The nextTalk Parent Podcast with Mandy Majors

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What’s one simple parenting habit that builds trust? 

In this episode, Mandy shares why saying what you mean—and following through—can shape how your kids see you for years to come. When parents are consistent with their words, it builds credibility, respect, and a sense of security in the home. 

She also shares two additional thoughts for parents in the early years, including staying connected in your marriage and staying grounded in your faith. 

This conversation is a reminder that small, everyday moments matter more than we think. 

Look in the Mirror - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/look-in-the-mirror/

We Read the Comments on our Viral Parenting Post - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/we-read-the-comments-on-our-viral-parenting-post/

3 Things Not to Do if you want to Stay Married - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/your-family-is-the-most-important-team-you-will-ever-lead/


Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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Last year, we shared a parenting story that went viral. 

It was a simple moment—but it sparked a wide range of reactions. 

In this episode, we go back and read real comments from that post and respond. 

Some were encouraging. 
Some were critical. 
Some made big assumptions from a single moment. 

We talk through what those responses reveal about parenting, marriage, and communication—and why moments like this matter more than we think. 

At nextTalk, we believe one honest conversation can make a real difference. 

Website Title: We Read the Comments on Our Viral Parenting Post 

Website Description: A parenting moment we shared last year reached millions—and the comment section told a bigger story. 

In this episode, Mandy and Matthew revisit that moment and read real responses from the internet. 

Together, they unpack what people saw, what they assumed, and what it reveals about how families communicate—especially in tense situations. 

This episode offers a thoughtful look at parenting, marriage, and the role each parent plays in helping conversations move forward. 

RESOURCES

Look in the Mirror - nextTalk 

Your family is the most important team you will ever lead. - nextTalk 

Three things NOT to do if you want to stay married. - nextTalk 

Fighting for Our Marriage with Matt and Mandy Majors - nextTalk 

Marriage Advice with Pastor Robert Emmitt - nextTalk 

Parenting Advice with Pastor Robert Emmitt - nextTalk 

Parenting High Schoolers into Young Adults - nextTalk 

Something Is Off with My Teen—Now What? - nextTalk 

Putting Your Life on the Line - nextTalk 

Build a Safe Place - nextTalk 

3 Things Every Kid Needs (From a Youth Pastor) - nextTalk 

Body Changes and Attitude - nextTalk 

When I hijack the moment… - nextTalk 

Free Guide: nextTalk10 - nextTalk 

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com  

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Parents have been raising concerns about social media for years—and now the courts are starting to catch up. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Tori Hirsch, legal counsel at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), to break down two major court cases involving Meta. 

We unpack the New Mexico case, where the company was found liable under consumer protection laws, and the California bellwether trial examining social media addiction through product liability. Along the way, Tori explains why these cases matter, why Section 230 didn’t block them, and how platform design is becoming a key legal battleground. 

We also discuss what came out in court about algorithms, infinite scroll, internal warnings, and the gap between parental control tools and what families can actually use. 

And we address the question parents hear all the time: “Where are the parents?” 
These cases reinforce what many families already know—parents matter, but they were never meant to carry this alone. 

RESOURCES

Legislative Work to Keep Kids Safe Online - nextTalk 

16 Year Old’s Suicide from Sextortion.How do we protect our kids? - nextTalk 

Mason’s Mom Warns of Social Media Challenges - nextTalk 

Cyberbullying - nextTalk 

Talking to your Kid about Grooming - nextTalk 

My child is ready for social media. Where should I start? - nextTalk 

Parenting YouTube - nextTalk 

Walker’s Promise - nextTalk 

CBS Article 

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If you’ve ever relied on a screen to get through a busy moment, you’re not alone—and you’re not a bad parent. 

In this episode, Mandy Majors is joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Kristina M. Fields, MS, LMFT, to talk about the growing “iPad kid” trend and what it means for young children. 

Together, they unpack how early screen habits impact brain development, emotional regulation, and behavior—and why giving kids their own device can quickly turn screens into the default. 

You’ll walk away with practical, realistic strategies you can use right away, including: 

• A simple “activity table” idea that replaces screens in the morning  
• Easy, low-prep activities for home, restaurants, and waiting rooms  
• How to scale back screen time without overwhelming your child  
• Why consistency (even when it’s hard) pays off long-term  
• How your own screen habits influence your kids  

This episode is full of encouragement, not guilt—and offers real help for parents navigating screens in everyday life. 

Breaking the Fast Dopamine Cycle with Kristina Fields

Caller asks, “How do I keep my kids from playing on screens all summer?” - nextTalk 

Four reasons I kept screens out of my kid’s bedroom and bathroom - nextTalk 

Are Screens Changing Your Family Culture? - nextTalk 

“Anxious Generation” Book by Jonathan Haidt - nextTalk 

Teach Red Flag Reporting - nextTalk

Free Guide: Red Flag Reporting (Faith-Based) - nextTalk 

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com  

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Online gambling is growing fast—and it’s reaching kids through their phones, games, and social feeds. 

In this episode, we break down why sports betting has exploded, how gaming mechanics like loot boxes can mimic gambling, and why young men are especially vulnerable. 

We also share practical, preventative conversations to start early, plus clear red flags to watch for if your teen is already struggling. 

You’ll learn: 
• how the 2018 Supreme Court decision changed sports betting 
• the connection between gaming and gambling behavior 
• why prop betting is spreading quickly 
• warning signs like secrecy and chasing losses 
• simple guardrails for money, access, and apps 
• how to approach your teen with empathy and clarity 

We’re learning together how to keep kids safe online—one honest conversation at a time. 

RESOURCES

How a 2018 Supreme Court decision paved the way for meteoric growth in legal sports betting | AP News 

 Commercial Gaming Revenue Hits $78.7 Billion in 2025, Driving Record $18.1 Billion in Gaming Taxes Nationwide - American Gaming Association 

 Dave Ramsey Warns: DraftKings and FanDuel Are ‘Destroying a Generation of Young Men’ - Michael Foust | Crosswalk.com 

 2025 Sports Betting and Debt Survey 

 National Survey Finds Widespread Gambling Participation Before Age 21 Amid Public Concern About Youth Exposure Risk - National Council on Problem Gambling 

 How Loot Boxes In Children’s Video Games Encourage Gambling

My kid is addicted to screens. Help! - nextTalk 

Screen Addiction - nextTalk 

My 12yo is spending all his money on V-Bucks. Should I be concerned? - nextTalk 

Pornography - nextTalk 

Face Your Fears - nextTalk 

Build a Safe Place - nextTalk

Avoid Crazy-Parent Mode - nextTalk

How do we talk to our kids about Money? - nextTalk

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KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE

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Parent Question: Something Is Off with My Teen—Now What?  

When your teen suddenly seems different, it’s easy for your brain to jump to the worst-case scenario. New clothes, new friends, sharper attitude—and suddenly you’re wondering if something is seriously wrong. 

In this episode, we talk about what to do when something feels off with your teen and how to take that concern seriously without jumping straight to panic. We introduce the “chapter 10 parent vs. chapter 3 kid” framework and share practical ways to stay curious, check devices, and keep kids safe online. 

We discuss: 
• trusting your gut without spiraling into fear 
• separating urgent self-harm risk from normal teen changes 
• understanding how social media algorithms can influence teens 
• asking curious questions instead of accusing or shaming 
• doing random phone checks with clear expectations 
• checking influencer feeds and algorithm recommendations 
• staying calm and engaged when attitude shows up 

If there are signs of self-harm or immediate danger, involve medical or mental health professionals right away. For everything else in the gray zone, this episode will help you respond thoughtfully instead of reacting from fear. 

To support our work helping families navigate the digital world, visit nextTalk.org. 

RESOURCES

Random Phone Checks? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/random-phone-checks/

What would you tell your 9th grade self? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/what-would-you-tell-your-9th-grade-self/

3 Things Every Kid Needs (From a Youth Pastor) - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/3-things-every-kid-needs-from-a-youth-pastor/

Influenced - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/influenced/

How do I get my kids to tell me what they’re seeing online? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/how-do-i-get-my-kids-to-tell-me-what-theyre-seeing-online/

How do I get my kids to talk? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/how-do-i-get-my-kids-to-talk/

Build a Safe Place - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/build-a-safe-place/

It feels like I’m losing my kid. Why is my kid pulling away? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/it-feels-like-im-losing-my-kid-why-is-my-kid-pulling-away/



Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE

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Kratom and 7-OH are showing up in gas stations across the country, sometimes in energy-drink style bottles teens can easily access. Drug trend expert Jermaine Galloway (“Tall Cop Says Stop”) joins the nextTalk Podcast to explain what parents need to know about kratom, 7-hydroxy, and other hidden gas station drugs.

Parents may assume these products are safe because they are legal or labeled “natural,” but that assumption can be dangerous. Jermaine breaks down how these substances are marketed, why mixing substances increases risk for teens, and how parents can start important conversations at home.

In this episode we discuss:

• What kratom and 7-OH actually are
• Why “natural” does not mean safe
• How these substances are being sold in gas stations
• Why mixing substances increases risk for teens
• Practical talking points for parents

Guest:
Jermaine Galloway (“Tall Cop Says Stop”)
Drug trend educator and national speaker

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Belinda Swan brings front-line insight from NCMEC’s CyberTipline, where reports of sadistic online exploitation (SOE) jumped more than 200%. Unlike traditional sextortion, the goal here isn’t profit or sexual contact—it’s terror. It’s a threat that twists fear into action: hurt yourself, hurt someone else, or we’ll ruin you. We discuss how parents can spot it, stop it, and protect their kids.

Belinda Swan is the Partnerships Program Manager for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Belinda manages NCMEC's programmatic relationships with government and nonprofit organizations across the country. She also implements NCMEC's Community Education Partner Program and delivers NCMEC's child safety programming. Belinda is passionate about bringing communities and organizations together to recognize, address, and prevent safety issues affecting children, especially online exploitation. 

Resources: 

My child was a victim of sextortion. What should I do? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/my-child-was-a-victim-of-sextortion-what-should-i-do/ 

Sextortion: The Hidden Epidemic Killing Teens - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/16-year-olds-suicide-from-sextortion-how-do-we-protect-our-kids/ 

Teach Red Flag Reporting - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/teach-red-flag-reporting/ 

Talking to Kids about Grooming - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/talking-to-your-kid-about-grooming/ 

AI, Deepfakes, and Nudes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvGll8RVkxc 

FREE Guide: Red Flag Alert - https://nexttalk.org/red-flag-alert/ 

K2P Tips2Protect Against Sadistic Online Exploitation for Law Enforcement 

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KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE

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What if the real win in youth sports isn’t a trophy or scholarship, but a kid who knows who they are? 

In this episode, we sit down with Merideth Zingelmann, Operations Manager at nextTalk and mom of three college athletes, to unpack a practical path for families who love sports but refuse to let it run their lives. From backyard games and rec leagues to varsity pressure and recruiting, we talk about how to build community, protect identity, and keep faith at the center.

RESOURCES

Be A Safe Space - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/build-a-safe-place/

Let Your Kid Struggle - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/let-your-kid-struggle/

Influenced - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/influenced/

4 Reasons to Keep Screens Out of Bedrooms and Bathrooms - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/four-reasons-i-kept-screens-out-of-my-kids-bedroom-and-bathroom/

Phone Free Schools - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/phone-free-schools-mom-on-a-mission/

Boundaries - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/boundaries/

Pornography - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/pornography/

Consent - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/consent/

Good counselors are booked. What can I do while I wait? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/good-counselors-are-booked-what-can-i-do-while-we-wait/

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE

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A landmark verdict and two powerful medical pivots leave parents asking: how do we love kids well while pressing pause on irreversible decisions?  

RESOURCES
Detransitioner wins $2 million against New York docs who pushed double mastectomy - https://nypost.com/2026/01/31/us-news/detransitioner-wins-2-million-against-new-york-docs-who-pushed-double-mastectomy/

US plastic surgeons group advises delaying gender surgery until age 19 due to insufficient evidence | Reuters - https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-plastic-surgeons-group-advises-delaying-gender-surgery-until-age-19-due-2026-02-03/

Washington Post - https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/02/03/plastic-surgeons-youth-gender-surgeries-guidance/

American Medical Association Says Gender Surgeries For Minors Should Wait - https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2026-02-06/american-medical-association-says-gender-surgeries-for-minors-should-wait

Gender: Hot Take on the President’s Executive Order - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/gender-hot-take-on-the-presidents-executive-order/

Pronouns - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/pronouns/

My kid came home and asked, “Is Jesus Trans?” - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/my-kid-came-home-and-asked-is-jesus-trans/

Mr. Beast’s friend is transitioning. How do I talk with my kid? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/mr-beasts-friend-is-transitioning-how-do-i-talk-with-my-kid/

My kid says I’m a homophobe. Am I? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/my-kid-says-im-a-homophobe-am-i/

How do I respond if my child is questioning their sexuality or gender? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/how-do-i-respond-if-my-child-is-questioning-their-sexuality-or-gender/

"TALK" by Mandy Majorshttps://a.co/d/1rsMxB9

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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