Courageous Girls

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 of healing, honesty, and deep connection. Michelle shares vulnerably about her own story—how pain in her relationship with her mom shaped her fears of raising daughters, and how God has gently rewritten that story through community, consistency, and courage.Together, we explore how creating intentional space—month after month—can transform not only our daughters’ lives, but our own. This conversation is a powerful reminder that we don’t need to keep up with the culture—we can root our girls in something deeper.🔹 From fear to connection – How facing our own stories can open the door to deeper relationships with our daughters. 🔹 The power of consistency – Why showing up over time creates safety, trust, and lasting impact. 🔹 Navigating a fast-changing world – How to stay grounded as our girls face social media, AI, and growing up too quickly. 🔹 Emotions as a gift – Learning to feel, process, and model emotional health for the next generation.With honesty and hope, Michelle reminds us that healing is possible, connection is worth the risk, and we are not alone in this journey. Let’s raise daughters who feel known and loved—and become women who live that way too.

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, grace-filled, and ongoing. Together, we unpack how our responses shape our daughters’ sense of safety—and why starting earlier (and softer) than we think matters more than getting it “perfect.”Through powerful metaphors and practical language, Annie helps us reframe these conversations—not as a one-time talk, but as a path we walk with our daughters over time.🔹 Start sooner than you think – How early, everyday moments build a foundation of safety before the hard questions come. 🔹 Your tone shapes their trust – Why your response matters more than having the “right” answer. 🔹 Curiosity is not the enemy – Learning to guide your daughter’s questions without shame or fear. 🔹 It’s not too late to begin – How to repair, rebuild trust, and step back into the conversation—even in the teen years.This conversation reminds us that we don’t have to do this perfectly—we just have to be present. When we create a safe path, our daughters won’t have to navigate a confusing world alone.Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

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 planned—and how to help our daughters build an identity rooted in Him, not outcomes.With honesty and hope, Julie shares her journey through miscarriage, failed adoptions, and grief—and how God met her in the middle of it all. This conversation is a reminder that suffering is not the end of the story, and that God is still writing something meaningful in every chapter.🔹 God meets us in the waiting – How Scripture and community anchor us when life feels uncertain and painful. 🔹 You are not alone – Why isolation is a lie and how widening your circle can bring healing and perspective. 🔹 Identity beyond outcomes – Teaching our daughters their worth isn’t tied to motherhood, marriage, or milestones. 🔹 Grief and faith can coexist – Learning to be honest with God while still trusting His goodness and sovereignty.Whether you’re walking through loss, supporting someone who is, or raising daughters in a world full of expectations, this episode invites you to hold your story with open hands—and trust the God who sees.Website: www.juliefowlerministries.com/Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

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 God’s love.Together, we explore how our earthly experiences with fathers can shape our view of God—and how healing, freedom, and resilience grow when girls learn to see God not as a taskmaster, but as a loving, present Father. From anxiety and overachievement to loneliness, identity struggles, and the impact of social media and AI, this conversation meets moms and daughters right where they are.With wisdom, honesty, and hope, we unpack how knowing who God is anchors girls in who they are, especially in seasons of transition, uncertainty, and growth.Key Takeaways:🔹Identity before performance – Why focusing on who God is (not what girls do) builds lasting confidence and resilience.🔹The Father’s presence matters – How knowing God as protector, healer, and companion changes the way girls face anxiety, loneliness, and pressure.🔹Navigating social media with wisdom – Practical guidance for helping girls stay rooted in truth amid comparison, perfectionism, and digital noise.🔹You’re not parenting alone – Encouragement for moms to trust God’s ongoing work in their daughters’ lives, even when the journey feels hard.This episode is an invitation—to slow down, lean in, and remember that we are raising daughters who are deeply known, fiercely loved, and never alone.Website: https://lynncowell.com/Website: https://michellenietert.com/Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

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 media impacts girls at every age and stage—from body image and belonging to empathy, dopamine, and emotional development. We also reflect on how our relationship with social media as moms shapes what our daughters learn about beauty, worth, and truth.This isn’t an all-or-nothing conversation. It’s an invitation to slow down, get curious, and learn how to navigate technology together—with wisdom, connection, and intention.Key takeaways from this episode: 🔹 Identity under pressure – How social media amplifies comparison and shapes how girls answer the question, “Am I enough?” 🔹 The hidden cost of filters – Why filtered images impact body image, brain chemistry, and self-worth more than we realize. 🔹 Connection over consumption – How face-to-face relationships build empathy, resilience, and emotional regulation in ways screens never can. 🔹 Healthy boundaries with hope – Practical ways to approach social media with age-appropriate limits, ongoing conversation, and grace.Our hope is that this conversation equips you to lead with confidence, model discernment, and create space for real connection—both for your daughter and for yourself. You are not behind, and you are not alone. You are the right mom for the job.Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

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 girls, how it connects to identity and belonging, and how we can intentionally guide our daughters toward healthy, life-giving relationships rooted in truth, grace, and courage. With honesty, wisdom, and warmth, Terra and Rachel talk about the beauty and complexity of friendships—and how God meets our girls right in the middle of it all.Key Takeaways: 🔹 Why friendship matters – How relationships shape confidence, identity, and emotional health in girls. 🔹 Healthy vs. unhealthy friendships – Learning to recognize red flags, boundaries, and life-giving connection. 🔹 Courage in relationships – Helping girls navigate conflict, rejection, and change with wisdom and grace. 🔹 Faith-filled friendships – Encouraging relationships that reflect God’s love, truth, and belonging.Our heart is to raise girls who know they are never alone—and who have the courage to pursue friendships that help them become who God created them to be.Website: https://rachaelgilbert.com/Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

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, we explore how the church’s messaging around marriage has shaped girls and women, and why it’s time to shift the paradigm—from “when you’re married” to “if you’re married.” Annie shares vulnerably from her own journey of singleness, faith, disappointment, joy, and deep intimacy with God, reminding us that no one is behind, late, or forgotten.This episode invites moms and daughters alike to release comparison, redefine sexual purity as a lifelong practice, and embrace the freedom of living fully present in the chapter God has us in right now.In this episode, we discuss:🔹 Singleness as a valid calling – Why marriage is not the finish line, and how every season holds purpose and dignity.🔹 Sexual purity as a lifestyle – Reframing purity beyond marital status and grounding it in discipleship and identity.🔹 You are right on time – How to dismantle the “late bloomer” narrative and trust God’s timing with courage and peace.🔹 What does this make possible? – Learning to see closed doors, waiting seasons, and disappointment as invitations, not failures.Our hope is that this conversation helps you raise daughters—and become women—who know they are deeply loved, fully called, and free to live boldly with God, no matter what their story looks like.Website: https://www.anniefdowns.com/Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

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 belonging.Together, we unpack the impact of purity culture, the pendulum swing toward “it’s my body, don’t shame me,” and the invitation to a better way—one rooted in grace, discernment, and deep identity in Christ. This conversation is as much for moms as it is for daughters, because the work always begins with us.With wisdom from clinical practice, Scripture, and lived experience, we explore how moms and dads can partner together (even imperfectly) to speak life, affirmation, and truth into the hearts of girls—starting young and continuing through the teen years.Key Takeaways:🔹 Beyond rules to relationship – Why the goal isn’t control or permissiveness, but helping girls hear God’s voice and trust His love.🔹 Our stories matter – How a mom’s own experiences with shame, purity culture, or freedom shape the messages her daughter receives.🔹 The power of words and presence – Practical ways parents—especially dads—can speak affirmation that protects against lies and insecurity.🔹 Raising discerning daughters – Helping girls understand their value, their bodies, and the kind of love they were made for.Our hope is to raise girls who aren’t driven by fear, performance, or attention—but who are confident, resilient, and rooted in grace. And along the way, to become women who are healing, growing, and walking in that freedom too.Website: www.drmichellewatson.comLearn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

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 been to create “perfect” girls or prevent every hard thing, but to raise daughters who know they have voice, choice, and a safe place to come back when life gets complicated. This is a trauma-informed, grace-filled invitation to discipleship that honors our girls as whole beings—mind, body, heart, and soul—and helps them practice saying no, setting boundaries, and walking with God in freedom rather than shame. Together, we explore how healing happens in safe community, why grace is not the absence of wisdom, and how slow, steady discipleship shapes resilient daughters and courageous moms.Key Takeaways:🔹Why Courageous Girls is not rooted in purity culture or permissiveness, but in grace, wisdom, and freedom🔹How teaching girls to say no builds safety, agency, and resilience at every age🔹The power of confession, community, and safe relationships in healing shame and trauma🔹Why discipleship is a slow, relational process—and how moms are invited into their own growth tooLearn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

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 received ourselves.Together, we talk about why honest dialogue matters, how to navigate our own discomfort, and how to build trust with our daughters so they come to us first with their deepest questions. Kristen brings wisdom and warmth as she shares practical tools for making these conversations ongoing, safe, and rooted in God’s good design. 🔹How our own stories and insecurities shape the way we talk about sexuality—and how God meets us with healing and grace.🔹Kristen’s simple, powerful framework for responding to questions with curiosity (“What do you mean by that?”) instead of panic or shame.🔹Practical guidance for creating a home where conversations about bodies, identity, and sexuality are consistent, calm, and biblically grounded.🔹Why it’s essential to replace online misinformation with intentional, truthful formation that equips our girls to navigate culture with confidence.With vulnerability and hope, we explore what it looks like to raise daughters who understand their worth, know God’s design, and feel safe coming to us with anything.Website: www.sexedreclaimed.comLearn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

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.Together, we talk about:🔹 Understanding our bodies – How hormonal cycles and natural sexual desire are part of God’s design, and how moms can guide their daughters with knowledge and compassion. 🔹 Navigating shame and trauma – Recognizing how past experiences and societal messages affect female sexuality, and creating space for healing and curiosity. 🔹 Celebrating individuality – Every woman’s libido and sexual expression are unique; learning to know and honor our own rhythms is an act of empowerment. 🔹 Mother-daughter connection – How ongoing, judgment-free conversations and unconditional love help daughters feel safe, valued, and prepared to navigate relationships and sexuality in a digital world.With wisdom, compassion, and practical guidance, Dr. Nancy helps us see that female sexuality is not something to fear or suppress—it’s a gift designed by God. This conversation reminds us that our daughters—and we as mothers—thrive when we embrace honesty, curiosity, and grace in all aspects of our lives.Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

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 navigate these topics in a way that empowers both moms and daughters.We also discuss the importance of modeling self-care, celebrating our unique bodies, and helping girls embrace their identity as they grow. This episode is full of practical advice, encouragement, and perspective on how to walk alongside our daughters in these formative years.Together, we explore:🔹 Understanding hormonal cycles — the role of estrogen and progesterone through puberty, menstruation, and menopause, and how to respond with curiosity rather than judgment.🔹 PMS and emotional awareness — how mood swings can reveal deeper truths and provide opportunities for self-reflection and growth.🔹 Caring for our bodies as temples — practical tools for sleep, nutrition, movement, and hydration, and modeling healthy habits for daughters.🔹 Celebrating individuality — embracing body diversity, unique hair types, and personal rhythms to teach girls self-acceptance and confidence.Let’s walk with our daughters in understanding their bodies, emotions, and design—celebrating every stage of life as part of God’s plan.Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

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 can make all the difference.🔹 The heart behind Courageous Girls Groups—and why they create a safe, grace-filled place for daughters to grow.🔹 How moms can move from isolation to connection through shared stories and prayer.🔹 Why intentional rhythms help girls build confidence, discernment, and lifelong faith.🔹 Practical encouragement for starting your own group, even if it feels intimidating at first.This conversation is full of honesty, laughter, and hope. Our prayer is that you’ll walk away reminded: you don’t have to do this alone. Let’s raise a generation of girls who know who they are in Christ—and become women who live courageously too.Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

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 a culture full of confusing messages.🔹 Courage redefined – How biblical bravery looks less like self-reliance and more like trusting God to act through us.🔹 Forgotten heroines – What we can learn from women like Esther, who risked everything to stop genocide, and Huldah, who was sought out for truth in a culture that had forgotten God.🔹 Messy realities, faithful God – Why God’s heart for women isn’t erased by the broken systems of their time, and how He still redeems our own messy stories.🔹 Living it out today – Simple, everyday ways we can be known as women who love Jesus—so our daughters know what courage looks like.Laura’s honesty about her own journey—from believing childhood lies to finding her identity as God’s beloved daughter—will inspire us to do the same. Together, let’s raise girls who know they are loved, rooted in grace, and equipped to live courageously for God’s purposes.Website: https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurasmithauthor/Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

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 gathering moms and daughters, and why the courage to keep showing up, month after month, makes all the difference.🔹 Mother–daughter connection – Why modeling vulnerability and faith matters more than having all the right answers. 🔹 Healing for moms, too – How God redeems our own wounds as we walk with our daughters through theirs. 🔹 Grace in community – What happens when diverse stories, struggles, and strengths come together around the same table. 🔹 Courage in the everyday – Why living out our identity in Christ is less about bravado and more about trust and steady faithfulness.This conversation will encourage you to see that the Courageous Girls journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating space for God to do His work, drip by drip, in us and in the next generation.Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

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 unexpected places and speaks His life-giving names over us.Together, we explore: 🔹 The roots of spoken word and why storytelling matters for faith and identity. 🔹 Hosanna’s powerful testimony of finding God in loss, doubt, and unexpected places. 🔹 Why our daughters (and us as moms) desperately need God’s voice to be louder than lies. 🔹 How her new children’s book helps families declare truth at bedtime, in hard moments, and everywhere in between.Hosanna reminds us that identity isn’t something we earn—it’s something we receive. Let’s raise daughters who know God’s voice above all others and walk in the courage of who He says they are.Website: https://www.hosannawong.com/Instagram: http://instagram.com/hosanna.wongFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialhosannawongLearn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

Take the test here: https://mycourageousgirls.com/corevaluesindexWe 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 with us, with each other, and with God.Together, we talk about everything from navigating chores and friendships to handling anxiety and sibling comparisons. You’ll hear real stories (and plenty of giggles) about how our unique wirings show up in everyday life—and how God uses our differences to strengthen our family.Whether you’re a parent, mentor, or simply someone who invests in the next generation, we hope this conversation gives you practical tools and fresh encouragement to see the children in your life the way God designed them—and to parent, teach, and lead with grace and confidence.

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. Whether you're leading a group, trying to launch one, or walking through one-on-one moments at home, you're not alone. We’re in this together—and our daughters are watching us learn and grow too.🔹 Intentional rhythms make a difference – How one meeting a month builds trust and deeper connection over years. 🔹 You don’t have to be a “leader” to start – Why showing up imperfectly is the greatest gift you can give your daughter (and your group). 🔹 The slow and steady way matters – How the consistent, grace-filled approach of Courageous Girls builds lasting fruit. 🔹 We grow too – Why leading our daughters often reveals where God is still growing us as women and daughters of the King.We’re not meant to go it alone. Whether you’re leading a group of 12 or just beginning with one little girl at your kitchen table, your presence matters. Let’s keep leaning in together.Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

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://mycourageousgirls.com/corevaluesindexTogether, we talk through the four core values—Banker, Builder, Merchant, and Innovator—and share stories from our own parenting journey that highlight the beauty and the challenges of raising kids who are wired differently than we are. From helping with chores to handling conflict, the CVI has helped us lean into Proverbs 22:6: training our children in the way they should go.We hope this conversation encourages you to look at your kids through a new lens, one that affirms their God-given wiring and equips you with practical ways to guide them with grace, wisdom, and hope.

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.Together, we unpack the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways anxiety shows up, the importance of healthy attunement without overfunctioning, and how to guide our girls through relational conflict—including what to do when they face “mean girl” moments.🔹 Attunement over anxiety – How slowing down, speaking with empathy, and staying emotionally present helps our daughters regulate and feel seen.🔹 Reinforce the good – Why what we pay attention to most (brave moments vs. crisis) shapes our kids’ emotional wiring.🔹 Strong and kind – How to teach our girls to stand up for themselves with courage and compassion in the face of conflict.🔹 Trust over fear – Why early intervention matters, and how trust—not just bravery—is the key to helping kids overcome anxiety.This episode is rich with practical language and tools—including Sissy’s “VOMP” framework for conflict and a new children’s book that helps little ones build courage through the power of connection and love.Let’s raise girls who are emotionally equipped, deeply loved, and grounded in grace—starting with us.Raising Capable Kids Conference 2025Browse Sissy's BooksLearn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store...

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 conversations rather than avoiding them.This conversation is rich with practical tools and hard-won wisdom. Whether you're in a smooth season or facing a strain with your daughter, there’s hope and help here for you.Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store...

In this episode of the Courageous Girls podcast, we sit down with two very special guests—Adonaiya and Neveah—to reflect on their years growing up in the Courageous Girls program. With heartfelt honesty and humor, they share how this mother-daughter journey helped them navigate comparison, identity, faith, conflict, and communication. From journaling and retreats to public school challenges and sibling dynamics, the girls open up about how Courageous Girls shaped their confidence and deepened their relationship with their mom—and with God.Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

We live in a culture that pushes us to do it all perfectly and quickly—but God calls us to embrace rest and trust instead. In this episode, we explore how to expand our timelines, lower our expectations, and find freedom in God’s rhythm for our lives.🔹 Embracing rest — Why slowing down isn’t failure, but a gift from God to refresh our hearts and minds.🔹 Letting go of control — How trusting God with our “to-do” lists frees us from burnout and bitterness.🔹 Modeling grace — Teaching our daughters that their worth is in who they are, not what they accomplish.With honesty and encouragement, we learn how God’s grace invites us to live as human beings, not human doers—finding joy and purpose in relationship with Him and others.Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

We live in a world that often equates success with fame or perfection—but God invites us to dream differently. In this episode, we open Chapter 9 of Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace with Terra Mattson to explore how to dream big in a way that’s grounded in faith, identity, and purpose.🔹 Redefining “big” – How God’s version of success isn’t about scale, but about surrender and obedience.🔹 Courage to begin – Why small steps matter and how to trust God even when the outcome is uncertain.🔹 From fear to freedom – How to release perfectionism, people-pleasing, and performance-driven living.With vulnerability and wisdom, Terra shares how our dreams—whether delayed, derailed, or reimagined—can still reflect God’s glory. Let’s raise daughters who are free to dream with Him, and become women who do too.Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

Our culture often treats sex like a casual exchange—but God designed it as something sacred. In this episode, we dive into Chapter 8 of Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace with Terra Mattson, exploring how to help our daughters develop a healthy, grace-filled view of sexuality.🔹 The purpose of sex – Why God intended it to flow from emotional intimacy, not produce it.🔹 Truth over shame – How to talk with our daughters about boundaries, identity, and God’s design.🔹 Healing and hope – What to do with our past and how to walk forward in wholeness.With tenderness and truth, Terra offers insight into the connection between our stories, our brains, and our bodies—equipping us to raise girls who are rooted in worth, wisdom, and grace. Let’s reclaim the beauty of God’s design—for ourselves and the next generation.Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

In this deeply personal episode of Courageous Girls, Terra Mattson walks us through one of the most common and paralyzing challenges we face as women—fear and anxiety. Sharing insights from Chapter 7 of Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace, Terra unpacks the difference between fear and anxiety, how our past shapes our responses, and why naming these emotions is the first step toward freedom.As a licensed therapist and founder of Courageous Girls, Terra combines neuroscience, biblical truth, and real-life stories to help us grow stronger faith muscles—not just for ourselves, but for the daughters we’re raising. With honesty and hope, she reminds us that God goes at our pace, and that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s choosing truth in the face of it.Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

We’re tackling one of the most requested and often misunderstood topics—friendship. In this Courageous Girls episode, Terra Mattson shares powerful insights from Chapter 6 of Courageous Girls: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace, unpacking the deeper struggles moms face with friendship and how that shapes what our daughters learn.As a licensed therapist, executive coach, and founder of Courageous Girls, Terra brings both wisdom and vulnerability as she explores codependency, Christian culture, and the need to model healthy, grace-filled relationships. Together, we reflect on how Jesus sets a better example—one with boundaries, truth, and wholehearted love.Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

We were never meant to do life alone. In this episode, we unpack Chapter 5 of Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace and dive into the power of true, intentional community. Whether we’ve been burned by friendships in the past or find ourselves longing for deeper connection, God designed us to be known and loved—by Him and by others.🔹 Why community matters – We heal in relationships, just as we’re wounded in them.🔹 Breaking the cycle – Overcoming comparison, insecurity, and the fear of being truly seen.🔹 Leading by example – How to create safe, lasting friendships for ourselves and our daughters.Terra Mattson shares wisdom from years of counseling, personal stories, and practical encouragement to help us step into the kind of relationships we were made for. Let’s stop settling for surface-level friendships and start building the kind of community that transforms lives!Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

Our words hold incredible power—shaping the way our daughters see themselves, their worth, and their relationship with God. In this episode, we explore Chapter 4 of Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace with Terra Mattson, unpacking the ways we can speak life and truth into the next generation.🔹 The power of words – How the messages we receive (and repeat) impact our identity.🔹 Breaking free from lies – Recognizing and replacing the cultural and personal narratives that distort God’s truth.🔹 Equipping the next generation – Practical ways to guide our daughters in speaking and believing what is good, true, and beautiful.Terra shares personal experiences, biblical insights, and tangible tools to help us use our voices to bring healing and confidence—not just for our daughters, but for ourselves. Let’s learn how to speak life and raise a generation of girls rooted in grace!Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

We all experience emotions, but how often do we truly understand them? In this episode, we dive into Chapter 3 of Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace with Terra Mattson as she unpacks the importance of emotional regulation—for ourselves and the girls we mentor.🔹 Why it matters – Our emotions are God-given signals, yet many of us were taught to ignore or suppress them.🔹 What we’ll learn – Practical tools to help us and our daughters name, process, and care for emotions in a healthy way.🔹 How it changes us – When we learn to engage our emotions with wisdom, we grow in wholeness, deepen our relationships, and become more present, grace-filled guides for the next generation.As a trauma therapist and mother, Terra shares personal stories, biblical insights, and real-life strategies to help us embrace the truth: we have to feel it to heal it. Let’s step into this journey together, learning how to love God with our whole hearts—mind, body, and soul.Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

Have you ever felt like you're the only one knee-deep in the mess, wondering if you’re doing it all wrong? We sure have—and in this episode, we get real about what we’ve all quietly named “holy crap.”We’re walking through Chapter Two of Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace, and this one hits home. Together, we unpack the theology of suffering, the lie of perfectionism, and the messy, manure-like moments of life that God can use as fertilizer for something sacred. From lost friendships and mom guilt to real grief and unanswered prayers, we talk about what it means to raise strong daughters not by shielding them from pain—but by modeling how to walk through it with grace, honesty, and faith.Tara reminds us that hard doesn’t mean wrong—and it certainly doesn’t mean God is absent. He meets us in the crap, transforms it, and walks with us through the “Saturday” seasons before resurrection comes. We also reflect on how we can give grace to ourselves and one another, even in the chaos of littles, work, and the feeling that we’re not doing enough.💬 This episode is for every mom and mentor who’s asked:-Why is this so hard?-Am I the only one struggling?-What do I do when my daughter faces disappointment or pain?-How can we reframe suffering in a way that builds resilience and faith?✨ Challenge of the week: Be honest about your story. Share something real with a trusted friend, mentor, or your daughter. Maybe it’s finally time to open the book, start a Courageous Girls group, or simply admit: “This is hard. And I don’t want to do it alone anymore.”Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

What would it look like if we stopped letting the world tell our daughters who they are—and taught them to listen to the One who made them? That’s exactly what we’re unpacking in this episode as we dig into Chapter One of Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace—a chapter titled She Walks with Confidence.Together, we’re exploring what it means to raise girls (and grow as women) who don’t chase stars or shrink under dots. Using the story of You Are Special by Max Lucado, we reflect on how easy it is to let praise define us and criticism undo us—and how different life looks when we know we are deeply, unshakably loved by God.We talk identity, self-worth, and the dangerous hustle for approval, not just in our daughters' lives but in our own hearts too. Walking in confidence isn’t about performance—it’s about living from a place of being seen, known, and delighted in by the Father. And when we, as moms and mentors, live from that place? We become Lucia—the ones whose stickers don’t stick, and whose peace speaks louder than performance.💬 This episode is for the woman asking:-Why do I care so much what others think of me?-How do I help my daughter build real confidence?-Am I parenting from approval or from identity?✨ Challenge for the week: Make a list of the “dots” and “stars” you’ve been carrying. Which ones come from the world—and which come from God? Then, spend some time with your Creator, just like Ella did with Eli. Because the more we know His love, the less the stickers stick.Learn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.

What if we could mother our daughters in the way many of us never experienced?In this first episode of the Courageous Girls Podcast, we (Terra Mattson and the Courageous Girls community) invite you into the heart of why this movement began. As women, mothers, and mentors, we’ve seen firsthand the pressure, confusion, and pain girls are navigating in today’s world—and we know we’re not alone in wanting to do something about it.Together, we explore the roots of Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace, a book written to help women uncover the beliefs, emotions, and experiences that shape us—and how those, in turn, impact the way we guide the next generation. We share the heavy realities girls are facing, from early exposure to sexuality and social media pressures, to the silence that often surrounds their struggles.Through clinical insight, biblical wisdom, and real-life stories, we ask: how can we become safe, attuned, grace-filled women for the girls in our lives? This episode is a call to reflect, connect, and take courageous steps forward—starting with our own healing.💬 Key topics we unpack:-Why we started Courageous Girls-The real stories girls are living today—and how we respond-The impact of purity culture and modern overcorrection-Why moms matter more than we often realize-What it looks like to lead from a place of grace, not perfectionLearn more about the Courageous Girls movement at www.mycourageousgirls.comFollow along on Instagram: @mycourageousgirlsRead the book: Courageous by Terra MattsonDownload the Courageous Girls App—available on any app store.