more biblical tools on marriage and parenting.

For more info: https://linktr.ee/familymeeting

In this episode, Thomas and Lysandra share some common myths about sex, including categories on STD's and you can't get pregnant if.

To watch the full video go subscribe to our YouTube channel.

To share your thoughts on this episode send an email to [email protected] or call 904-257-3062 to ask your questions and receive a reply on a future episode.

To find us on your favorite podcast provider Click Here!