Puberty. Adolescence. Sadly, those are words that sometimes strike fear in the heart of parents. But should it be that way? Taking the time to understand the realities of puberty and adolescence in today's world goes a long way in preparing us to parent, lead, and minister to teenagers in today's rapidly changing world. We talk with our friend Crystal Kirgiss about puberty, adolescence, and a whole lot more on this episode of Youth Culture Matters. Our opening segment takes a look at trends and news in the world of youth culture including the physical activity of adolescents, a 9-year-old who graduated high school, social media and the teen brain, an after-school Satan club, talking with your kids about drugs and alcohol and bottle flipping.

This episode begins with Walt and Jason discussing youth culture news related to education outside of schools, name pronunciation, technology, virtual reality headsets, a new music platform and generational differences in finances. Then former Major League Baseball player and 3 time World Series Champion, Jeremy Affeldt, joins the podcast. He discusses being a professional ball player in a sports obsessed culture as well as the pressures we place on our young kids to perform athletically. He also shares his heart about helping those in our communities who are hurting, specifically those dealing with hunger and sexual trafficking issues, and how we can empower youth to make a difference.

Walt and Jason open the podcast discussing youth culture news related to playing in the dirt, new words in the dictionary, teens and food insecurities, and a new app to combat bullying. Then during the interview segment our friend Rick Lawrence, the Executive Editor of Group Magazine joins us. Rick is a strong advocate for creative teaching methods. As the times change and youth culture morphs into new shapes and forms, parents and youth workers must consider how to best engage kids in conversations and learning opportunities about the Christian faith. While the message remains unchanged, our methods must be flexible. Join us as we pick Rick's brain and talk about today's youth culture.

When you were a teenager did you want to be seen and perceived as cool? In today's youth culture, the concept of cool is what drives fads, trends, and purchases. In fact, marketers are all about capturing, mass-producing, and selling cool. But can cool become a hindrance to spiritual growth? Can it become an idol that consumes our lives? Walt and Jason take a look at these questions and more in this "Pumpkin Spice" episode.

Walt and Jason discuss the latest in youth culture including stories about negativity in pop culture, college and social media, TV and Snapchat, and 'The Shame List.' For the 2nd and 3rd segments of this podcast, Sean McDowell joins Walt and Jason discuss issues of faith, culture, worldview and apologetics. As a professor at Biola University and also a part-time high school teacher, Sean also helps us know what we can do as parents and youth workers to help prepare our kids for college and to thrive in their faith once they arrive on campus.

Walt and Jason discuss the latest in youth culture including stories about parental shaming on social media, Pokemon Go, texting while driving, Elizabeth Smart, magazine covers and more. For the 2nd and 3rd segments of this podcast, Walt and Jason discuss the devastating effects of pornography and what it does to our brains, our relationships, and even our marriages. They close by looking at both preventive and redemptive steps we can take in dealing with issues related to pornography, both in the lives of our students, as well as our own lives.

Walt and Jason discuss news related to celebrity endorsements, exposure to drugs and alcohol, cellphones and concerts, the Pope, the mindset of college freshmen and burping in school. Then Kara Twining and Barry Ferguson join the podcast to discuss the world of education and the changes they've seen working in various education fields over the last 20-30 years. Kara has worked as a middle school teacher as well as a high school guidance counselor, while Barry has taught middle school as well as serving for the last couple decades as a elementary school principal.

Walt and Jason discuss news related to selfies, YouTube celebrities, sexuality, reading, stories, weak handshakes and more. Then Dr. Marv Penner joins the podcast to talk about self-injury, self-mutilation, cutting, and what parents and youth workers can do to understand this behavior and move kids into healing. He takes a look at how the understanding of self-harm has changed over the last few decades and shares the insights he has gained over the years of counseling students who practice various forms of self-injury.

Walt and Jason discuss the latest in youth culture including stories about a new dating app for teens, Miss Teen USA, children, teens and resiliency, Draymond Green and naughty photos, Pokemon Go and trampoline parks. The rest of the podcast focuses on CPYU's most popular resource, "How to Use Your Head to Guard Your Heart: A 3(D) Guide to Making Responsible Media Choices." Walt talks about how the resource came about and provides a brief overview of the 3(D) steps and the role media discernment should play in student's lives. In the final segment, Walt uses the 3(D) review approach to mindfully critique the song and music video by popular artist Fergie called "M.I.L.F. $."

Walt and Jason have some fun looking back down memory lane and their athletic accomplishments but also take the time to reflect on people in their lives who greatly influenced their spiritual development. They then turn the conversation to speak with Dan Dupee, author of a new book titled "It's Not Too Late: The Essential Part You Play in Shaping Your Teen's Faith." Dan is also the former president and current Chairman of the Coalition for Christian Outreach. Dan discusses some of the surprise findings reported in his book and the role parents can have in the spiritual development of their children, even when their teenagers are getting older and parents may think they're "too late."