License to Parent with Trace Embry

God in Tech

Just before the advent of the smartphone, it was reported that former US Education Secretary Bill Bennet said, “America is rapidly becoming the kind of nation that civilized nations send missionaries to.” For those who heard Mr. Bennett’s comment, it would have been hard for them to believe the kind of changes that would occur in America over the next 15 years. Smartphones have become a cultural change agent and maybe have even broken down the American Dream and culture. Those change agents seem to have gotten the drop on those who would otherwise use the internet for good. As we head into Easter it's a good time to ask the question, “does scripture have anything pertinent to say about the digital age and technology that we now have to navigate as parents?”

Discussing Tech with Chris Kaspar

Chris Kaspar is the founder of Techless an innovative tech start-up that created Wisephone- a pure and simple phone for intentional people. Chris is married to Ciera and is the fun dad of four beautiful daughters. Chris and Ciera have been foster parents for a handful of kids and they live for a deeper purpose.

Episode Highlights:

How are the 7 deadly sins related to tech?

What is the purpose of Techless?

What is God’s purpose for technology?

How does Chris define technology?

What Biblical passages does Chris offer to parents?

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The Blessing

If I said that I knew what the perfect gift was that you could give your child for their next birthday you would want to know what it was, right? This gift does cost a little bit of money, and it has a little investment involved, but it is more valuable than the latest technology. The one that they probably want. This is a gift that can improve their lives now and in the future. It is unlike most gifts that you know. This gift is The Blessing.

Discussing Blessing with John Trent

John Trent is the founder and director of Strong Families. He claims to have the best job in the world. He writes, speaks, and trains others how to create cultures of blessing in their homes, workplaces, ministries, and around the world. John has written over 30 books including his award-winning book “The Blessing." He and his wife have two wonderful daughters.

Episode Highlights:

How do we bless our kids most?

Who is the only perfect parent?

How many people does it take to make a difference in someone's life?

Where did John first see the blessing?

 What does “curse” mean in Hebrew?

What does every kid deserve?

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Ask Trace

If you could sit down and get some free advice from a 20+ year expert on troubled teens, what would you ask him? Find answers to questions about bullying, discernment, and starving children- but not from hunger. Email [email protected] to ask your tough questions.

Discussing Parenting with Trace Embry

Trace Embry is the Founder and Executive Director of Shepherd’s Hill Academy a Christ-centered, outdoor-focused, year-long, therapeutic boarding academy for troubled youth. Trace and his wife Beth started Shepherd’s Hill Academy in 2001 to bring healing to hurting families. They came to Christ after becoming parents and learned a lot through that process as well as in their leadership roles at Shepherd’s Hill. Trace is also the author of “The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill: An Extraordinary Odyssey of Divine Interventions” which accounts for the full journey of how Trace and Beth came to where they are now.

Episode Highlights:

What are our children starving for?

Science is the new- what?

How do we start feeding our children what they need?

Who else is training our children?

How can a previously lax parent make changes?

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Battle Plan

We all know the story of the prodigal son. In fact, it seems we all know a family that actually has a prodigal child. This is true for the President of the United States down to the average American Smith or Jones family. As believers in God and his Word, we understand that there are spiritual forces battling among us vying for our loyalty. A spiritual battle is also going on for our children. What parents need is a battle plan. Warfare strategies to win back the prodigals.

Discussing Warfare with Laine Craft

Laine Craft is a mom, wife, and partner with God. Laine wants to see the impossible things become possible. This is because she has walked through several impossible. She walked through a marriage that resurrected after 17 miserable years, God healing her daughter from life-threatening illnesses, and seeing her three prodigal children become free, whole, and healed from porn, drugs, alcohol, and depression. Laine is also the author of the book "The Parent's Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal". Laine wants to encourage parents that it is possible to win the war against the enemy.

Episode Highlights:

Why does raising our children to love God invite spiritual attack?

Who are the devil's main targets?

What is the prize for enduring this battleground?

What do every mission and every war have?

What does prodigal mean?

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Wisephone

It has been long overdue, but in recent years a handful of visionaries and a growing contingent of parents are beginning to wake up to a vital need that can effect positive change not just in families, but in our culture. If you have happened to lookover ways to restore righteousness, peace, and joy to your child-rearing experience in your home then stay tuned. Find out how your family can have a wiser, safer, and more “free” alternative to the dangers and corruptions that threaten your kids through smartphones.

Discussing Tech with Chris Kaspar

Chris Kaspar is a leader in the creation of healthy tech. He is a part of cleaning things up. He is the founder of Techless an innovative tech startup that created Wisephone, a pure and simple phone for intentional people. Before Techless, Chris founded Dancing Fox Films a film production company and Espresso, an ad agency specializing in brand development. Chris is married to his wife Ciera and is a father to four beautiful daughters. Chris and Ciera have also been foster parents for a handful of kids. They both live for a deeper purpose.

Episode Highlights:

How is cognitive dissonance a factor in the smartphone issue?

The mind can always justify- what?

What is mammon?

Why did Chris found Techless and what is his vision for the wisephone?

The goal of Techless is to “lead people to live fully with-” what?

What are the Wisephones specs?

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Ask Trace

Parent’s in today’s culture are facing some really hard choices. Raising their kids in a way that honors God means that their kids probably won’t be allowed to do things and activities that their friends get to do. When I was young it meant that I didn’t get to go to a movie theater. That was tough and caused lots of arguments in our household. Navigating culture and parenting leads to some tough questions.

Discussing Parenting with Trace Embry

Trace Embry is the Founder and Executive Director of Shepherd’s Hill Academy a Christ-centered, outdoor-focused, year-long, therapeutic boarding academy for troubled youth. Trace and his wife Beth started Shepherd’s Hill Academy in 2001 to bring healing to hurting families. They came to Christ after becoming parents and learned a lot through that process as well as in their leadership roles at Shepherd’s Hill. Trace is also the author of “The Miracles of Shepherd’s Hill: An Extraordinary Odyssey of Divine Interventions” which accounts for the full journey of how Trace and Beth came to where they are now.

Episode Highlights:

What does Trace say is the stupidest thing that any parent could possibly say?

If you don’t train your children, who will?

What does Trace call the “right ways” to raise children?

Is God really the God of the homes in America?

If you parent according to the culture what can you expect your children to reflect?

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FBI Dads

Today’s American culture continues to marginalize the value of the nuclear family. This makes it easier for more and more fathers to abandon their God-given responsibility to help nurture their offspring. As a result, the issue of absentee fathers has become a maximum problem for a culture that has been minimizing their significance. How do we turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers?

Discussing Fatherhood with Ryan Roy

Ryan Roy is the leader of FBI Dads. FBI Dads stands for “fathers being involved.” Ryan is the author of “Be the Dad You Wish You Had.” His father abandoned him when he was just five years old. After many years of research and trial and error Ryan has uncovered the most effective tools and methods to teach any dad how to be the dad he wishes he had.

Episode Highlights:

How are both men and women responsible for the creation of absentee fatherhood?

According to Ryan why are dads not so involved anymore?

In what way are women incentivized to have fatherless children?

What is an advantage of having God in the picture for these difficult situations?

What is the mission of FBI Dads?

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Gamer

In 2021 Americans spent over 60 Billion dollars just to play video games. What that actually cost our nation in lost productivity and revenue is anyone's guess. Anecdotal evidence gives rise to the notion that much of this could be used in the workforce to help balance out our economy, but instead, we have young adults in their parents' basements watching porn and playing video games. How can you keep your family from becoming victims in a digital disaster?

Discussing Video Games with Adam Brooker

Adam Brooker grew up in the Charlotte area. He graduated high school in 2010 and went to North Carolina State University for one year. He then dropped out to enlist in the Army and ended up leaving for basic training in 2012. Adam was part of the 82 Airborn Division and five years later he finished his undergrad in North Carolina. Now Adam is in his last semester at Campbell Law School in Raleigh North Carolina.

Episode Highlights:

What is the difference between sustenance and substance?

People can’t feel good about themselves when- what?

How many hours a day did Adam game?

What events caused Adam's slight video game addiction to take a downturn?

What used to be the goal of college and what do young people expect differently, now?

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Digital Addiction

Smartphones have this pull on us- me, you, and everyone. They are designed that way! When was the last time you left your phone somewhere and didn’t panic? Your brain and mine have developed and matured in ways that your child’s brain has not. So why do you give your child a phone? It is understandable- they need it for football practice and other activities. They need to get ahold of you and vice versa! But, how do you talk through pulling back on the phone? Let’s discuss some practical steps.

Discussing Technology with Melanie Hempe

Melanie Hempe is the founder of Screen Strong and has been on our program before. One of her goals in Screen Strong is to help parents think through the double standards on phones and other devices when they’re talking with their children.

Episode Highlights:

What have smartphones virtually brought into our homes?

What two aspects does Trace tie to kids who become school shooters?

How are hypocrisy and double standards different?

What is the Gold Standard offered by Screen Strong?

What two things did Melanie and her husband say “no” to in order to fix the digital issue in their home?

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Healing Families

During the course of almost every mom and dad’s 18-year parenting journey, you will encounter conflict with your children. Guaranteed. But what happens when the conflicts become routine and magnify into combat in the teen years? How should parents proceed when you can no longer restrain your teenage wrecking ball from wrecking your home and the loved ones inside it? There are options if you run out of ideas for keeping your home a sanctuary of sanity and safety. These options are provided by a professional who helps families for a living.

Discussing Healing with Holly Hunter

Holly Hunter has been transporting troubled teens to therapeutic schools and programs across the country through Safe Passage Global which she founded. Holly has been a private investigator for more than 20 years, holds certifications in crisis manager intervention, and has been a Christian life coach. Holly is a certified mental health coach, first responder, and much more. Holly is good at what she does and cares deeply about people. When Holly has some downtime you can find her singing, taking photos, or writing books.

Episode Highlights:

What are some of the most common misconceptions about agencies like Safe Passage Global?

What percentage of children who go to wilderness programs need to be transported vs residential treatment?

What are some common fears families can have about residential care?

How is the fear of children dying in residential care a smoke screen?

Where else are children most safe?

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