In part two of this two-part episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, Suzanne Phillips sits down with Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc., to explore the foundational concept of identity through the lens of core needs. Together, they tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges for parents and children, from understanding emotional identity to fostering security and resilience in the face of confusion. With insights drawn from her decades of work in educational psychology, Dr. Kathy shares actionable strategies to help parents build a strong identity foundation for their children—and themselves.

Episode Highlights

• Understanding the five core needs outlined in Dr. Kathy’s book, 5 to Thrive.

• How identity shapes the way children navigate difficult conversations about race, gender, and belonging.

• The impact of insecurity on children’s vulnerability to identity confusion.

• The dangers of emotionalism and how to develop resilience in children.

• Encouragement for parents facing their own identity crises in today’s challenging cultural climate.

• Practical strategies for building security and fostering belonging in your family..

Call-to-Action

• 📖 Discover Dr. Kathy’s Resources: Learn more about her books, podcasts, and tools at www.CelebrateKids.com.

• 🎙️ Tune into Dr. Kathy’s Podcasts: Celebrate Kids with Dr. Kathy

• 💡 Join the Conversation: Follow Suzanne and Dr. Kathy for updates and encouragement.

• Instagram: @suzannephillips_, @kathy_koch__

• Facebook: Beacon Parent

Featured Resource Section

• Dr. Kathy’s Book: 5 to Thrive

• Discover how to meet your child’s core needs to build security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence. Get your copy → [Link]

• 💡 Join the Conversation: Follow Suzanne for updates, resources, and encouragement.

• Instagram: @suzannephillips_

• Facebook: Beacon Parent

Featured Resource Section

Charting Your Family’s Future

Explore Suzanne’s step-by-step course to create your family’s vision, mission, and values for purposeful parenting. Learn more.

Quotes or Scriptures Mentioned

• “Insecurity is the foundation of identity confusion. Building security is critical to raising confident, resilient children.” – Dr. Kathy Koch

• “We are made in God’s image, not for confusion but for clarity and purpose.”

Subscribe and Share

Enjoying The InFormed Parent Podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who might need encouragement today. Let’s work together to equip parents and inspire families for a brighter future!

In part one of this two-part episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, Suzanne Phillips sits down with Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc., to explore the foundational concept of identity through the lens of core needs. Together, they tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges for parents and children, from understanding emotional identity to fostering security and resilience in the face of confusion. With insights drawn from her decades of work in educational psychology, Dr. Kathy shares actionable strategies to help parents build a strong identity foundation for their children—and themselves.

Episode Highlights

• Understanding the five core needs outlined in Dr. Kathy’s book, 5 to Thrive.

• How identity shapes the way children navigate difficult conversations about race, gender, and belonging.

• The impact of insecurity on children’s vulnerability to identity confusion.

• The dangers of emotionalism and how to develop resilience in children.

• Encouragement for parents facing their own identity crises in today’s challenging cultural climate.

• Practical strategies for building security and fostering belonging in your family..

Call-to-Action

• 📖 Discover Dr. Kathy’s Resources: Learn more about her books, podcasts, and tools at www.CelebrateKids.com.

• 🎙️ Tune into Dr. Kathy’s Podcasts: Celebrate Kids with Dr. Kathy

• 💡 Join the Conversation: Follow Suzanne and Dr. Kathy for updates and encouragement.

• Instagram: @suzannephillips_, @kathy_koch__

• Facebook: Beacon Parent

Featured Resource Section

• Dr. Kathy’s Book: 5 to Thrive

• Discover how to meet your child’s core needs to build security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence. Get your copy → [Link]

• 💡 Join the Conversation: Follow Suzanne for updates, resources, and encouragement.

• Instagram: @suzannephillips_

• Facebook: Beacon Parent

Featured Resource Section

Charting Your Family’s Future

Explore Suzanne’s step-by-step course to create your family’s vision, mission, and values for purposeful parenting. Learn more.

Quotes or Scriptures Mentioned

• “Insecurity is the foundation of identity confusion. Building security is critical to raising confident, resilient children.” – Dr. Kathy Koch

• “We are made in God’s image, not for confusion but for clarity and purpose.”

Subscribe and Share

Enjoying The InFormed Parent Podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who might need encouragement today. Let’s work together to equip parents and inspire families for a brighter future!

Welcome to Season 4 of The InFormed Parent Podcast! This season takes a fresh approach, diving into the vital topic of identity. Host Suzanne Phillips reflects on her personal testimony, a recent eye-opening experience with her church youth group, and the identity crisis facing today’s culture. Suzanne sheds light on how mistaken identity impacts both parents and children, setting the stage for this season’s exploration of God’s design for identity and family.

Episode Highlights:

• Suzanne’s powerful testimony and how it shaped her identity.
• The cultural and spiritual identity crisis facing youth today.
• Thought-provoking Q&A with youth on abortion, purpose, and relationships.
• Understanding identity through a biblical lens: “Who does God say we are?”
• Why mistaken identity leads to confusion, anxiety, and brokenness.
• Practical steps for parents to instill God-given identity in their children.

Quotes or Scriptures Mentioned:

• “You are exactly who God says you are, no more, no less.”
• “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” - Proverbs 22:6

Featured Resource:

• Charting Your Family’s Future
  • Explore Suzanne’s step-by-step course to create your family’s vision, mission, and values for purposeful parenting. Learn more.

Call-to-Action:

• 📖 Download the Free Parenting Guide: 10 Daily Habits for Intentional Parenting
• 🎙 Listen to Past Episodes: Catch up on Seasons 1-3 for actionable advice
• 💡Join the Conversation: Follow Suzanne for updates, resources, and encouragement.
  • Instagram: @suzannephillips_
  • Facebook: Beacon Parent
• ↗️ Loving the new season of The InFormed Parent Podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend who might need encouragement today. Let’s build a community of intentional, informed parents!

THINQ Resources

• Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.
• Apply the THINQ Framework as you think through cultural topics.
• Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom:
  • Participate in Let's Talk Tech Detox.
  • Bring the 28-Day Digital Fast to your family, workplace, or church.
  • Sign up for THINQ Summit 2025 October 2-4 in Nashville, TN.
• More from the THINQ Podcast Network:
  • Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons
  • UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons
  • NextUp with Grant Skeldon
  • NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson

In this episode, Suzanne dives into an exciting and forward-thinking conversation about innovation in education with entrepreneur and business owner Russell Gray. After nearly 20 years as co-host of The Real Estate Guys™ Radio Show, he became CEO of Collective Inner Circle, co-founder and CEO of Syndication Mentoring Club, and founder and host of Main Street Investor Mentoring Club. Russel explores how parents can play a pivotal role in fostering innovation for their children. They discuss the importance of out-of-the-box thinking, the future of education, and how ideas shaped by personal experiences can impact the next generation. Listen in for an inspiring discussion that blends entrepreneurship, creativity, and a vision for empowering families through education. . . . . Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, parenting and leadership coach, and podcast host with THINQ Media. With a deep passion for discipleship and intentional legacy, Suzanne has founded two hybrid schools and Beacon Parent, a national ministry with a mission to educate, equip and empower parents to live out God's design for family by shedding light on current culture and education through a biblical worldview. . . . . . GET GROUNDED

• In all topics we discuss we want to be rooted and grounded in TRUTH. Let’s consider and walk in the truth of  2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either today. 

. . . . . GET GOING

• Get involved and become a part of The Raising Capitalist project

• Volunteer to mentor

• Fund opportunities for the next-gen

• Become a next-gen Main Street Capitalist

• Charting Your Family’s Future! Suzanne will help you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy by identifying your family identity statement, vision, mission, and core values.

. . . . .

GET CONNECTED

• @russellwgrey

• https://thembeforeus.com/

WEBSITE 

• suzannephillips.net

• beaconparent.com

• thinqmedia.com

INSTAGRAM 

• @SuzannePhillips_

• @Beacon_Parent

• @Thinq_Media

FACEBOOK

• Suzanne Phillip’s Page

In this episode of The Informed Parent, Suzanne talks with Brett Pike, founder of Classical Learner. They discuss how parents can choose alternative education to enhance their children's growth and development. Brett unpacks insights on going from traditional teaching to creating comprehensive homeschooling platforms for parents. He explains how he has drawn inspiration from classical education, Charlotte Mason, and Montessori philosophies in order to equip children with the best tools to analyze and engage the world around them. Listen in as he shares how to overcome the challenges of homeschooling, how to access practical resources and guidance, and how to create an intentional legacy for your children. . . . .

Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, parenting and leadership coach, and podcast host with THINQ Media. With a deep passion for discipleship and intentional legacy, Suzanne has founded two hybrid schools and Beacon Parent, a national ministry with a mission to educate, equip and empower parents to live out God's design for family by shedding light on current culture and education through a biblical worldview. 

. . . . . GET GROUNDED

• Proverbs 1:8-9 - “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.”  

. . . . .

GET GOING

• Use Classical Learner resources and learn to teach your kids with confidence.

• Purchase the Cubs to Bears Series.

• Charting Your Family’s Future! Suzanne will help you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy by identifying your family identity statement, vision, mission, and core values.

• More from the THINQ Podcast Network:
  • THINQ Media Podcast with Gabe Lyons
  • Rhythms for Life with Gabe and Rebekah Lyons
  • NextUp with Grant Skeldon
  • NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson
  • UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons

• Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.

• Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom:

• Sign up for THINQ Summit 2025 in Nashville, TN, Oct. 2-4.

. . . . .

GET CONNECTED

• Tik Tok: CubsToBears

• Facebook: ClassicalLearner 

• Twitter: ClassicLearner

• Gab: Classical Learner

• www.ClassicalLearner.com

• YouTube: Classical Learner / Homeschools Connected

WEBSITE 

• suzannephillips.net

• beaconparent.com

• thinqmedia.com

INSTAGRAM 

• @SuzannePhillips_

• @Beacon_Parent

• @Thinq_Media

FACEBOOK

• Suzanne Phillip’s Page

In this episode of the InFormed Parent, Suzanne speaks with Lance Lang, the founder of Hope is Alive Ministries. They discuss his journey to overcome addiction and his work to support individuals affected by addiction. Lance shares his personal experience with drug addiction and emphasizes that addiction often masks deeper issues. He explains that achieving sustainable recovery necessitates a holistic approach that includes healing core emotional wounds, life skills training, community support, financial stability, and restoring family relationships. Join them as they discuss current trends, noting a rise in severe anxiety among young adults without substance use, which Lance believes could lead to addiction if not addressed properly. He encourages parents to have open discussions about mental health and addiction, model healthy behaviors, and remain vigilant for signs of addiction. . . . . Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, parenting and leadership coach, and podcast host with THINQ Media. With a deep passion for discipleship and intentional legacy, Suzanne has founded two hybrid schools and Beacon Parent, a national ministry with a mission to educate, equip and empower parents to live out God's design for family by shedding light on current culture and education through a biblical worldview. 

. . . . .

GET GROUNDED

• Romans 15:13 - “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

• Hebrews 10:23 - “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

. . . . .

GET GOING

• Share Hope is Alive with a friend or family member, and Invite your church to partner with Hope Is Alive.

• Check out more from Lance, including his book, Hope is Alive: One Addict's Story of Hope.

• Charting Your Family’s Future! Suzanne will help you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy by identifying your family identity statement, vision, mission, and core values.

. . . . .

GET CONNECTED

• @lancelang

• @hopeisalive

• https://hopeisalive.net/

WEBSITE 

• suzannephillips.net

• beaconparent.com

• thinqmedia.com

INSTAGRAM 

• @SuzannePhillips_

• @Beacon_Parent

• @Thinq_Media

FACEBOOK

• Suzanne Phillip’s Page

In this week's episode of The Informed Parent, Suzanne speaks with Robert Enlow, the President and CEO of EdChoice, a prominent advocate for educational choice in the United States. Robert explains the various school options available, such as traditional public schools, charter schools, private schools using vouchers, and micro-schools. He discusses how school choice empowers families by providing access to different types of educational institutions and programs, which can vary significantly from state to state and often involve complex legislation. Listen in as Suzanne and Robert empower you to make the right educational choice for your children. . . . . Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, parenting and leadership coach, and podcast host with THINQ Media. With a deep passion for discipleship and intentional legacy, Suzanne has founded two hybrid schools and Beacon Parent, a national ministry with a mission to educate, equip and empower parents to live out God's design for family by shedding light on current culture and education through a biblical worldview. . . . . . GET GROUNDED

• James 1:5 - “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

. . . . . GET GOING

• Learn about educational freedom for your family and the different schooling options in your state using EdChoice resources.

• Charting Your Family’s Future! Suzanne will help you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy by identifying your family identity statement, vision, mission, and core values.

. . . . . GET CONNECTED

• @edchoice (IG) 

• https://www.edchoice.org/

WEBSITE 

• suzannephillips.net

• beaconparent.com

• thinqmedia.com

INSTAGRAM 

• @SuzannePhillips_

• @Beacon_Parent

• @Thinq_Media

FACEBOOK

• Suzanne Phillip’s Page

In this episode, Suzanne chats with Emily Jones, Founder and CEO of Home Tribe, about solutions for those interested in alternative education. Emily shares her journey into homeschooling and alternative education. Living in a progressive area, she faced challenges with medical and educational mandates, which led her to seek out alternatives. This prompted her to create Home Tribe, a digital marketplace that offers a variety of educational resources, including online learning, group experiences, and physical educational materials. Listen in and get encouragement as you explore new educational opportunities like apprenticeships and alternative education models that emphasize critical thinking and real-world skills. . . . . Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, parenting and leadership coach, and podcast host with THINQ Media. With a deep passion for discipleship and intentional legacy, Suzanne has founded two hybrid schools and Beacon Parent, a national ministry with a mission to educate, equip and empower parents to live out God's design for family by shedding light on current culture and education through a biblical worldview. . . . . . GET GROUNDED

• Galatians 6:2 - “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

. . . . . GET GOING

• If you're a teacher, parent, or have an educational product or resource to share, check out Home Tribe for all kinds of educational options to suit your needs!

• Charting Your Family’s Future! Suzanne will help you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy by identifying your family identity statement, vision, mission, and core values.

. . . . . GET CONNECTED

• @hometribecom (IG)

• https://www.hometribe.com/

WEBSITE 

• suzannephillips.net

• beaconparent.com

• thinqmedia.com

INSTAGRAM 

• @SuzannePhillips_

• @Beacon_Parent

• @Thinq_Media

FACEBOOK

• Suzanne Phillip’s Page

In this episode, Suzanne interviews international journalist, educator, and author Alex Newman. They discuss the current state of education and trace its roots back to socialist and secular ideals. Alex shares his views that the education system is broken and designed to undermine family values, faith, and critical thinking. He argues that government schools have progressively deteriorated over time. Newman warns about the dangers of government control, highlighting how educational systems may indoctrinate children away from religious principles. Tune in as they encourage parents to take charge of their children’s education, challenge the existing system, and consider homeschooling or alternative education models to avoid the systemic issues present in public schooling. . . . . Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, parenting and leadership coach, and podcast host with THINQ Media. With a deep passion for discipleship and intentional legacy, Suzanne has founded two hybrid schools and Beacon Parent, a national ministry with a mission to educate, equip and empower parents to live out God's design for family by shedding light on current culture and education through a biblical worldview. . . . . .

GET GROUNDED

• Ephesians 6:4 - “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

• Proverbs 22:6 - “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

. . . . . GET GOING

• Follow The Liberty Sentinel - access their website and share their influx of resources.

• Check out the new documentary Beneath Sheep’s Clothing, where Alex is featured.

• Grab Alex’s newest book, Indoctrinating Our Children to Death: Government School’s War on Faith, Family and Freedom - and How to Stop It.

• Charting Your Family’s Future! Suzanne will help you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy by identifying your family identity statement, vision, mission, and core values.

. . . . .

GET CONNECTED

• Twitter: @alexnewman_

• YouTube: Liberty Sentinel

• Facebook: Liberty Sentinel

WEBSITE 

• suzannephillips.net

• beaconparent.com

• thinqmedia.com

INSTAGRAM 

• @SuzannePhillips_

• @Beacon_Parent

• @Thinq_Media

FACEBOOK

• Suzanne Phillip’s Page

In this episode, Suzanne talks with Amy Bohn, President of PERK Freedom (Protection of the Educational Rights of Kids). They discuss Amy's journey from being a stay-at-home mom to leading an impactful organization that advocates against restrictive government policies affecting children's rights, family autonomy, and education, particularly in California. Amy shares about the culture shock she experienced moving from Arkansas to California, due to California's extreme policies on education. In response, she founded PERK, which has been successful in fighting against legislation that infringes on parental and children's rights, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen in as they share how policies passed in California often influence other states and how you can fight to defend your children's fundamental rights in your own states.

. . . .

Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, parenting and leadership coach, and podcast host with THINQ Media. With a deep passion for discipleship and intentional legacy, Suzanne has founded two hybrid schools and Beacon Parent, a national ministry with a mission to educate, equip and empower parents to live out God's design for family by shedding light on current culture and education through a biblical worldview. 

. . . . .

GET GROUNDED

• Joshua 1:9 - “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

. . . . .

GET GOING

• Visit and access PERKs parent resource guide

• If you are advocating within your state, reach out to PERK and use their resources to support your efforts.

• Follow California to watch for trends that will likely impact your state in future. 

• Charting Your Family’s Future! Suzanne will help you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy by identifying your family identity statement, vision, mission, and core values.

. . . . .

GET CONNECTED

• X (Twitter): PERK_GROUP

• Instagram: @perk_group

• https://www.perk-group.com/

WEBSITE 

• suzannephillips.net

• beaconparent.com

• thinqmedia.com

INSTAGRAM 

• @SuzannePhillips_

• @Beacon_Parent

• @Thinq_Media

FACEBOOK

• Suzanne Phillip’s Page