Carpool Conversations

Where do our kids learn what they’re worth – and how do we guide them toward the truth that their value comes from God, not achievements or approval?  Today, Amy and Marissa are joined by returning guest Margaret Sharpe to talk about how the question of worth shows up at every stage of childhood, from early elementary through high school. Together, they unpack the lies that kids often believe abou...

Chores. Just hearing the word can bring up a mix of reactions—from sighs to eye rolls to “we should really work on that in our house.” In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that seems simple on the surface but can be surprisingly challenging to put into practice. We’re talking about why chores matter and how everyday responsibilities help prepare our kids for life beyond our homes—while al...

Family relationships can be some of the most meaningful—and the most challenging. In this episode, Sara and Marissa sit down with Dr. Rob and Amy Reinow from Visionary Family Ministries to talk about what reconciliation really means, why forgiveness is a heart-level issue, and how parents can cultivate a culture of healing and forgiveness in their homes. Whether you’re navigating daily conflicts o...

Perspective can change the way we see life, parenting, and even our daily struggles—but it’s not always easy to gain. Amy and Sara sit down with Cody Braun, Marketing Manager for WinShape Camps and father of two, to talk about how perspective can grow patience and gratitude, why it’s so hard in the moment, and practical ways to see life more clearly. They also explore how perspective can help in e...

Adoption is a beautiful reflection of God’s heart — but it’s also a journey filled with questions, challenges, and deep emotions. In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Stephen Moore , Director of WinShape Camps for Communities and proud dad of three, two of whom are adopted. Stephen shares his family’s adoption story — from their first “yes” to welcoming their children home — and opens up ab...

We all know how important the church is in shaping a kid's faith — it’s where foundations are built and seeds of belief take root. But let’s be honest: sometimes our kids just aren’t excited about going to church. It can start to feel more like a “have to” than a “get to.” In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Collier to talk about practical ways to help kids actually look forward to church. A f...

What happens when God calls your family to something new—and it feels a little scary? This week, we were joined by Andre Rose, who shares his family’s story of trusting God through a big life transition. From the first moment he sensed God might be leading them somewhere new, to their decision to finally say “yes”, Andre talks about how they navigated uncertainty together as a family. If your fami...

Talking to our kids about the "birds & the bees" can feel overwhelming—but if we don’t, the world will have the conversation for us. In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Dr. Juli Slattery to explore why this conversation is so important and how parents can approach it with confidence and grace. From understanding biblical sexuality to setting healthy boundaries with technology, Dr. Slattery...

In today's episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Kendy Bowman as she shares her journey of parenting through grief after the passing of her husband, Cameron. She talks about the unexpected ways God prepared her family, the peace that surpasses understanding, and how she has learned to embrace both the hard and the hopeful moments along the way. Kendy also opens up about what it looks like to help ki...

What does it really mean to be an engaged parent ? In this episode, Michael Kelley—author of The Whole Story for the Whole Family —joins us to talk about parenting with intentionality. From helping kids grow in faith to normalizing spiritual conversations at home, Michael unpacks the mindset and actions that shape engaged parenting. Whether you’re raising little ones or navigating the teen years,...

Every kid receives love differently. Understanding how your kids best experience love can transform your relationship with them. In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Dr. Gary Chapman —world-renowned author of The 5 Love Languages —as he shares how understanding your kids' unique love language can strengthen your connection and help them feel truly loved. Learn practical ways to speak love i...

Did you know that over 35% of Americans today have a step-relationship ? Blended families are more common than ever—and with them come unique dynamics that can be both beautiful and complex. In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Ron Deal , one of the nation’s leading experts on stepfamilies, to talk about how parents can lead with grace, patience, and understanding in blended family dynamics...

Marriage takes intentionality—and in the middle of raising kids, balancing work, and keeping up with the daily grind, it’s easy for couples to put their relationship on the back burner. In this episode, Amy and Marissa sit down with Genee Francis, Assistant Director of Content and Programming at WinShape Marriage, to talk about what it really looks like to invest in your marriage.  From practical...

What makes summer camp such a meaningful and formative experience for kids—and why do so many keep coming back year after year? In this episode, Amy sits down with two leaders from the WinShape Camps team for a behind-the-scenes look at how camp is intentionally designed to help kids grow in faith, confidence, and resilience. From counselor influences to outdoor play and faith-filled moments that...

Parenting today can feel more challenging than ever before. Research shows that anxiety is increasing at an alarming rate, and there seems to be a decrease in kindness happening at the same time. That's where some Biblical truth can help us as parents. In this episode, Sara and Amy sit down with Ammie Akin — a wife, mom of three boys, and career educator with a background spanning all levels of ad...

When we walk through something hard, our instinct is often to take control, fix it ourselves, or hold everything together for the people we love. But what if healing comes not from holding on—but from letting go? And what does letting go look like? In this episode, Amy and Marissa sit down with Kylie White —wife, mom of four teens, philanthropist, and a servant-leader in her family’s business, Chi...

Parenting can feel heavy —especially when we carry around the weight of how our kids will turn out on our shoulders. But what if we weren’t meant to carry that pressure? In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with bestselling author and mom of five boys, Jeannie Cunnion , to talk about parenting in freedom rather than fear. Jeannie shares encouragement for moms and dads who are weary from trying t...

Today, Amy Lowe and Emily Alters sit down with two incredible parents who have launched their kids into adulthood and are now navigating the empty nest season—Jeff Stryker and Lynn Alters. Between them, Jeff and Lynn bring decades of parenting wisdom to the table. Both of their families have deep roots at WinShape Camps, with kids who spent summers growing up at camp and are now faithfully followi...

A summer job is just a job—right? Not when it’s working at camp. Today, Amy and Marissa dive into the transformative experience of serving as Summer Camp Staff. Working at camp helps young adults grow in their faith, develop leadership skills, and prepare for life beyond college. Longtime WinShape Camps staffers Alex Scales and Grace Kilgore share the lessons they’ve learned, why they kept coming...

In today's episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Capri and Jason Brooks to talk all about prayer —how to model it, practice it as a family, and specific prayers to pray over your kids. Capri and Jason share practical ways to make prayer part of everyday life, along with the "S's" they pray over their children: salvation, safety, and spouse. Whether you’re looking to grow your own prayer life or help...

In today’s episode, Amy and Sara dive into the importance of Sabbath and how families can create rhythms of rest in their busy lives. Whether you’re looking to start small or deepen your current Sabbath practices, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, be present, and experience the blessings of intentional rest. Sara also shares about her own journey of making Sabbath a priority for h...

What's the secret to connecting with your boys in meaningful ways? In today’s episode, Amy and Sara are joined by Sara’s husband, Chase Jones—a Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage & Family Therapist—to unpack how parents can build strong connections with their sons. Drawing from his years of counseling experience, Chase shares insights on common struggles boys face, the key ingredients fo...

How can we help our kids feel safe and secure in an uncertain world? In today's episode, Amy and Sara are joined by Alexis Basik, a Licensed Master Social Worker and trauma-focused care expert, to discuss how parents can help their kids build security and trust in today’s uncertain world. Alexis walks us through key developmental stages for kids —unpacking the lies kids often believe about trust,...

Every parent dreams of their kids developing a deep love for God’s Word, but where do you start? In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Margaret Sharpe—Manager of WinShape Camps International and a passionate follower of Jesus—to explore how parents can inspire a love for Scripture in their children. Drawing from her experience with WinShape’s international projects and and her own faith jour...

In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with David Blanchard, Director of Fellows at Impact 360, to explore practical ways parents can help Generation Z develop a lasting faith. Drawing from over 15 years of experience in discipleship and drawing insights from the latest Barna research, David shares strategies for equipping kids to know God deeply, build strong character, and live out their faith w...