Teen brains aren’t broken — they’re under construction.

Geek out with Karlie over brain development and learn what’s actually happening inside.

You'll learn why mood swings and risky choices make sense, and most importantly, practical ways parents, teachers, and mentors can support healthy growth.

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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

- PMC: Maturation of the adolescent brain

- NIHM: The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know

- Rockwood Go Karts

- Teen Life Podcast: Digital Lives with Sarah Brooks | Real World Coping Skills | Sleep

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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com

Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe

Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!

Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges

Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges

Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

How to Engage Teens with Scripture

For many teenagers, the Bible feels confusing, boring, or overwhelming. But what if the problem isn’t the Bible itself, but how we approach it?

We explore how parents and mentors can help teens engage the Bible as a story to live, a prayer to pray, and a truth that makes sense for their real lives.

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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

- How We Read the Bible: 8 Ways to Engage the Bible With Our Students by Matthew Laidlaw

- The Story Bible

- Bible Recap

- Sing by Worship Initiative

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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com

Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe

Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!

Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges

Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges

Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

Coping Skills That Last a Lifetime

Anxiety among teens is on the rise, but resilience can be taught.

In this week’s episode, we unpack how parents, teachers, and mentors can create space for teens to fail, problem-solve, and grow stronger—skills that will carry them into adulthood.

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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

- Teen Life Podcast: Digital Lives with Sarah Brooks

- ⁠Teen Life Blog: How to Help a Teenager with Anxiety | How Much is TOO MUCH? Winning at Screen Time

- ⁠Brick App

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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com

Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe

Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!

Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges

Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges

Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

What You Might Be Missing

Vaping and nicotine pouches are designed to stay hidden—sweet scents, sleek devices, and nearly odorless pouches make them easy to miss.

Get our list of research-backed warning signs, the real health risks, and practical ways to talk with teens without shutting down the conversation.

Stay informed so you can help protect the teens you care about.

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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

- The Guardian: Young vape users three times as likely to start smoking, study finds

- CDC: Health Effects of Vaping

- CDC Foundation: The Connection between Vaping and Mental Health Challenges: Why Youth Deserve Our Protection

- Keck School of Medicine of USC: Use of nicotine pouches increases significantly among U.S. teens

- VeryWell Health: Is Zyn Bad for Your Heart?

- Teen Life Podcast: Vaping | Zyn | Teen Addictions | Juul Marketing

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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com

Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe

Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!

Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges

Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges

Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

From “Fine” to Real Talk: How to Get Teens to Open Up

Tired of getting one-word answers when you ask, “How was your day?” You’re not alone.

Sarah Brooks joins the team to share practical ways to move past “fine” and into meaningful conversation. Discover why timing, setting, and the right questions make all the difference—and how to listen so teens actually want to talk.

Listen now and learn simple, everyday strategies that build trust and turn small moments into real connection.

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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

- Teen Life Podcast: Icebreaker Questions | Helping Teens Balance Digital Lives with Sarah Brooks

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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com

Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe

Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!

Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges

Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Sarah Brooks & Tobin Hodges

Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

What can we do to help teens balance life in a digital world?

Teens and the digital world can feel inseparable—but caring adults can make a real difference.

This week, Sarah Brooks joins us with simple, practical ways to guide healthier habits, from modeling screen-free time to inviting teens to help set their own limits.

You’ll also hear ideas for creating offline moments of fun and connection that last longer than any scroll. Tune in and discover steps you can start using today to help teens thrive both online and off.

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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

- That Sounds Fun by Annie F. Downs

• - Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman

• - Brick App

  - Teen Life Podcast: Don't Panic about Social Media with Sarah Brooks | Social Media Report | Social Media

  - Teen Life Blog: Learning to Unplug as a Family

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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com

Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe

Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!

Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges

Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Sarah Brooks & Tobin Hodges

Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

Do your teens sometimes come across as ungrateful or entitled?

It’s a common concern among parents, teachers, and mentors.

But entitlement isn’t a sign of failure—it’s often part of the growing-up process.

In our latest podcast, we explore what’s really behind the entitlement stereotype and share practical, encouraging ways to help teens build genuine gratitude that strengthens their relationships, resilience, and well-being.

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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

- Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch

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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com

Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe

Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!

Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges

Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges

Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

Teens are using AI in ways you might not expect—from homework help and creative projects to forming relationships with chatbots.

But with the potential benefits come big risks like plagiarism, misinformation, and even over-reliance for mental health.

Listen this week for important information about how to guide teens toward safe and smart AI use.

We'll cover the dangers, benefits, and practical tips every caring adult needs to know.

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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

- Parents: More Kids Are Turning to AI Companions—And It's Raising Red Flags

- APNews: Teens say they are turning to AI for friendship

- APNews: New study sheds light on ChatGPT’s alarming interactions with teens

- Washington Post: What is ‘AI psychosis’ and how can ChatGPT affect your mental health?

- NY Post: Startling 97% of Gen Z students are using AI to write essays, do homework — and even get into college

- NPR: How an AI-generated summer reading list got published in major newspapers

- TIME: A Psychiatrist Posed As a Teen With Therapy Chatbots. The Conversations Were Alarming

- TIME: ChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills, According to a New MIT Study

- MIT News: Explained: Generative AI’s environmental impact

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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com

Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe

Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!

Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges

Hosted by: Karlie Duke, Caleb Hatchett & Tobin Hodges

Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

Even with a packed calendar, connection is a vital part of everyone’s health.

When teens get busy or seem distant, it’s easy to feel like you're losing your connection—but don’t take it personally.In episode 178, we discuss how to stay connected with the teens in your life, even when schedules are packed and routines are out of sync.From making the most of small moments to using technology intentionally, we’re sharing practical, low-pressure ways to show up and stay close.Tune in and discover how small, consistent efforts can make a big impact.

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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com

Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe

Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!

Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges

Hosted by: Karlie Duke & Caleb Hatchett

Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann

What Do Boundaries with Teens Actually Look Like?

We talk a lot about boundaries on this podcast, and for good reason—they’re one of the most important tools you have as a caring adult. But let’s be honest: it’s one thing to say “set boundaries,” and another to know what that looks like in real life. We’re getting super practical.

What kinds of boundaries actually help teens thrive? Why do they matter? And how can you set them without sounding like the “fun police”?

Let’s dive in.

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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

- Teen Life Blog: How to Define Group Norms that Teens Will Actually Follow | Teenage Romance: Tips for Teens and Parents | 5 Ways to Keep Teens Safe This Summer

- Teen Life Podcast: How to Talk with Teens about Sex & Relationships | Setting Realistic Tech Boundaries for Teens | Cell Phone Boundaries | First Cell Phone Advice | Boundaries | Teen Dating Advice | Dating at School | Dating | Friendship Anxiety

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Visit our website: www.teenlifepodcast.com

Subscribe to get the episodes in your inbox: www.teenlife.ngo/subscribe

Watch the podcast on ⁠YouTube⁠!

Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

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.

Podcast Music by: Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges

Hosted by: Karlie Duke & Caleb Hatchett

Produced by: Karlie Duke & Kelly Fann