Rooted By The River: An SRC Parenting Podcast

In this episode, we unpack paideia—a biblical vision for shaping not just behavior, but hearts, habits, and character. Paideia.  A Greek word used in the verse to fathers in Ephesians 6:4. It means "discipline", but so much more! It encompasses the culture that forms and shapes our core instincts - the power within us to navigate ourselves, our choices and our hearts in a “multi-cultural” world. ...

In this audio-only bonus episode of Rooted by the River (Spanish River Church parenting podcast), you’ll hear a powerful Mom Talks message from Rebecca Haar and Chastity Langley on everyday stewardship—how to raise money-smart kids in a material world. With 2,000+ Bible verses that address money, wealth, possessions, and generosity, this conversation helps parents build a biblical foundation for f...

In this episode of Rooted by the River, John and Dan Houmes unpack the hidden costs of hurrying through life and how to reclaim healthier rhythms at home, specifically around PHYSICAL HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH and FAMILY FINANCES. Today’s families are often juggling full-time schedules, blurred work-home boundaries, and constant mental over-load. A full calendar can feel productive and even faithful,...

Are you raising a family — or just managing a schedule? In this episode of Rooted by the River, John and Dan Houmes, Therapist and Counselor, unpack the characteristics of the unhurried family and how modern pressures are reshaping families, parenting, and spiritual life. Many modern families are stretched thin. Parents are doing their best to maximize their children’s younger years to set them up...

In a culture shaped by outrage, algorithms, and constant noise, how do Christian parents intentionally raise kind, empathetic children? In this episode of Rooted by the River, John Houmes interviews Torrey Roberts about teaching kindness in the home—especially in a world shaped by anger, polarization, and online influence. Together, they unpack what kindness really means, why it isn’t weakness, an...

How do parents nurture a child’s God-given individuality without letting that individuality run the family? 🎙️ In this episode of Rooted by the River, host John Houmes sits down with Torrey Roberts, Engagement Director at Oceanview Baptist Church and longtime family ministry leader, to talk about one of the most common (and confusing) parenting tensions: raising unique children while building a un...

In this episode, host John Houmes talks with therapist Jill Dagistino about emotion regulation in parenting. They explore how emotions impact both parents and children, why emotional awareness matters, and practical tools parents can use to help kids understand and manage big feelings. Jill shares the RAIN Method, explains the difference between guilt and shame, and highlights why connection and v...

Parenting teens around food can feel like a constant balancing act. One day they’re not hungry, the next they’re starving—and underneath it all are deeper questions about body image, control, comparison, and faith. In this episode of Rooted by the River, John talks with registered dietitian Jenna Braddock about helping children and teenagers develop a healthy, God-honoring relationship with food....

Marriage starts with hope—but for many couples, years 7–21 bring unexpected challenges. In this episode, John talks with Pastor Rodney Wilkinson, pastor at Gospel Fellowship Church and host of Married in the Middle, about the realities of navigating marriage during its most demanding season. These are the years filled with pressure from work, parenting, emotional distance, and unresolved pain—espe...

How do we raise sons who grow into men of integrity, perseverance, loyalty, and faith—in a culture that often pushes the opposite? Where does character formation really begin, and how do parents lead with both love and accountability? In this episode of Rooted by the River, a family ministries podcast from Spanish River Church, host John sits down with Coach Brian Braddock, Head Football Coach at...

In this bonus episode, John and Virginia Houmes talk on "Spiritual Habits: Creating Rhythms of Faith in Your Family". You'll hear how seizing opportunities and practicing intentionality can shape your family's faith. The talk was given by the Houmes' at SRC's  Mom Talks  in November of 2025.   Rooted by the River on: Youtube Instagram Resources: Book Resources The Bible Project  on Youtube Give Me...

When should parents say “yes” to their children—and when is it loving to say “no”? In this episode of Rooted by the River, the family ministries podcast from Spanish River Church, John sits down with Alyssa Hanna to talk about healthy boundaries in Christian parenting. Alyssa is a mother of three young children and a licensed counselor who works with teenagers, bringing both professional insight a...

Marriage doesn’t stay the same once kids enter the picture. For many couples, the relationship slowly shifts into survival mode—focused on parenting, schedules, and responsibilities—until spouses feel more like roommates than husband and wife. In this episode of Rooted by the River, the family ministries podcast from Spanish River Church, John interviews pre-marital counselor Dan Meyers about how...

Curiosity is a powerful thing—especially in today’s culture of assumptions and believing we already know what others are thinking. This mindset can impact our parenting and family relationships. In this episode of Rooted by the River, John sits down with professional business coach, Laine Schmidt to explore why curiosity is essential for healthy families, especially in parenting and discipleship....

Gen Alpha has arrived. Rising 6th graders now represent an entirely new generation, and they’re asking deeper questions than ever before. In this episode, John Houmes interviews Lara Jensen, Director of SRC’s Middle School Student Ministry, to discuss what sets Gen Alpha apart, key generational differences, and how today’s students are engaging with faith, identity, and the world around them. #gen...

🎶 How does music shape the faith of our kids? In this episode of Rooted by the River, the family ministries podcast from Spanish River Church, we explore the powerful role of worship music in discipling children at home. Host John sits down with Eric Blythe, Worship Director at Spanish River Church, to talk about how music forms our hearts, shapes our beliefs, and influences the spiritual growth...

How do you talk to your kids about sex, faith, and God’s design without fear, awkwardness, or silence? In this episode of Rooted by the River, host John sits down with Dr. Jill Dagistino, a licensed therapist and trusted voice in Christian parenting, to tackle one of the most challenging—and important—topics parents face: discipling your children in their sexuality. Many Christian parents want to...

Welcome to "Rooted by the River," a Spanish River Church podcast designed to empower you as a parent. We invite you to take a journey with us as we engage with knowledgeable guests who offer practical parenting wisdom. We want to equip you to nurture faith at home in our fast-paced, ever-changing culture.  Whether you're navigating toddler tantrums or teen questions, each episode will offer practi...