Roots That Last

In this episode of The Roots That Last, Ryan and Madeline talk with Edward Sanchez about creativity, faith, family, and the practice of seeking beauty.

Edward is a creative director and multimedia artist whose work spans art, music, design, and storytelling. In this conversation, he helps expand the idea of creativity beyond traditional art forms, reminding us that creativity shows up in everyday life: cooking, spreadsheets, engineering, gardening, sports, clothing, music, problem-solving, parenting, and the rhythms of a home.

Together, Ryan, Madeline, and Edward talk about what it means to be made in the image of a Creator, and how that shapes the way families can understand creativity. They explore how parents can help kids connect with God through the things they already love, whether that is baseball, painting, cooking, school, music, or simply noticing the world around them.

They also talk about why kids often lose their sense of wonder as they grow older, how fast-paced and screen-filled environments can make it harder to notice beauty, and why practices like gratitude, boredom, slowing down, and living with open hands can help families become more attentive to God’s goodness.

In this episode, we talk about:

Why creativity is not only for artists

How everyday life is full of creative acts

What it means to be made by a Creator

How parents can help kids connect faith and creativity

Why kids often lose their sense of wonder

How slowing down helps families notice beauty

Why boredom can be good for kids

How gratitude helps us pay attention

Why creativity matters for problem-solving and resilience

How families can create rhythms that help kids seek beauty

This episode is a thoughtful invitation for families to slow down, notice what is good, and help children discover the creativity God has already placed within them.

In this episode of The Roots That Last, Ryan talks with Josue Trevino, Campus Pastor at Ecclesia’s Lindale campus, about how families can practice hospitality toward immigrant families.

Josue shares from his own story of moving to the United States from Mexico as a child, learning English, navigating the pressure to assimilate, and living with the feeling of being “a little out of place everywhere.” He reflects on how encouragement, inclusion, and belonging shaped his own experience, and why those same gifts matter so deeply for immigrant families today.

Together, Ryan and Josue talk about the fear many immigrant families are carrying, the way public narratives can affect children and students, and why simple acts of friendship can carry more weight than we realize. They also offer practical ideas for families who want to take a first step: inviting someone to dinner, writing a note of encouragement, trying another family’s food or language, participating in school cultural events, or joining programs like FriendSpeak.

In this episode, we talk about:

Common misconceptions about immigrant families

The pressure many immigrant children feel to assimilate

Why belonging matters so deeply

How parents can help their kids practice hospitality

Why trying someone else’s food, language, or culture can be deeply honoring

The fear many immigrant families are carrying right now

Simple ways to say, “I’m with you,” even without having all the answers

How FriendSpeak helps build friendship, language, and connection

This conversation is a thoughtful and practical invitation for families to love their neighbors well and help immigrant families know they are seen, welcomed, and not alone.

Resources Mentioned:

FriendSpeak
Ecclesia Lindale

In this episode of The Roots That Last, Ryan and Madeline talk with Dr. Cali Werner, founder of Athlete Rising, author of Anxious Annie, and co-host of The Anxiety Society Podcast, about sports, anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, and faith.

Cali shares how anxiety and OCD shaped her own experience as an athlete, including the pressure that came with success and the rituals that began to steal joy from the sport she loved. She also explains why proper diagnosis and evidence-based support can be freeing for kids and families.

Together, they explore how anxiety can show up in young athletes, why reassurance does not always help long-term, how parents can tell the difference between healthy pressure and unhealthy anxiety, and how kids can learn to bounce back after mistakes.

This conversation is full of practical encouragement for parents, coaches, and anyone helping kids navigate sports, performance, pressure, and identity.

Resources:

Athlete Rising: https://www.athleterising.org/

Anxious Annie: https://www.amazon.com/Anxious-Annie-Cali-Werner/dp/1665523778

The Anxiety Society Podcast: https://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com/

IOCDF Provider Profile: https://iocdf.org/providers/werner-cali/

Talking to our kids about sex can feel awkward, intimidating, and even overwhelming—especially for parents who grew up with shame-based messages around faith, bodies, and sexuality.

In this episode of The Roots That Last, Ryan and Madeline talk with Dr. Kelly Edmiston, Lead Pastor at The Vineyard Church in Sugar Land/Stafford and author of Shame-Free Sex Talks, about how Christian parents can begin having healthier, more faithful conversations with their kids.

Kelly offers a framework she calls spiritual sexuality, helping families understand that our bodies, desires, faith, and formation are not separate parts of us, but deeply connected. This conversation is honest, practical, and full of grace for parents who want to do better but may not know where to begin.

In this episode, we talk about moving beyond purity culture, why “the talk” should become a thousand small conversations, how Scripture can shape a better sexual ethic, and how to help kids know that their bodies are good, holy, and loved by God.

Whether your kids are toddlers, teenagers, or somewhere in between, this episode is an invitation to approach these conversations with courage, tenderness, and hope.

Episode Title: Shame-Free Sex Talks: Faith, Bodies, and Guiding Our Kids with Grace

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Roots That Last, Ryan and Madeline sit down with Dr. Kelly Edmiston to talk about one of the most important—and often most intimidating—conversations Christian parents have with their kids: sex.

Kelly names the gap many parents feel. We know we do not want to repeat the shame of purity culture, but we also do not want to say nothing. So what does it look like to offer our kids a better, more integrated, more faithful way forward?

Through her framework of spiritual sexuality, Kelly helps parents see that faith and sexuality are not disconnected. Our bodies, desires, questions, and spiritual formation are all part of our life with God.

In this episode, we talk about:

Why many Christians inherited a disconnected view of faith and sexuality

What purity culture tried to solve, and where it caused harm

Why silence around sex still communicates something to our kids

How to move from one big “sex talk” to many small, ongoing conversations

Why parents may need to name and heal from their own sexual shame

How Scripture can help shape a sexual ethic rooted in covenant, community, and consent

Why kids need to know their bodies are good, holy, and loved by God

How to begin age-appropriate conversations from early childhood through the teenage years

Guest:
Dr. Kelly Edmiston is the Lead Pastor at The Vineyard Church in Sugar Land/Stafford and the author of Shame-Free Sex Talks: Guiding Kids to Live Out Their Faith, Love Their Bodies, and Understand the Goodness of Sex.

Resource Mentioned:
Shame-Free Sex Talks by Dr. Kelly Edmiston

Listen and Watch:
You can listen to The Roots That Last on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.

Dr. Kelly Edmiston: https://www.drkellyedmiston.com/ The Vineyard Church: https://thevineyard.church/ Shame-Free Sex Talks: https://a.co/d/0gSG5ud3 The Roots That Last: https://ecclesiahouston.org/rootspodcast

What happens when a parenting expert becomes a grandma—and her daughter becomes a parent? In this fun and honest episode, Deb Engen and Ericka Graham reflect on decades of parenting, grandparenting, and growing together. They unpack real-life lessons from Love & Logic, talk about the difference between praise and encouragement, and explore how parenting philosophies shift over time. This mother-daughter duo will leave you laughing, nodding, and rethinking how you parent—with love, grace, and logic.

Being a parent is hard. Being a grandparent who raised a parent? Also hard. But also hilarious. And heart-melting. And full of wisdom.

In this episode of The Roots That Last Podcast, we’re joined by Deb and Erika Graham—a mother-daughter duo with a whole lot of experience, empathy, and straight-up truth. Deb brings decades of parenting expertise (and yes, she taught Love & Logic to stadiums full of people), while Erika shares what it’s like to be a modern parent trying to honor that wisdom without losing her own voice.

They dive into:

💬 The power of encouragement vs. praise

🤹‍♀️ How parenting philosophies shift between generations

🚫 The hard truth about setting boundaries with grandparents

🧠 What kids really learn from how we live

❤️ Why parenting with grace reflects the heart of the Gospel

This one’s full of laughs, warmth, and wisdom for anyone navigating family dynamics while trying to raise kids with faith that lasts.

🎙 Episode Title:
Faith, Grace & Love and Logic – Parenting Across Generations

💡 Episode Summary:
What happens when a mom who taught parenting for decades becomes a grandma—and her daughter becomes a parent? Deb Engen and Ericka Graham open up about how their relationship has evolved, the joys and tensions of grandparenting, and how grace-centered parenting can be both deeply practical and deeply spiritual.

⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro to Deb & Ericka
04:00 – What Ericka learned from her mom’s parenting
06:30 – Bedtime prayers, gratitude, and faith in childhood
10:00 – Transitioning from daughter to mom—and finding her own voice
14:00 – The beauty and tension of being a close-by grandparent
17:00 – The difference between praise and encouragement
21:00 – Using Love & Logic with toddlers, teens, and everyone in between
25:00 – Why following through is so hard (but necessary)
31:00 – The connection between Love & Logic and the gospel
36:00 – Encouragement, identity, and grace in parenting
39:00 – Why modeling matters more than rules

💬 Key Takeaways:

Encouragement is specific. Praise is generic. One builds identity; the other doesn’t.

Kids need boundaries and empathy—grace and truth.

Parents and grandparents need healthy boundaries too.

Love & Logic isn’t just a method—it’s a mindset that mirrors God’s grace.

Your kids don’t need perfection. They need your presence and your example.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

Parenting with Love & Logic by Charles Fay & Jim Fay

📣 Join the Conversation:
Got a question or story to share? Email us at [email protected]
Follow along for more: @ecclesiahouston

🔔 Subscribe & Leave a Review!
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This week on Roots That Last, we welcome Dr. Steve Turley and Alejandro Turley to discuss navigating doubt and faith within the family. Dr. Turley, a seminary director, and Alejandro, a thoughtful high school senior, share their experiences and insights on creating an environment where children feel comfortable asking tough questions and exploring their beliefs. Discover practical tips for parents on fostering open communication, embracing the mysteries of faith, and encouraging critical thinking.

Podcast Show Notes:

Episode Title: Navigating Doubt & Faith with Dr. Steve Turley & Alejandro Turley

Hosts: Madeline Robinson & Ryan Bien

Guests: Dr. Steve Turley - Director of Baylor's Truett Seminary in Houston, Texas

Alejandro Turley

Key Topics:

Creating a safe space for children to ask questions about faith

The importance of open communication within families

How to approach tough questions and doubts about faith

The role of role models in shaping faith

Acknowledging the mysteries inherent in faith

Balancing faith and reason

The "Bible or AI" game

Resources Mentioned:

BioLogos: www.https://biologos.org/ (website exploring the intersection of science and faith)

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

Subscribe to Roots That Last on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more insightful conversations on faith and family.

Share this episode with a friend who might find it helpful.

Connect With Us:

Website: www.ecclesiahouston.org

Social Media: @ecclesiahouston

Parenting is one of life’s biggest transitions. It changes how you spend your time, how you see yourself, and even how you experience faith. But does it have to mean losing yourself? In this episode, Ryan Bean steps into the guest chair to talk about identity, purpose, and how to navigate parenting without sacrificing who you are. He shares insights on balancing personal faith with family life, why "perfect balance" is a myth, and how embracing your identity as God’s beloved can anchor you through the ups and downs of raising kids.

Episode Title:Faith, Doubt & Identity – How to Be a Parent Without Losing Yourself

Episode Summary:
Becoming a parent changes everything—but does it mean losing yourself in the process? This week, Ryan Bien joins the conversation to unpack what it means to hold onto your identity and purpose while navigating the demands of parenting. From finding balance (spoiler: it’s a myth) to embracing your identity as God's beloved, this episode is packed with real talk, wisdom, and encouragement.

Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro – Parenting & the fear of losing yourself
(04:05) The identity shift of becoming a parent
(10:00) Balancing parenthood, purpose & faith
(15:30) The myth of perfect balance (& why it doesn’t exist)
(22:10) Practical ways to stay connected to your faith and self
(30:45) The power of community & finding your inner circle
(40:00) Final thoughts & key takeaways

Key Takeaways:

Parenting will change you, but it doesn’t have to erase you.

Your identity isn’t just "Mom" or "Dad"—you are God’s beloved first.

Finding balance is more about rhythm than perfection.

Community is essential—don’t try to do this alone.

Join the Conversation:
📩 Have a question or story to share? Email us at [email protected]
📲 Connect with us @ecclesiahouston

🔔 Subscribe & Leave a Review!
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts—it really helps others find the show!

Faith. Doubt. Growing up. Every child will wrestle with what they believe, and as parents, it can be hard to know how to respond. Should you push them toward faith? Give them space? What if they start questioning everything?

In this episode of The Roots That Last Podcast, we sit down with Sean & Rochelle Palmer to talk about how to guide your kids through their own faith journey—without forcing it. They share real-life parenting stories, including how they navigated a season when their daughter identified as agnostic, the importance of open conversations, and why letting go might actually help your child hold onto faith.

🔹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why questioning faith is a normal part of growing up

✔️ How to create a home where faith conversations happen naturally

✔️ The balance between guidance and letting go

✔️ How to respond when your child expresses doubts about faith

✔️ Practical ways to encourage kids to explore their beliefs

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! New episodes drop on the first Wednesday of every month.

🎧 Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube

👉 Follow us for more: www.ecclesiahouston.org/rootspodcast | @ecclesiahouston

📌 Show Notes:

Episode Title: Faith, Doubt & Letting Go – How to Help Your Kids Explore Their Own Faith

Episode Summary:
In today’s episode, we talk with Sean & Rochelle Palmer about how to navigate faith, doubt, and exploration in parenting. As kids grow up, they start questioning everything—including their faith. So how do we, as parents, help them wrestle with these questions without pushing them away? The Palmers share their personal experiences, including:

✅ The moment their daughter said she was agnostic and how they responded
✅ Why “don’t be a Twitter atheist” became a core parenting lesson
✅ How to create an environment where faith conversations happen naturally
✅ The power of letting go and trusting your child’s faith journey
✅ How family rhythms, discussions, and personal example shape kids' beliefs

Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro – Why this conversation matters
(03:15) The adolescent crisis – when kids realize parents aren’t always right
(08:40) What to do when your child expresses doubt about faith
(15:30) How to balance guidance with giving kids space
(22:10) Why forcing faith can backfire & what to do instead
(30:45) Practical ways to encourage spiritual exploration
(45:00) Final thoughts & key takeaways

Join the Conversation:
📩 Have a question or story to share? Email us at [email protected]
📲 Connect with us @ecclesiahouston

🔔 Subscribe & Leave a Review!
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts—it really helps others find the show!

Welcome to the launch of the Roots That Last podcast! In this special introductory episode, hosts Madeline and Ryan share their excitement and vision for the series. Together, they explore the essence of creating a lasting faith in families and the vital role intergenerational conversations play in this journey. Get to know Madeline’s fresh Gen Z perspective and Ryan’s seasoned insights from ministry and parenting. Tune in to discover what’s in store and why this podcast is a must-listen for Christian parents seeking to guide their children in love and faith.

Listen now and subscribe to join our community!

Hosts: Madeline & Ryan

Episode Highlights:

Introduction to the podcast’s theme and purpose

Insights into Madeline and Ryan's backgrounds and perspectives

Discussion on the importance of intergenerational dialogue

Overview of upcoming content and exciting guest appearances

Call to Action:

Subscribe to the podcast to stay updated on monthly episodes

Connect with Us:

Website: www.ecclesiahouston.org

Instagram: @ecclesiahouston

Release Schedule:

New episodes every first Wednesday of the month

Thank you for tuning in! We’re thrilled to have you on this journey with us.