This episode is a MUST-LISTEN for all the teen athletes & parents out there. Inspired by Zoey’s recovery from a concussion and Phoebe’s challenge of balancing soccer and volleyball, I started wondering: how can teens stay strong, recover well, and manage the demands of sports, school, and life?

To help us figure it all out, I’ve brought in a special guest – my awesome trainer, Hannah! Hannah is not only a powerhouse at the gym but also passionate about helping teens stay healthy, build strength, and fuel their bodies the right way. Whether you're recovering from an injury, deep in the game, or just looking to stay fit, Hannah shares practical tips on nutrition, training, and maintaining balance for teens & us parents!

We’ll also touch on how all of this connects with mental health, leading into next week’s conversation on handling parental expectations. Don’t miss it!

In this episode, we dive into the highs and challenges of starting high school with a special conversation about the first month as a freshman. We discuss expectations vs. reality, managing the demands of school, volleyball, church, and social life, and the impact of a concussion that forced some unexpected time off.

We cover everything from balancing priorities and peer pressure to overcoming setbacks and staying organized. Zoey also reflects on difficult moments, including how some friendships turned into lessons, and the struggles of realizing that not everyone is meant to be a part of your life. 

Tune in to hear the raw and honest reflections on what it’s like to navigate these first few months of high school, the journey back to sports after an injury, and finding the right support systems along the way. As always, we try to share some advice for parents and teens at the end of the episodes! 

In this episode of our back-to-school series, we’re thrilled to have Timmy, another bonus kid, join us for an in-depth conversation about his unique journey as a homeschooled student who’s also active in public school sports.

As we dive into Timmy’s homeschooling experience, he opens up the pros and cons of  his experience and reflects on what he might be missing out on by not attending a traditional school.  Timmy also walks us through his daily routine and shares what it’s like to participate in public school sports while being homeschooled.

Join us for this insightful and inspiring episode as Timmy offers a fresh perspective on the homeschooling lifestyle, the balance of academics and sports, and what it truly means to be a bonus kid with a foot in both worlds.

Our special guest today is Kaden, our neighbor who has become like family and one of our beloved “bonus children.” In this episode, we kick off our back-to-school series by chatting with Kaden about his recent switch from public school to charter school. We begin by sharing what "bonus child" means to us, and how Kaden has become such an integral part of our lives as we spend so much time together and always look out for each other.

We start off by discussing Kaden's experience at church camp and the reason for the long gap between episodes—I got really sick after camp! As summer comes to an end, Kaden shares how he faced a big decision between attending public school, an arts school, or a charter school for 7th grade. We then dive into how he’s balancing his love for playing the drums with his school responsibilities.

His journey from public to charter school, his passion for drumming, and the way he balances everything in his life is truly inspiring. I hope his insights, especially his advice for other teens facing tough decisions, resonate with you as much as they did with me. Whether you’re navigating school choices, pursuing a passion, or just trying to find your place in the world, remember that you’re not alone. We’ll be continuing our back-to-school series next week, so stay tuned for more inspiring stories. 

Join us as we explore the emotional journey that follows a transformative church camp experience. In this episode, we reminisce about the highlights of camp—the friendships, spiritual awakenings, and personal growth. We ask important questions to understand what made the camp experience so impactful and how it shaped our faith and relationships.

Transitioning back to everyday life can be challenging. We discuss the struggles of post-camp depression, the difficulty of maintaining a spiritual high, and the ways to cope with these changes. Whether you're a teen or a parent, our heartfelt stories and practical advice provide valuable support and guidance. Tune in to navigate the transition from the campfire glow to the daily grind with hope and resilience.

Join us for an insightful episode of "Blended and Blessed: From the Parents' Perspective," where Cody and I share our personal experiences of blending our families.

We dive into the unique challenges of merging two boys with three girls, navigating the ups and downs of parenting three teenagers at once, and managing conflicts that arise along the way. With heartfelt stories and practical tips, we also share our hopes and dreams for our blended family, inspired by the honest feedback and perspectives from all the kids over the past few weeks.

Whether you’re a parent or a teen, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for anyone navigating the complexities of a blended family. Tune in for an engaging and relatable conversation that highlights the joys and challenges of bringing two families together.

In this episode of Teen Vibes Unleashed, we dive into the raw and honest experiences of Jamison as he navigates life in a blended family. Jamison shares his journey of going from being an only child in a boys-only household with his dad to adjusting to a new family dynamic that includes sisters and a bonus mom.

He opens up about the real challenges and unexpected moments of building relationships with step-siblings, finding his place in a new household full of girls, and adapting to significant changes as a teen.

Join us for a candid conversation that sheds light on the realities of blending families, offering practical advice and genuine insights for teens and parents going through similar transitions. Tune in to hear Jamison's unfiltered perspective on what it truly means to adjust to change in a blended family.

In this heartfelt episode, Phoebe shares her unique perspective on growing up in a blended family. She takes us through the challenges and joys of blending our families.

From adjusting to new siblings to finding her place in a larger household, she opens up about the personal experiences that have shaped her journey. Join us as we explore the dynamics of stepfamilies, the importance of communication, and the ways in which love and understanding can create a strong, united family.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of blending families, offering insights, advice, and a sense of camaraderie for teens and parents alike.

In this special 4th of July episode of "Teen Vibes Unleashed," we celebrate the spirit of independence by delving into the dynamics of blended families. This episode features an intimate interview with my 14-year-old daughter as she shares her unique perspective on having a bonus parent in her life.

We’ll explore the challenges and rewards of integrating new family members, focusing on her personal experiences and insights. We'll discuss how she navigates the changes, her feelings about sharing her space and heart with a new parental figure, and the ways in which this big life transition has impacted her sense of independence. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt conversation about family, adaptation, and the importance of maintaining individuality while fostering new relationships.

This episode offers valuable insights for parents and teens alike, highlighting the resilience and love that can flourish in blended families. Celebrate the 4th of July with us as we embrace the fireworks of family unity and independence.

In this episode, Zoey and I talk about my dating choices after the divorce and all the lessons we both learned along the way.  She also shares her insights on how my experiences have influenced her choices in who she dates. 

Zoey mentions two "God Moments" in this episode that warm my heart! 

Parenting is a delicate balance between fulfilling your children's needs and honoring your own! We'll dive into all the details on this episode!