The Resilient Parenting Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Join Ken and Michelle as they chat with Valerie McCauley, Founder and President of Hand in Hand Family Mentorship Program .  Their mission.... " We work hand in hand … with individuals and families who are reaching out for an added support system. We believe that support and connection should be a part of everyday life—not just in times of crisis. Our program is rooted in com...

Send us Fan Mail We dreamt (and at times dreaded) the day when our children would leave the nest and start their own adventure (whatever that would be), and then in a blink of an eye, the day was here.  Join Ken and Michelle as they share a very personal inside view of their family as they prepare to send their youngest off to college. Though this is not the first time they have done this having t...

Send us Fan Mail Join Ken and Michelle as they sit down with Sonja Howerton. She serves as the Executive Director at the Idaho Network of Children's Advocacy Centers, contributing to the organization's mission to enhance responses to child maltreatment and promote healthy futures for children.  As children head back to school, families are busy buying supplies, adjusting routines, and pr...

Send us Fan Mail It's that time of year again when schedules change because the kids are going back to school. This transition can be an exciting time for both children and their caregivers but it can also be filled with trepidation. Join Ken and Michelle as they visit with Star Elementary School Librarian Kelsey Biscardi Thomas. In addition to her full-time job as a Librarian, she is also a...

Send us Fan Mail  In the wake of tragedy, we can find strength and healing in community -Beth Markley Executive Director of NAMI Idaho.  Join Ken and Michelle as they sit down with Beth Markley Nami Idaho's Executive Director to discuss the recent tragic event in Twin Falls.  When violence strikes close to home, the impact extends far beyond those who were physically present.   So what can we...

Send us Fan Mail Content Warning Join Ken and Michelle as they visit once again with Officer Gomez who is discussing online scams that are going after kids. Most kids today have access to a phone, tablet or laptop. And if you think your kid is too young...think again. Officer David Gomez is one of America’s most trusted—and most relatable—voices on youth digital safety. With over 15 years as a Sch...

Send us Fan Mail Join Ken and Michelle as they are joined by therapist, Jasmine Magana from the Resiliency Center of Idaho. Jasmine is a bilingual and bicultural therapist dedicated to holistic, community-centered care. Deeply rooted in the Latinx community, she connects clients with the right supports and uses narrative therapy to foster sustainable change.  RESOURCES: The Resiliency Center of Id...

Send us Fan Mail  Join Ken and Michelle as they visit with Friends of the Children Executive Director Gina Judd.  Gina Judd, LCPC, has been serving children personally and professionally all her adult life. Gina and her husband of 33 years have raised five children and served for nine years as therapeutic foster parents, eventually adopting one of their foster children.   Gina’s role as Executive...

Send us Fan Mail Join Ken and Michelle as they visit with Maureen Durning, Founder of Butterfly Trainings that Transform. Maureen gives a sneak peek at her new training "Practical Resilience". What is Resilience and where does i come from? Maureen answers these questions and shares a couple of thought provoking exercises with Ken and Michelle.  RESOURCES: Website: https://butterflyttt.co...

Send us Fan Mail Join Ken and Michelle as they visit with Officer David Gomez to discuss cell phone safety. What is the recommended age for cell phone use and how do you keep your child safe once they have a cell phone?  Officer David Gomez is one of America’s most trusted—and most relatable—voices on youth digital safety. With over 15 years as a School Resource Officer and nearly two decades in l...

Send us Fan Mail Join Ken and Michelle as they are visited by special guest Amanda Mills from the Idaho AEYC (Association for the Education of Young Children). Amanda talks about their new and FREE initiatives: You've Got This!  and You've Got This From the Start . You've Got This! Early learning starts at home. As the first place a child begins learning, the habits and knowledge ga...

Send us Fan Mail All babies cry, some more than others. Crying is a baby’s language. When babies cry, they may be lonely, scared, tired or they may cry for reasons we can’t figure out. The Crying Plan is an tool for parents to help them manage their crying baby and manage themselves when they feel like they are becoming frustrated while caring for the baby. Once developed, a baby’s Crying Plan can...

Send us Fan Mail Join Ken and Michelle as they chat with Karey Perkins. Karey Perkins is a dedicated community advocate, parent leader, and mental health champion based in Idaho. Alongside her husband Eddie, she is raising a large, blended, and multigenerational family of eight, including children she has taken guardianship of—an experience that deeply informs her passion for supporting families....

Send us Fan Mail This episode Ken and Michelle are joined by Terry Scraggins, LMSW. Terry holds a Master of Social Work from Boise State University and is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of Idaho. They earned both their Bachelor's degree (2020) and Master's degree (2023) from Boise State University and were recognized as a 2024 Idaho Business Review Accomplished Under 40 Hon...

Send us Fan Mail Join Ken and Michelle as they visit Lori Fascilla, Executive Director of Giraffe Laugh. Giraffe Laugh is a local nonprofit that provides early childhood education and nurturing to 170 Treasure Valley children annually by ensuring school readiness, empowering families, and building strong futures.  They currently have three full-time programs that serve children 0-5 years old throu...

Send us Fan Mail Join Ken and Michelle as they interview Maggie Thompson, Director of Programs - 4th Judicial District CASA Program & Family Strengthening Education Program at Family Advocates. Family Advocates' mission is to protect children, strengthen families, and prevent child abuse through advocacy, education, and support. This episode is focused on their Family Strengthening Educat...

Send us Fan Mail Join Ken and Michelle as they discuss Kinship family resources and upcoming events with Idaho Family Care Navigator's Program Manager, Sheila Weaver, LCSW, MPA. " Grandparents and other relatives or friends who care for children whose own parents are unable to care for them are often referred to as “kinship” caregivers. The Idaho Caregiver Alliance is a coalition of indi...

Send us Fan Mail Ken and Michelle welcome 2026 with special guest Leta Harris Neustaedter. Leta is an arts educator, musician, actor, community builder and clinical social worker. In 2010 she created Metamorphosis Performing Arts Studio, LLC as a place where the performing arts and mental health intersect.  She provides her own programming and also contract with schools and organizations to facili...

Send us Fan Mail It's that time of year again for mirth and merriment but also STRESS. Learn some helpful tips to bring the joy and not the humbug to this holiday season.  The last episode of 2025! RESOURCES: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/scientific-mommy/202512/better-ways-to-manage-your-holiday-stress https://www.healthline.com/health/holiday-stress Steve Fund Holiday Mental Healt...

Send us Fan Mail Join Ken and Michelle as they share a heartfelt conversation with Gemma Gaudette, host of the award-winning show, Idaho Matters . Gemma helped launch Idaho Matters in 2018 on Boise Public Radio. https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/show/idaho-matters. You can catch her every week day at noon. Gemma shares her parenting journey as a "Boy Mom".  A little about Gemma:  (Fr...

Send us Fan Mail  Ken and Michelle are back on the road  heading to Coeur d Alene to visit with Mike "Woody" Wood, Nurturing Father's Program Trainer.    What is the Nurturing Fathers  Program? "The Nurturing Father’s Program is an evidence-based, 13-week training course designed to teach parenting and nurturing skills to men. Each 2 ½ hour class provides proven, effective skil...

Send us Fan Mail Parenting a pregnant or parenting teen? Join Ken and Michelle as they meet with Jamie Garn, Executive Director of Cardinal Academy and Kim Kelzer,LCSW Director of the Salvation Army's Booth Program.  The Salvation Army’s Booth Program for Young Parents supports you with:  Childcare On Site – New Horizons Academy Personalized resources & support Free breakfast & lunch...

Send us Fan Mail Ken and Michelle take a virtual trip to Oklahoma City to visit with LPC and Certified Sex Therapist, Kayla Jones to chat about comprehensive sex education and sexual shame.  How does our sexual shame show up in our parenting? What is comprehensive sex education and at what age should we start?  In this episode we cover: Sexual Shame Comprehensive Sex Education  The importance of 1...

Send us Fan Mail Join Ken and Michelle as they chat with American Falls School Superintendent, Randy Jensen as he shares two exciting initiatives happening in their community: Universal Preschool and Read-Talk-Play Every Day. Learn how they did it and how you can too. Read Talk Play Every Day is a research-based, community supported initiative to champion early childhood literacy. Through voluntee...

Send us Fan Mail The Resilient Parenting Podcast welcomes back Charlye Hahn, Interim Executive Director of the NEW nonprofit 4 The Love Of Kinship: Providing support for families raising family . Join Ken and Michelle as they learn all about this new resource for Kinship providers.  Do you or your Organization want to help? Learn how to get involved. 4 the Love of Kinship Mission: At 4 The Love Of...