Courageous Girls

We live in a world that is constantly competing for our attention. Before our feet hit the floor, our minds can already be filled with notifications, responsibilities, worries, and endless distractions. But God gently invites us into something different—a daily rhythm of beginning with Him. In this episode of Courageous Girls, we sit down with pastor, author, and teacher Tara Beth Leach to talk ab...

Relationships with other women can be some of the greatest gifts in our lives—and some of the places where we've experienced the deepest wounds. From gossip and comparison to jealousy, competition, and church hurt, many of us carry stories that make friendship feel complicated. But what if God has something better for us and for our daughters? In this episode of Courageous Girls, we sit down with...

We live in a world where motherhood often feels like pressure, performance, and perfection—but God invites us into something far more meaningful: faithful presence in the everyday moments. In this episode of Courageous Girls, we sit down with Dina Deleasa-Gonsar—known online as Dish It Girl—to talk about girl mom life, faith, food, and the sacred work happening around our tables. From navigating p...

We live in a world where identity is constantly shaped by comparison, performance, and what we can figure out on our own—but God invites us into something deeper: knowing who we are by first knowing who He is. In this episode of Courageous Girls, we sit down with Alena Pitts-Franklin to talk about grief, faith, and the journey of discovering God’s character in the middle of life’s hardest moments....

We’re raising daughters in a world that feels faster, louder, and more overwhelming than ever—and if we’re honest, it can stir up fear in us as moms. But what if we didn’t have to have all the answers? What if the goal wasn’t perfection, but presence? In this episode of Courageous Girls, we sit down with Michelle Tae, a Courageous Girls mama, to talk about what it looks like to parent from a place...

Talking to our daughters about sex can feel overwhelming—especially when our own stories are marked by shame, confusion, or silence. But what if these conversations weren’t something to fear… but an invitation to build trust, safety, and connection? In this episode of Courageous Girls, we sit down with Annie Horner to explore how to talk with our girls about sexuality in a way that is honest, grac...

We all carry expectations about how our stories will unfold—especially when it comes to motherhood. But what happens when those dreams are delayed, derailed, or deeply wounded? In this episode of Courageous Girls, we sit down with Julie Fowler to talk about infertility, loss, and the long, painful road of waiting. Together, we explore what it means to trust God when the story doesn’t go the way we...

We live in a world that constantly pressures girls to perform, compare, and prove their worth—but the Father’s heart tells a very different story. In this episode of the Courageous Girls Podcast, we sit down with licensed professional counselor Michelle Nietert and Proverbs 31 Ministries author Lynn Cowell to talk about what it truly means for girls and young women to become strong and secure in G...

We’re raising girls in a digitally distracted world—one where filters, comparison, and constant connection shape how our daughters see themselves and others. In this episode of the Courageous Girls Podcast, we sit down with licensed marriage and family therapist Katie Wise to have an honest, grace-filled conversation about social media, identity, and connection. Together, we explore how social med...

Friendship shapes our daughters more than we often realize—and it’s something we don’t want to leave to chance. In this episode of the Courageous Girls Podcast, hosted by Terra Mattson, we’re joined by Rachael Gilbert for a meaningful conversation about one of the most tender and formative topics in a girl’s life: friendship. Together, we explore why friendship matters so deeply to the hearts of g...

Conversations around sex, dating, marriage, and purpose can feel complicated—especially as moms raising daughters in a changing cultural and church landscape. In this episode of Courageous Girls, we sit down with bestselling author, speaker, and podcast host Annie F. Downs for a powerful and honest conversation about singleness, calling, and trusting God with the long story of our lives. Together,...

Raising girls in today’s culture means navigating tension—between purity culture and personal freedom, between shame and grace, between rules and relationship. In this episode of Courageous Girls, we sit down with our dear friend and trusted expert Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield for an honest, hope-filled conversation about how we talk to our daughters (and ourselves) about bodies, boundaries, and b...

In this episode of Courageous Girls, we step back into a deeply important conversation that continues beyond the mic—one that sits at the intersection of faith, sexuality, boundaries, and grace. After our time with Dr. Nancy, we felt led to clarify the heart behind Courageous Girls and address the tension many moms feel between purity culture and its pendulum swing. We share why our goal has never...

In a world where our girls are bombarded with confusing messages about sexuality, identity, and worth, we believe God calls us to lead with clarity, compassion, and courage. In this episode of the Courageous Girls Podcast, we sit down with Kristen Miele, founder of Sex Ed Reclaimed, to explore how we can reclaim healthy, biblical conversations around sexuality—conversations many of us never receiv...

In this episode of Courageous Girls, Terra Mattson sits down with Dr. Nancy to explore the beauty, complexity, and God-given design of female sexuality—both for mothers and daughters. We dive into how hormones, trauma, and societal expectations shape the way women experience desire, intimacy, and self-awareness, and how moms can create safe spaces for honest conversation with their daughters. Toge...

In this episode of Courageous Girls, we sit down with Dr. Nancy to talk about sex, hormones, and the changing bodies of girls and women. Together, we explore how understanding these physical and emotional shifts can help us guide our daughters with grace and wisdom. From monthly cycles to puberty, PMS, and beyond, Dr. Nancy shares her insights from decades as an OB-GYN and therapist to help us nav...

Raising girls today takes more than good intentions—it takes community, intentionality, and courage. In this episode of Courageous Girls, Terra Mattson is joined by Meghan and Stephanie, two moms who have seen firsthand the life-changing impact of Courageous Girls Groups. Together, we talk about the real joys and challenges of walking alongside our daughters, and how a Christ-centered community ca...

In this episode of Courageous Girls, we sit down with author and speaker Laura Smith to uncover the often-overlooked stories of women in the Bible and what they mean for us and our daughters today. Laura’s latest book, Brave Woman, Mighty God, highlights 30 women whose courage wasn’t rooted in themselves but in God’s power. Together, we explore how their stories can embolden us to live faithfully...

In this episode of Courageous Girls, we sit down with Sara Pickell, a mom of two daughters and a longtime leader within the Courageous Girls movement. Sara opens up about what it’s been like to walk this journey alongside her girls, and how God has used this intentional time to shape not just her daughters—but her own heart and community too. Together, we talk about the beauty and the messiness of...

Spoken word poetry isn’t just art—it’s a way of telling the truth about who God is and who we are. In this episode of the Courageous Girls podcast, Terra Mattson sits down with Hosanna, a spoken word artist, author, and passionate voice for identity in Christ. From growing up on the streets of San Francisco to sharing her viral poem I Have a New Name, Hosanna shows us how God meets us in unexpecte...

Take the test here: https://mycourageousgirls.com/corevaluesindex We invite our daughters, Adonia and Nevaeh, to join the conversation as we continue exploring what it means to “train up a child in the way they should go.” Last time, we shared how the Core Values Index has shaped our parenting. This week, you’ll hear directly from our girls about how knowing their wiring has helped them connect wi...

In this honest and hope-filled conversation, we open the mic to real moms living out the Courageous Girls journey across the country. Together, we explore what it’s like to say “yes” to intentional parenting—even when it’s messy, uncertain, or slow. From starting new groups to navigating teen years, these mamas share what God is doing in them and through them as they show up for their daughters. W...

Today we dive into how the Core Values Index (CVI) can transform the way we parent. Over the years, we’ve found this tool to be one of the most practical ways to truly see our children for who God designed them to be. Every child is uniquely wired, and when we learn to notice and nurture those differences, we set them up with a deep confidence to thrive in the world. Take the test here! https://my...

In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with the wise and wonderful Sissy Goff to talk all things anxiety, regulation, and relationships—especially how these show up in the lives of our daughters. As moms, we carry our own stories and hopes for our girls, and Sissy reminds us how to attune, slow down, and connect in a way that rewires our daughters' hearts and minds for resilience and trust. Togeth...

Conflict doesn’t have to be scary—it can actually become one of the most powerful tools for connection and growth. In this episode, we explore how Courageous Girls equips moms and daughters to handle conflict with confidence, honesty, and grace. Through years of shared experience, Terra Mattson and her daughters share how they’ve learned to communicate well, listen with empathy, and lean into hard...