Now that we're officially in the Christmas season, it's time for a festive, music-filled episode of The Goodkind Podcast. Clayton, Chris, and Amy dive headfirst into the holiest of holiday debates: Which Christmas songs are actually good… and which ones should be banned forever?
From Mariah Carey to claymation classics, from nostalgic hymns to deeply questionable novelty tracks (looking at you, Dominick the Donkey), the team drafts their best and worst Christmas songs and explains why music shapes the season so powerfully.

They explore what makes a Christmas song meaningful, singable, memorable, or downright chaotic — and along the way share childhood memories, musical hot takes, and a few moments of friendly Christmas-themed outrage.

Whether you’re blasting the classics the moment Halloween ends or refusing to hit play until December 1, this episode will make you laugh, think, and probably text someone your own list of “songs that should be deleted forever.”

Takeaways

• There are only about twelve classic Christmas songs… but apparently unlimited opinions.

• Not all Christmas songs are created equal (some need to be retired immediately).

• Meaningful lyrics, singability, and nostalgia shape which songs stick with us.

• Memories tied to music often matter more than the song itself.

• Playfulness and joy in music help anchor us in the season’s meaning.

• Christmas music connects generations and believers from many backgrounds.

Find The King Is Coming song on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube!

https://open.spotify.com/album/4Dcg0c7cME2X1Ov6EypkWs?si=xaMlCE3bSsy-RrWhWnwSTQ

Learn more about GoodKind and the products we make at www.goodkind.shop

Like many episodes of The GoodKind Podcast, we're talking about family today... specifically about the furry friends that might (or might not) be considered family, too. Clayton, Amy, and Chris are wading into the wildly opinionated world of pets — from Christmas-card dogs to pet strollers to whether animals have “personalities” or souls. What starts as a silly debate (“Are pets human?”) turns into a surprisingly reflective conversation about companionship, responsibility, family rhythms, and why so many people invest deeply in their animals.

The hosts discuss the fine line between domestication and humanization, why dogs are basically analog antidotes to screen time, and the unexpected ways pets can teach gentleness, care, and even play. They share their own pet histories — from Chicken Alfredo the dog to Lucy the portrait-taking Shih Tzu — and wrap with the real benefits pets can bring to a home when kept in the right perspective.

This episode is equal parts comedy, conviction, and honest parenting conversation. Whether you’re a dog devotee, a reluctant pet parent, or a “hard no” on lizards in Christmas photos…you’ll find something to laugh about (and maybe rethink).

Takeaways

• People often treat pets as if they’re human—and that's a genuine cause for concern.

• Domestication has historically been functional; “pets as companions” is a modern phenomenon.

• There’s a difference between a pet and a replacement for human connection.

• Pets can provide non-screen fun, play, and even stress relief.

• Caring for an animal can teach kids gentleness, responsibility, and empathy.

• Dogs can bring families outdoors, increase activity, and promote healthy rhythms.

• Pets introduce joy, consistency, and analog moments in an overly digital world.

Households aren’t just about who shares your last name—they’re about the people who share your life. In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, Clayton, Amy, and Chris dig into the idea of “household” as Andy Crouch describes it: a web of relationships that offers belonging, responsibility, and formation in a world that often feels disconnected.

From college dorm “communes” to hosting friends who become family, the hosts explore what it really means to live deeply with others. They unpack why modern life makes communal living feel strange, how technology has shaped us into isolated “pixels,” and why the Bible presents a much more connected vision of people bound together by trust and consequence.

Whether you're longing for deeper community, curious about living more intentionally with the people around you, or simply wondering if your friend-who’s-basically-an-aunt counts as part of your household, this conversation will help you imagine a richer, more rooted way of life.

Takeaways:

• A “household” is more than a family—it’s a group of people who share life, trust, and responsibility.

• Technology can flatten our relationships into interactions without consequence.

• The Bible describes people as interconnected, like a net—distinct but bound together.

• Hospitality is one of the simplest ways to rebuild household-like rhythms.

• Deep community doesn’t always require sharing a roof, but it does require shared presence and vulnerability.

• You can take small, intentional steps toward creating a modern household right where you are.

Resources & Products Mentioned:
The Life We’re Looking For – Andy Crouch’s exploration of households and human flourishing.
The Gospel Comes With a House Key – Rosaria Butterfield on hospitality and biblical community.

Thanksgiving isn’t just a day—it’s a temporal landmark, a pause in the year that reminds us to celebrate, reflect, and connect with the people around us. In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, Clayton, Amy, and Chris dive into the rhythms, rituals, and traditions that make Thanksgiving such a uniquely meaningful holiday.

From turkey trots to parades to the comfort of food and family, the hosts explore why this one day can feel so different from any other. Along the way, they discuss how holidays serve as anchors for our faith and habits, the science behind creating memorable experiences, and how intentionality can turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, thinking about how to make the holidays more meaningful, or looking for ways to cultivate lasting family traditions, this conversation will inspire you to pause, reflect, and create intentional joy.

Takeaways:

• Holidays anchor our perception of time and help us engage with faith and family intentionally.

• You can apply these principles to Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, or even personal milestones.

Resources & Products Mentioned:

• Building Spiritual Habits in the Home – Explore chapters on timing, environment, and creating intentional habits.

• Habits and Holidays Bundle – Tools to help your family cultivate meaningful seasonal traditions.

In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, hosts Clayton Greene, Chris Pappalardo, and Amy Kavanaugh dive into the world of youth sports — the wins, the worries, and what it all means for families. From undefeated soccer seasons to overcommitted schedules, the trio unpacks how competition, comparison, and cultural pressure can shape the way we raise our kids.
They discuss both the pitfalls and the potential of youth sports — teamwork, discipline, leadership, and humility — and how to keep the focus on character formation rather than performance. The conversation also explores the fine line between healthy comparison and envy, and how parents can set better rhythms by remembering their “why.”

Takeaways

• Youth sports can teach teamwork, perseverance, and leadership when kept in perspective.

• Overcommitment and competition often stem from a cultural obsession with winning.

• Parents’ desire to give their kids every opportunity can unintentionally create pressure.

• Comparison isn’t always negative — it can lead to growth, gratitude, and humility.

• Not every child’s interest has to become a lifelong pursuit.

• Asking “Why are we doing this?” helps families set boundaries and keep priorities straight.

• Don’t live through your kids — let your kids live.

  
  

  Chapters

  00:00 — Introduction
  02:00 — The undefeated season dilemma
  05:00 — What’s gone wrong with youth sports?
  07:00 — Parents, pressure, and overcommitment
  10:00 — The obsession with winning
  14:00 — The good side: teamwork, leadership, discipline
  18:00 — The idol of potential
  22:00 — Comparison vs. growth
  28:00 — Competition, humility, and joy
  30:00 — Remembering your “why”
  32:00 — Final reflections and encouragement

It's time for our last Habits and Holidays episode of the year! We're covering all of November and December, and the many events between now and the end of the year.

Chris, Clayton, and Amy are discussing the importance of fully experiencing the joy and significance of the holiday season, without getting bogged down in the stress of it all. They share how time can feel both fleeting and slow, the value of gratitude, and the concept of feasting versus fasting during the holiday months. The conversation emphasizes creating meaningful moments with family and friends, celebrating endings, and building in rest to enhance the joy of the season.

Takeaways

• Time perception varies between moments of joy and hardship.

• November offers opportunities for reflection and gratitude.
• Feasting is a biblical concept tied to celebration.
• Gratitude should be a year-round practice, not just during holidays.
• Celebrating endings can foster a sense of accomplishment.
• Creating small moments of joy can enhance the holiday experience.
• Rest is essential to truly enjoy the feasting season.
• The holiday season is a time for togetherness and reflection.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to The GoodKind Podcast

02:33 - The Perception of Time

05:30 - Experiencing Life Fully

08:17 - Seasons of Celebration

11:00 - Defining the Holiday Season

13:51 - Feasting vs. Fasting

16:20 - Embracing Gratitude

19:09 - Creating Meaningful Moments

21:47 - Conclusion and Reflections

This episode of The GoodKind Podcast is all about talking about sports. If it sounds a little meta, it is. Chris Pappalardo, Clayton Greene, and Amy Kavanaugh are exploring the dynamics of sports conversations, particularly focusing on how gender influences participation and engagement.

They discuss the cultural context of sports in society, the role of sports in shaping identity and community, and the importance of inclusivity in conversations. The conversation highlights the need for thoughtful communication that respects diverse interests and experiences, ultimately aiming to foster a more inclusive dialogue around sports and other topics.

Takeaways

• Sports conversations can unintentionally exclude certain individuals.

• Inclusivity in conversations is essential for meaningful engagement.
• Cultural context influences the perception of sports in society.
• Sports can be a central part of identity for many individuals, which, as with any topic, can be dangerous.

• Conversations should invite participation from all individuals present.
• The way sports are discussed can reflect broader societal issues.
• Finding common ground in conversations can enhance relationships.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to The GoodKind Podcast

01:41 - The Dynamics of Sports Conversations

05:21 - Gender Perspectives in Sports Discussions

10:47 - Cultural Context of Sports in Society

16:08 - The Role of Sports in Identity and Community

21:32 - Conclusion and Reflections on Inclusivity

Keywords

GoodKind Podcast, sports conversations, gender dynamics, cultural context, identity, community, inclusivity, sports analogies, communication, relationships

In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, hosts Clayton Greene, Amy Kavanaugh, and Chris Pappalardo talk about something every family faces — getting sick. From sniffles to stomach bugs, they explore how illness disrupts routines, work, and family rhythms — and what it reveals about rest, responsibility, and our human limits.

The conversation moves from hilarious sick-day stories to deeper reflections on how the Bible talks about illness, what it means to truly rest, and how to balance care, community, and calling when someone is under the weather. They even debate whether sickness is spiritual, physical, or just part of being human. With a mix of laughter and insight, this episode reminds listeners that slowing down — even when forced to — can be a gift.

Takeaways

• The “how sick is too sick” question is universal — and complicated.

• Our attitudes about illness often reflect how we view work, identity, and responsibility.

• The Bible doesn’t ignore sickness — it connects physical and spiritual wholeness.

• True rest sometimes means letting go of control and trusting others to carry on.

• Parenting teaches triage — knowing what’s urgent and what can wait.

• Caring for a sick child can become a moment of unexpected connection and grace.

• It’s okay to actually enjoy a sick day if it helps you rest and recover.

• Learning to pause reminds us: we’re not indispensable, and that’s freeing

Resources

• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

• The Hidden Genius of the Life We’re Looking For by Andy Crouch

• Chatter by Ethan Kross

• Franz Anton Mesmer (the origin of “mesmerize” — yes, really)

Welcome back to another episode of The GoodKind Podcast, Clayton is starting things off with confession—movie night confessions, specifically. It's a conversation all about movies, and watching movies together as a family. As the conversation unfolds, they explore the evolution of family movie nights as children grow older, emphasizing the importance of movie content and its themes, especially in relation to biblical narratives.

The hosts discuss how movies can reflect deeper truths and resonate with Christian themes, highlighting the need for a savior as a recurring motif in storytelling. They share strategies for creating meaningful movie experiences that foster connection and engagement within families, ultimately reflecting on the power of storytelling in shaping understanding and values.

Takeaways

• Movie nights provide an opportunity not just for a break, but a meaningful time together as a family.

• Movies, and stories in general, can reflect deeper truths and resonate with Christian themes.
• The need for a savior is a recurring theme in storytelling, paralleling biblical narratives.
• Creating meaningful movie experiences involves intentionality and engagement with the content.

• Movie content that is consumed by the family as a whole creates common ground for togetherness and future discussions.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to The GoodKind Podcast

00:27 - Confessions About Movie Preferences

04:20 - Transitioning Movie Experiences with Kids

06:15 - Exploring Movie Content and Themes

11:23 - The Connection Between Movies and Biblical Themes

16:50 - The Need for a Savior in Storytelling

20:37 - Creating Meaningful Movie Experiences

26:35 - Conclusion and Reflections on Storytelling

Keywords

GoodKind Podcast, movie confessions, family movie night, biblical themes in movies, storytelling, movie experiences, parenting, movie preferences, meaningful moments, movie content

In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, hosts Clayton Greene, Chris Pappalardo, and Amy Kavanaugh explore the complexities of parenting, particularly focusing on discipline and its biblical foundations. They discuss the challenges of navigating sensitive topics, the importance of trust in conversations, and the various phases of parenting.

The conversation delves into biblical references on discipline, the significance of natural consequences, and the overarching goal of character formation in children. The hosts emphasize the need for empathy and understanding in parenting, highlighting that discipline is not just about correction but also about guiding children towards flourishing lives.

Takeaways

• Discipline in the Bible is often linked to love and correction.
• Proverbs offers insights into the importance of training children.
• Natural consequences are essential for teaching responsibility.
• Parenting involves different phases that require different approaches to discipline.
• Character formation is a key goal in parenting.
• Empathy is crucial when addressing children's mistakes.
• Discipline should be viewed as a form of discipleship.

Keywords

GoodKind Podcast, parenting, discipline, Bible, Proverbs, conversations, character formation, natural consequences, spiritual growth, family habits