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What actually helps teens talk openly with their parents? 

In this special episode, Mandy sits down with her 18-year-old son, Carter, before he leaves for college to hear his honest perspective on parenting, communication, phones, boundaries, and growing up in a digital world. 

Together, they reflect on what helped build trust in their relationship, why creating a safe space matters, and how parents can balance rules, accountability, and connection with their kids. 

They also discuss: 
• Why rewarding honesty helped communication early on 
• The downside of overthinking and constantly asking “what if” 
• Why parents apologizing matters more than we realize 
• Phones, social media, and earning trust gradually 
• Why short conversations often work better with teen boys 
• Family traditions, games, and staying connected 
• Why parents should stay curious about their child’s world 

This episode is honest, funny, practical, and encouraging for parents navigating the teen years. 

RESOURCES

What my parents got right … and wrong - nextTalk 

The first nextTalk kid: an interview with Mandy’s 20-year-old daughter - nextTalk 

Teach Red Flag Reporting - nextTalk 

Avoid Crazy-Parent Mode - nextTalk 

Four reasons I kept screens out of my kid’s bedroom and bathroom - nextTalk 

Parent Question: This world is so sexualized. How do I approach these conversations with my son? - nextTalk 

Free Guide: Red Flag Reporting (Faith-Based) - nextTalk 

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What should parents do when a child’s friend starts making unhealthy choices? 

When kids open up about what their friends are watching, saying, or experimenting with, many parents instinctively want to immediately end the friendship. But reacting too quickly can shut down communication and teach a harsh kind of “cutoff culture” instead of wisdom, discernment, and healthy boundaries. 

In this episode, we share five practical ways to help kids navigate risky friendships with both love and truth. We talk about how to respond when friends introduce inappropriate language, pornography, vaping, hookup culture, and other unhealthy influences—and how to help your child process those situations without fear-based parenting. 

You’ll also learn: 

• Why there is no perfect friend  
• How to avoid “level four” reactions to “level one” problems  
• Biblical conflict resolution from Matthew 18  
• The difference between inner-circle and outer-circle friends  
• One-way vs. two-way friendships  
• How your own friendships model relationship habits for your kids  

This episode will give parents practical language and biblical tools to help kids build healthy relationships, set wise boundaries, and navigate friendships in today’s culture. 

RESOURCES

Teach Red Flag Reporting - nextTalk 

Develop Moral Compass and Default to Love - nextTalk 

Look in the Mirror - nextTalk 

Build a Safe Place - nextTalk 

Adopt a No-Secrets Family Policy - nextTalk 

Your family is the most important team you will ever lead. - nextTalk 

Parenting Advice with Pastor Robert Emmitt - nextTalk 

A kid is confiding in me. Do I tell the parent? - nextTalk 

Is this Gossip? - nextTalk 

My kid is telling me everything. Do I speak up? - nextTalk 

FOMO is real. How do I parent it? - nextTalk 

TALK: A Practical Approach to Cyberparenting and Open Communication 

Free Guide: Red Flag Reporting (Faith-Based) - nextTalk 

Free Guide: Family Pact Teen Version (13+) - nextTalk 

Free Guide: nextTalk10 - nextTalk 

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KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE

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A mom asked a question at one of our live events that sparked a conversation on our team. 

She created a phone contract with her kids that included mutual phone checks—meaning she could look at their phones, and they could look at hers. Then she asked: “Is that ok?” 

In the moment, Mandy said yes—affirming the mom’s desire to build trust and model openness. But afterward, our team kept talking. Should phone rules go both ways? Are there situations where that might not be the best approach? 

In this episode, Mandy and Merideth unpack both perspectives—exploring the balance between trust and leadership. They discuss real-life considerations like privacy, spouse conversations, work-related information, and the kind of content that can unexpectedly show up on a parent’s phone. 

They also zoom out to digital safety—why “deleted” doesn’t always mean gone, the risks tied to sharing images, and how AI is changing the conversation for families. 

You’ll walk away with practical guidance on creating a phone contract,  involving your kids in the process, and adjusting boundaries as they grow. 

Create Guidelines - nextTalk 

Random Phone Checks? - nextTalk 

Free Guide: Phone Contract (Faith-Based) - nextTalk 

Is my kid ready for a phone? - nextTalk 

Free Guide: Family Pact Kid Version (5+) - nextTalk 

Free Guide: Family Pact Teen Version (13+) - nextTalk 

My kid has a phone with no guidelines. How do I go back? - nextTalk 

Something Is Off with My Teen—Now What? - nextTalk 

Build a Safe Place - nextTalk 

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KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE

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[email protected]
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What’s one simple parenting habit that builds trust? 

In this episode, Mandy shares why saying what you mean—and following through—can shape how your kids see you for years to come. When parents are consistent with their words, it builds credibility, respect, and a sense of security in the home. 

She also shares two additional thoughts for parents in the early years, including staying connected in your marriage and staying grounded in your faith. 

This conversation is a reminder that small, everyday moments matter more than we think. 

Look in the Mirror - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/look-in-the-mirror/

We Read the Comments on our Viral Parenting Post - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/we-read-the-comments-on-our-viral-parenting-post/

3 Things Not to Do if you want to Stay Married - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/your-family-is-the-most-important-team-you-will-ever-lead/


Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE

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Last year, we shared a parenting story that went viral. 

It was a simple moment—but it sparked a wide range of reactions. 

In this episode, we go back and read real comments from that post and respond. 

Some were encouraging. 
Some were critical. 
Some made big assumptions from a single moment. 

We talk through what those responses reveal about parenting, marriage, and communication—and why moments like this matter more than we think. 

At nextTalk, we believe one honest conversation can make a real difference. 

Website Title: We Read the Comments on Our Viral Parenting Post 

Website Description: A parenting moment we shared last year reached millions—and the comment section told a bigger story. 

In this episode, Mandy and Matthew revisit that moment and read real responses from the internet. 

Together, they unpack what people saw, what they assumed, and what it reveals about how families communicate—especially in tense situations. 

This episode offers a thoughtful look at parenting, marriage, and the role each parent plays in helping conversations move forward. 

RESOURCES

Look in the Mirror - nextTalk 

Your family is the most important team you will ever lead. - nextTalk 

Three things NOT to do if you want to stay married. - nextTalk 

Fighting for Our Marriage with Matt and Mandy Majors - nextTalk 

Marriage Advice with Pastor Robert Emmitt - nextTalk 

Parenting Advice with Pastor Robert Emmitt - nextTalk 

Parenting High Schoolers into Young Adults - nextTalk 

Something Is Off with My Teen—Now What? - nextTalk 

Putting Your Life on the Line - nextTalk 

Build a Safe Place - nextTalk 

3 Things Every Kid Needs (From a Youth Pastor) - nextTalk 

Body Changes and Attitude - nextTalk 

When I hijack the moment… - nextTalk 

Free Guide: nextTalk10 - nextTalk 

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com  

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KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE

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Parents have been raising concerns about social media for years—and now the courts are starting to catch up. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Tori Hirsch, legal counsel at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), to break down two major court cases involving Meta. 

We unpack the New Mexico case, where the company was found liable under consumer protection laws, and the California bellwether trial examining social media addiction through product liability. Along the way, Tori explains why these cases matter, why Section 230 didn’t block them, and how platform design is becoming a key legal battleground. 

We also discuss what came out in court about algorithms, infinite scroll, internal warnings, and the gap between parental control tools and what families can actually use. 

And we address the question parents hear all the time: “Where are the parents?” 
These cases reinforce what many families already know—parents matter, but they were never meant to carry this alone. 

RESOURCES

Legislative Work to Keep Kids Safe Online - nextTalk 

16 Year Old’s Suicide from Sextortion.How do we protect our kids? - nextTalk 

Mason’s Mom Warns of Social Media Challenges - nextTalk 

Cyberbullying - nextTalk 

Talking to your Kid about Grooming - nextTalk 

My child is ready for social media. Where should I start? - nextTalk 

Parenting YouTube - nextTalk 

Walker’s Promise - nextTalk 

CBS Article 

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KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE

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If you’ve ever relied on a screen to get through a busy moment, you’re not alone—and you’re not a bad parent. 

In this episode, Mandy Majors is joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Kristina M. Fields, MS, LMFT, to talk about the growing “iPad kid” trend and what it means for young children. 

Together, they unpack how early screen habits impact brain development, emotional regulation, and behavior—and why giving kids their own device can quickly turn screens into the default. 

You’ll walk away with practical, realistic strategies you can use right away, including: 

• A simple “activity table” idea that replaces screens in the morning  
• Easy, low-prep activities for home, restaurants, and waiting rooms  
• How to scale back screen time without overwhelming your child  
• Why consistency (even when it’s hard) pays off long-term  
• How your own screen habits influence your kids  

This episode is full of encouragement, not guilt—and offers real help for parents navigating screens in everyday life. 

Breaking the Fast Dopamine Cycle with Kristina Fields

Caller asks, “How do I keep my kids from playing on screens all summer?” - nextTalk 

Four reasons I kept screens out of my kid’s bedroom and bathroom - nextTalk 

Are Screens Changing Your Family Culture? - nextTalk 

“Anxious Generation” Book by Jonathan Haidt - nextTalk 

Teach Red Flag Reporting - nextTalk

Free Guide: Red Flag Reporting (Faith-Based) - nextTalk 

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com  

Support the show

KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE

Connect with us...
www.nextTalk.org
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Contact Us...
[email protected]
P.O. BOX 160111 San Antonio, TX 78280

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Online gambling is growing fast—and it’s reaching kids through their phones, games, and social feeds. 

In this episode, we break down why sports betting has exploded, how gaming mechanics like loot boxes can mimic gambling, and why young men are especially vulnerable. 

We also share practical, preventative conversations to start early, plus clear red flags to watch for if your teen is already struggling. 

You’ll learn: 
• how the 2018 Supreme Court decision changed sports betting 
• the connection between gaming and gambling behavior 
• why prop betting is spreading quickly 
• warning signs like secrecy and chasing losses 
• simple guardrails for money, access, and apps 
• how to approach your teen with empathy and clarity 

We’re learning together how to keep kids safe online—one honest conversation at a time. 

RESOURCES

How a 2018 Supreme Court decision paved the way for meteoric growth in legal sports betting | AP News 

 Commercial Gaming Revenue Hits $78.7 Billion in 2025, Driving Record $18.1 Billion in Gaming Taxes Nationwide - American Gaming Association 

 Dave Ramsey Warns: DraftKings and FanDuel Are ‘Destroying a Generation of Young Men’ - Michael Foust | Crosswalk.com 

 2025 Sports Betting and Debt Survey 

 National Survey Finds Widespread Gambling Participation Before Age 21 Amid Public Concern About Youth Exposure Risk - National Council on Problem Gambling 

 How Loot Boxes In Children’s Video Games Encourage Gambling

My kid is addicted to screens. Help! - nextTalk 

Screen Addiction - nextTalk 

My 12yo is spending all his money on V-Bucks. Should I be concerned? - nextTalk 

Pornography - nextTalk 

Face Your Fears - nextTalk 

Build a Safe Place - nextTalk

Avoid Crazy-Parent Mode - nextTalk

How do we talk to our kids about Money? - nextTalk

Support the show

KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE

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Parent Question: Something Is Off with My Teen—Now What?  

When your teen suddenly seems different, it’s easy for your brain to jump to the worst-case scenario. New clothes, new friends, sharper attitude—and suddenly you’re wondering if something is seriously wrong. 

In this episode, we talk about what to do when something feels off with your teen and how to take that concern seriously without jumping straight to panic. We introduce the “chapter 10 parent vs. chapter 3 kid” framework and share practical ways to stay curious, check devices, and keep kids safe online. 

We discuss: 
• trusting your gut without spiraling into fear 
• separating urgent self-harm risk from normal teen changes 
• understanding how social media algorithms can influence teens 
• asking curious questions instead of accusing or shaming 
• doing random phone checks with clear expectations 
• checking influencer feeds and algorithm recommendations 
• staying calm and engaged when attitude shows up 

If there are signs of self-harm or immediate danger, involve medical or mental health professionals right away. For everything else in the gray zone, this episode will help you respond thoughtfully instead of reacting from fear. 

To support our work helping families navigate the digital world, visit nextTalk.org. 

RESOURCES

Random Phone Checks? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/random-phone-checks/

What would you tell your 9th grade self? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/what-would-you-tell-your-9th-grade-self/

3 Things Every Kid Needs (From a Youth Pastor) - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/3-things-every-kid-needs-from-a-youth-pastor/

Influenced - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/influenced/

How do I get my kids to tell me what they’re seeing online? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/how-do-i-get-my-kids-to-tell-me-what-theyre-seeing-online/

How do I get my kids to talk? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/how-do-i-get-my-kids-to-talk/

Build a Safe Place - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/build-a-safe-place/

It feels like I’m losing my kid. Why is my kid pulling away? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/it-feels-like-im-losing-my-kid-why-is-my-kid-pulling-away/



Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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Kratom and 7-OH are showing up in gas stations across the country, sometimes in energy-drink style bottles teens can easily access. Drug trend expert Jermaine Galloway (“Tall Cop Says Stop”) joins the nextTalk Podcast to explain what parents need to know about kratom, 7-hydroxy, and other hidden gas station drugs.

Parents may assume these products are safe because they are legal or labeled “natural,” but that assumption can be dangerous. Jermaine breaks down how these substances are marketed, why mixing substances increases risk for teens, and how parents can start important conversations at home.

In this episode we discuss:

• What kratom and 7-OH actually are
• Why “natural” does not mean safe
• How these substances are being sold in gas stations
• Why mixing substances increases risk for teens
• Practical talking points for parents

Guest:
Jermaine Galloway (“Tall Cop Says Stop”)
Drug trend educator and national speaker

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