Gracebased Podcast

We’ve all been there: a simple request turns into a power struggle, and before you know it, the "train is off the tracks." In the series finale, Megan Hunt shares how to navigate these moments using the Levels of Engagement framework. Learn why "winning" an argument is never as important as repairing the relationship, and how to turn every conflict into a coaching opportunity that prepares your ch...

It is one of the most common misconceptions in parenting: that "punishment" and "discipline" are the same thing. In this episode, Megan Hunt breaks down the profound difference between the two. While punishment often focuses on making a child pay for a mistake, true discipline focuses on teaching them how to do better next time. Correcting Without Shame: How to address the behavior without attacki...

Episode 6: The Balancing Act—Nurture & Structure Finding the sweet spot between "warm and fuzzy" and "rules and results" is one of the greatest challenges in parenting. In this episode, Megan Hunt breaks down why the most effective correction happens when Nurture and Structure are in perfect harmony. When we lean too far into one, we lose the connection; when we balance both, we create a safe...

Episode 5: Giving Voice—Correction Through Empowerment Discipline doesn’t have to be a power struggle where someone has to lose. In this episode, Megan Hunt dives into the proactive side of Correction from Connection , focusing on a transformative tool: Giving Voice. By offering choices and sharing power, we don't just manage behavior—we build a bridge of trust that lasts. In This Episode, We Disc...

In this episode Cody and Megan dive deep into the secret super power of parenting: play.  They cover questions like: How does play help us connect with our kids on a deeper level? Can play actually help redirect misbehavior or teach new skills? How can families build play into their daily routines without making it another chore? Get more free resources geared for families and kids, including our...

In this episode join Cody and Megan discuss, what does it really mean to model good behavior for our kids and why that is much more powerful than lecturing them on good behavior. They also cover questions like:  - How can parents know if their expectations are age-appropriate and grace-filled? Raising kids is difficult, and discipline is a needed part of parenting. Cody and Megan give a TBRI (Trus...

In this episode join Cody and Megan discuss, what does it really mean to be emotionally present with our kids? What’s the difference between regulation and co-regulation—and why do both matter? How can parents learn to tune in to their child’s emotional or sensory needs? Raising kids is difficult, and discipline is a needed part of parenting. Cody and Megan give a TBRI (Trust Based Relational Inte...

Discipline is a hard, but essential practice in the life of every parent. Join Megan Hunt and Cody Kimmel in this series as they examine attachment styles and how to raise healthy kids. Kids need guidance, correction, and firm boundaries to mature into the adults we all hope they will become . But discipline can also feel overwhelming. If we do it the wrong way, we risk destroying our relationship...

Trusting God with the Outcome. This episode is a breath of fresh air for weary or anxious parents. You’ll be reminded that your child’s story is ultimately in God’s hands. Parenting isn’t about controlling results—it’s about being faithfully present and pointing them to hope in Christ. Even if your child struggles, you can walk with them in love, trust, and grace. Learn more and get more free reso...

Responding with Wisdom, Not Panic It’s one thing to believe in grace—it’s another to parent with it. This episode with Aaron and Dana explores how to put grace into practice when kids fail, when they question, or when you don’t know what to say. You’ll get practical examples, language you can use, and tools to stay grounded in love when the conversation gets hard. get more free resources like this...

Reframing Sex as Sacred, Not Scary In this episode, Aaron and Dana discuss how redemption doesn’t just save our souls it reframes how we see everything, including sex. This episode helps parents show their kids that sex isn’t just something to avoid until marriage, but something to honor as a reflection of covenant love and trust in Jesus. We don’t just point to the past—we invite them into the re...

Creating a Safe Space for Real Talk. Kids need a place where they can ask anything—and not be punished for being curious. This episode offers practical help for becoming that kind of parent. You’ll learn how to have calm, consistent, shame-free conversations, and how to model a faith that’s honest and approachable, not rigid or reactive. learn more and get more free resources at www.gracebased.com

  Helping Kids Understand Brokenness Without Shame. Sin distorts everything—including sex. But rather than teaching about sexuality from a place of fear or disgust, this episode shows how to walk kids through the reality of brokenness in a way that still points to God’s goodness. We don’t avoid the hard parts—we name them, grieve them, and return to the One who restores. Get more free resources li...

Teaching Kids Dignity, Design, and Delight. We live in a world that either over-sexualizes or shames the body. But Scripture tells us something different—our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made. In this episode, parents are encouraged to affirm their child’s physicality with joy and truth, starting early and shaping a theology of the body that honors God’s design. Get more free resources lik...

 Start with Creation, Not Crisis. Your kids are already hearing messages about sex, identity, and relationships every day. Rather than reacting in fear, this episode shows you how to root their understanding in the true story of God: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. You’ll learn how to reframe cultural messages and guide your kids toward trust in the Author of it all. get more resource...

God listens to us, welcomes our honest questions, and meets us right where we are. In the same way, we can create a relational, grace-filled environment for our kids to talk about sex and identity. This episode unpacks how to start the conversation early, stay calm, and lead from trust—not anxiety. Learn more and get free resources at www.gracebased.com

Theme: Parenting Starts with Your Healing Overview: Before we talk to our kids about sex, we need to talk about ourselves. This episode invites parents to reflect on their own story—how pain, pride, silence, or shame from the past may still be shaping how we parent today. Grace creates a safe place to heal, and healing allows us to parent with freedom and presence, not fear. Join Pastors Aaron &am...

Grace is essential for raising kids who thrive. But it can be hard to explain, especially to kids. On this episode of the Gracebased Podcast, Cody Kimmel speaks with Shealyn Visser about how to teach kids about God's grace in a way that makes sense to them. Shealyn is a teacher, children's ministry director, mom, and first time author of the book Loved No Matter What! Cody and Shealyn dig into how...

In this season finale, Cody Kimmel and Greg Lunsford discuss developing a servant heart in children as a fundamental aspect of godly parenting. This episode wraps up the season with insights into how servanthood is intertwined with true Christian living and reflects the heart of Jesus. The Goal: Encourage parents to cultivate in their children a heart for service that goes beyond mere actions to b...

Welcome to this episode of Blueprints!  In this episode, Cody and Greg explore how to instill a heart of generosity into kids.  Listener Question from Sarah in South Dakota: (3:19)   "I'm trying to help my kids develop a generous heart, particularly with sharing their toys, but my eight-year-old gets really upset when asked to share with her siblings. How can I encourage her to enjoy giving withou...

Welcome to a special episode of BluePrints, where we invite back Elizabeth Orthmann, LMFT, to explore how parents can instill a heart of gratitude in their children, counteracting entitlement and fostering a positive outlook. THE BIG IDEA: gratitude is a critical and transformative attribute that parents should cultivate in their children to counteract entitlement and promote a positive and abunda...

Welcome to this episode of Blueprints!  In this episode, Cody and Greg introduce the concept of humility, a trait often overlooked in a society that may reward the opposite and they hear from Dr Tim Kimmel on how to cultivate humility in the heart of a child.  The Goal: Explore how cultivating humility can significantly affect personal growth and family relationships. Discuss practical steps for p...

Welcome to this episode of Blueprints! Today's episodes focus is on developing courage in children, particularly in challenging social situations. Question from Carl in Cleveland: (5:00) "My daughter (12) is seeing a kid at her school get bullied. She wants to stand up for her but is worried that other kids will make fun of her. I think in her heart she knows the right thing to do, but it's overwh...

Welcome to a special episode of Blueprints! Today we're excited to welcome on the show our first ever guest interview.  Elizabeth Orthmann is a licensed marriage and family therapist with expertise in trauma, attachment, and parenting.  She joins Greg and Cody to discuss how to build endurance and resilience into kids.  Key Takeaways from the Episode: The Big Idea: Discussing the importance of 'en...

Episode #: 19 Intro Timestamp: (00:00) - Cody discusses the importance of setting boundaries and casting a vision for the responsible use of technology, such as smartphones. Listener Question: From: Kelly in Salt Lake City, Utah Timestamp: (05:00) Question: "We gave our daughter her first smartphone for her 16th birthday, and she's overwhelmed by it, neglecting homework and chores. How can we disc...