Table 112: Lively Conversations

The teenage years can be very tumultuous leaving us all, teens and parents alike, wondering if we’re going to make it out together. John, Lisa, Gabby and Taylor are a ray of hope and authenticity about that season. John and Lisa have launched their daughters into the world and have given us an equally raw and hope-filled reflection on the teen years in their house. You might want a pen and paper or to make notes on your phone because they drop some wisdom on us!

Romans 12:10-12

You’re not going to believe how Payton’s high school, Athens High School came together in a BIG way to make a difference. Deb and Payton share an inspiring story about how they are investing in connections with women in Detroit caught in the sex-trafficking industry. You’ll walk away amazed at the generosity of this generation!

Athens High School video

Philippians 4:18-19

Join Meg & Jordan Glesener and Dana Williams around the Table - Table 112, that is! Our goal is to inspire meaningful talks about life between parents and teens. Our table is virtual so you can listen wherever you are. We hope you’ll listen with your teenager(s) so you can jump right into your conversation starter together. You’ll find out how the Glesener family hot tub became known as the “Hot Tub of Truth”. Meg and Jordan share about how their family has processed through decisions about devices and the online connections.

Meg is a podcaster, a group leader for 10th grade girls, who loves fantasy football, quilting and attending her kids’ matches & games-of which there are probably quite a lot because she’s a mom of 8 and grandmother of 3. She’s been married to Mike for 31 years. She describes herself as a child of God, trying to live her best life, and invite others to join in. 

Meg’s 16 year old son, Jordan, is the seventh of 8 kids. Jordan loves his small group at church. He is a Junior at Shorecrest high school school, where he plays varsity football and added varsity wrestling this year-both very successful seasons. You might find him behind a Sousaphone, at the end of the parade. He is involved in a Bible study in his public school and it’s been a big year of growth in his faith. Welcome to the Table! We’re so glad you’re here.

1 Peter 3:15-16

The attention of the entire world is on COVID-19. This Lively Conversations Parents Only* bonus episode with Tara Ross conversation was recorded before nearly everything was cancelled. But, it is such a timely for families today. Right where we are. 

Tara encourages us to pursue mental health through creative outlets and to leverage storylines to have better conversations with our kids. In a world that feels chaotic and frenzied, Tara’s pace and perspective offers peace and space. I know you’re going to be encouraged!

Lexi and Dana talk about the journey of faith. They explore some of the highs and lows, giving permission to lean in when doubts and questions come up.

Marvel Cave Map

Romans 1:17

Join my friend, Ashley Bohinc, and me, Dana Williams, around the Table - Table 112, that is! Our goal is to inspire meaningful talks about life between parents and teens. Our table is virtual so you can listen wherever you are. If you’ve got a middle schooler, you are going to love this Lively Conversations Parents Only* bonus episode with Ashley. Ashley Bohinc is the Director of Middle School Strategy at Orange (The reThink Group, Inc.) and USA Executive Director of Carry 117-Ethiopia. She is passionate about serving and mentoring students and empowering leaders around the world to do the same. Known for her energy, passion, and authenticity, Ashley is a motivator, teacher, strategist, leader, learner, writer, advocate, and adventurer. Ashley talks us through the ways our kids are changing and how we can engage our kids on some important topics. Welcome to the Table! We’re so glad you’re here.

Show Notes

Sometimes it seems like teens and adults are speaking different languages. How can adults and teenagers learn to connect with one another more easily? Justus and Lexi drop some truth bombs along with your standard dose of silly from the Williams family!

1 Timothy 4:12

Join the Mize Family around Table 112 for an inspiring conversation on the #livelyconversationspodcast about how the businesses Grant and Ben started in elementary school are making a difference.

2 Corinthians 9:7-8

Soshen | Supporting cancer research for kids

Sweetwater Candle Company | Proudly supporting our veterans

Join Kara Powell and me, Dana Williams, around the Table - Table 112, that is! Our goal is to inspire meaningful talks about life between parents and teens. Our table is virtual so you can listen wherever you are. I’m delighted to bring you this first ever Lively Conversations Parents Only* bonus episode with Kara. 

Kara Powell, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) and a faculty member at Fuller Theological Seminary (see fulleryouthinstitute.org).  Named by Christianity Today as one of “50 Women to Watch”, Kara serves as a Youth and Family Strategist for Orange, and also speaks regularly at parenting and leadership conferences.  Kara is the author or co-author of a number of books including Growing Young, The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family, Sticky Faith Curriculum, Can I Ask That?, Deep Justice Journeys, Essential Leadership, Deep Justice in a Broken World, Deep Ministry in a Shallow World, and the Good Sex Youth Ministry Curriculum. 

Kara’s team researched the growing issue of the anxiety teens are facing. FYI has some really helpful information for us, as parents, to help our teens navigate the stressors in their world. You’ll also discover the resources they’ve created to help parents dive deeper into supporting our kids. FYI has developed a curriculum that ministry leaders can use with high school students called Faith in an Anxious World. 

Kara and I have gotten to know each other a little bit over the last year through the launch of her Growing With book and ministry leadership events, where we shared the joys and fears of sending our oldest sons off to college last fall. Her team featured Justus’ experience with Jim during our birthday milestone celebration (Episode 007) as a Sticky Faith story. She’s married to Dave and they are mom and dad to three kids. 

Welcome to the Table! We’re so glad you’re here.

Faith in an Anxious World a 4 week High School Curriculum

Faith in an Anxious World Parenting Podcast

Kara Powell on How to Support Your Teen Through Anxiety infographic

This week, the Mickelson family gets honestly hilarious. Where this family goes, laughter follows. They open up about how humor is a part of their every day world. You’ll laugh along with us, but they also drop in some truth bombs that remind us to be careful of the dark side of humor. 

Kyle, Janell, Garrett and Aubrey are dear friends of our family. We know each other through church. We were in the same small group for several years. Our boys played lacrosse together. In our lives, they’re the kind of family who shows up and we love that about them. Kyle manages IT for a public school district in our area. Janell is a broker for CPA Firms. Garrett and Aubrey are both athletes. Garrett is a junior and he plays lacrosse and Aubrey is a freshman and she plays basketball. They are both super involved in their youth group and the Technology Student Association at their high school. You’ll hear how humor helps them bond and navigate meaningful talks in their family.

Psalm 126