Table 112: Lively Conversations

We see coming of age stories all the time in books and movies. What would it look like for parents to create an intentional experience for their students that shows them how they reflect the image of God? April is here for it!

Jeremy is back on the show! We chat about a major project he's been working on and the life lessons he's learning from it. Roscoe on Instagram Want to be on the show? https://www.table112.org/guests Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Google Podcasts Stitcher Connect with Table 112: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Twitter 

Alex Street is a story-focused speaker coach who loves Gen Z. You'll learn how we can better capture the hearts of our kids by listening to his insights as a former youth pastor, parent and speaker.

Stuart Hall drops some truth for parents in this Parents Only* episode. We talk about raising kids who are anxious to matter. Then he suggests an important shift you should make in your conversations about sexuality with your kids.

Jump into this inspiring conversation with Juliane and Mariah Humphries where we talk about how Juliane stirred up awareness and change in her school district against the racial and other injustices she saw. The late, John Lewis said, “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” That’s exactly what this recent grad did. Jeremiah 22:13-16 Want to be on the show? https://www.table112.org/guests Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Google Podcasts Stitcher Connect with Table 112: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Twitter 

Every family is looking to back-to-school and this year looks very different. Dr. Delene Musielak (Dr. Dee) helps us as we consider school in buildings or online. Ultimately, we all want the healthiest year possible and Dr. Dee shares some thoughts to help you spark a meaningful talk about going back to school this fall! Psalm 91:1-4 Want to be on the show? https://www.table112.org/guests Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Google Podcasts Stitcher Connect with Table 112: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Twitter 

You're going to love this fun conversation with Karen and Ace Walker on the Lively Conversations podcast. Ace is an artist who is creating some legit wearables. Exodus 35:31-33, 35 Want to be on the show? https://www.table112.org/guests Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Google Podcasts Stitcher Connect with Table 112: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Twitter 

Dana welcomes Misty and Ian Phillip to the #livelyconversationspodcast this week. Ian is a class of 2020 graduate who is building greatness through a heart that chooses to serve. Matthew 20:25-28 Want to be on the show? https://www.table112.org/guests Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Google Podcasts Stitcher Connect with Table 112: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Twitter

Jeremy reminisces about Choose Your Own Adventure books and how our choices impact what happens in our lives. We take a look at integrity, what it means to make right choices in life and the difference that makes for us. Psalm 119:1-3 Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Google Podcasts Stitcher Connect with Table 112: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Twitter

Justus and Dana had one of those conversations you don't easily forget. We hope that you’ll take these three great questions and spend a little time getting to know each other even better. Proverbs 4:20-23 Beginners Pluck Book Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Google Podcasts Stitcher Connect with Table 112: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Twitter

Gerald Fadayomi is no stranger to the lemons life can give a person. He joins Dana this week on the #livelyconversationspodcast to help students & parents shift from our natural question "Why?" to three questions that can help us move through a difficult season. You're going to love the truth bombs he drops! Philippians 4:6-7 Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Google Podcasts Stitcher Connect with Table 112: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Twitter

Will Hutcherson is back for a Parents Only* bonus episode where he equips parents to engage with kids in a way that helps them feel felt when they’re feeling overwhelmed by emotions.. In a world that’s hard on teenagers during normal days, his message is timely and relevant for all of us who are experiencing the world in a way that stirs up plenty of negative emotions. Episode 38 Curate Hope Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Google Podcasts Stitcher Connect with Table 112: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Twitter

No one is untouched by current events. It's been a difficult year. I hope that you’re contributing something to the conversations in your places. I hope you're listening, too. I also thought that this is an important time for us to lean in to God together. So, I invited some friends to contribute a sentence prayer and we've compiled them here. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Google Podcasts Stitcher Connect with Table 112: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Twitter

This week, we’re talking with Will Hutcherson about how families can fight back against despair. It’s essential for parents and teens to be able to go there. Psalms 143:1-8 Grab the Emotions Wheel. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Google Podcasts Stitcher Connect with Table 112: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Twitter

Paul and Caroline Trotter have taken on an interesting and unique project in the past few weeks. It’s going to set Caroline up for some serious adventure. I think you’re going to love it! Joshua 1:9 Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Google Podcasts Stitcher Connect with Table 112: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Twitter

This week we chat with Dale Akers, who has invested in Justus' life over the years on the show. You're going to want a Dale in your life, too! 2 Timothy 2:2 Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Google Podcasts Stitcher Connect with Table 112: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Twitter

You’re going to love how the Davis family is creating fun together in these days of social distancing. James 1:2-4 Check out the show notes to see their theme nights. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Google Podcasts Stitcher Connect with Table 112: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Twitter

The Williams family is back with a brainstorming session for parents and teens on ways to love your neighbor from six feet away. Mark 12:28-31 Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Overcast Google Podcasts Stitcher Connect with Table 112: Website Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Twitter

We could all use a reminder that good things are coming. Jess and Mable Ronne know what it means to rely on God through the tough days. You’ll be encouraged to choose gratitude in the moment. Philippians 4:13

If you didn’t catch Part 1 of this conversation, go back and list to it here. John, Lisa, Gabby and Taylor Molite are back offering transparency about their teenage years and a glimpse of what could be. John and Lisa have launched their daughters into the world and have given us an equally raw and hope-filled reflection on the teen years in their house. You might want a pen and paper or to make notes on your phone because they drop some wisdom on us! Psalm 51:8-10

The teenage years can be very tumultuous leaving us all, teens and parents alike, wondering if we’re going to make it out together. John, Lisa, Gabby and Taylor are a ray of hope and authenticity about that season. John and Lisa have launched their daughters into the world and have given us an equally raw and hope-filled reflection on the teen years in their house. You might want a pen and paper or to make notes on your phone because they drop some wisdom on us! Romans 12:10-12

You’re not going to believe how Payton’s high school, Athens High School came together in a BIG way to make a difference. Deb and Payton share an inspiring story about how they are investing in connections with women in Detroit caught in the sex-trafficking industry. You’ll walk away amazed at the generosity of this generation! Athens High School video Philippians 4:18-19

Join Meg & Jordan Glesener and Dana Williams around the Table - Table 112, that is! Our goal is to inspire meaningful talks about life between parents and teens. Our table is virtual so you can listen wherever you are. We hope you’ll listen with your teenager(s) so you can jump right into your conversation starter together. You’ll find out how the Glesener family hot tub became known as the “Hot Tub of Truth”. Meg and Jordan share about how their family has processed through decisions about devices and the online connections. Meg is a podcaster, a group leader for 10th grade girls, who loves fantasy football, quilting and attending her kids’ matches & games-of which there are probably quite a lot because she’s a mom of 8 and grandmother of 3. She’s been married to Mike for 31 years. She describes herself as a child of God, trying to live her best life, and invite others to join in.  Meg’s 16 year old son, Jordan, is the seventh of 8 kids. Jordan loves his small group at church. He is a Junior at Shorecrest high school school, where he plays varsity football and added varsity wrestling this year-both very successful seasons. You might find him behind a Sousaphone, at the end of the parade. He is involved in a Bible study in his public school and it’s been a big year of growth in his faith. Welcome to the Table! We’re so glad you’re here. 1 Peter 3:15-16

The attention of the entire world is on COVID-19. This Lively Conversations Parents Only* bonus episode with Tara Ross conversation was recorded before nearly everything was cancelled. But, it is such a timely for families today. Right where we are.  Tara encourages us to pursue mental health through creative outlets and to leverage storylines to have better conversations with our kids. In a world that feels chaotic and frenzied, Tara’s pace and perspective offers peace and space. I know you’re going to be encouraged!

Lexi and Dana talk about the journey of faith. They explore some of the highs and lows, giving permission to lean in when doubts and questions come up. Marvel Cave Map Romans 1:17

Join my friend, Ashley Bohinc, and me, Dana Williams, around the Table - Table 112, that is! Our goal is to inspire meaningful talks about life between parents and teens. Our table is virtual so you can listen wherever you are. If you’ve got a middle schooler, you are going to love this Lively Conversations Parents Only* bonus episode with Ashley. Ashley Bohinc is the Director of Middle School Strategy at Orange (The reThink Group, Inc.) and USA Executive Director of Carry 117-Ethiopia. She is passionate about serving and mentoring students and empowering leaders around the world to do the same. Known for her energy, passion, and authenticity, Ashley is a motivator, teacher, strategist, leader, learner, writer, advocate, and adventurer. Ashley talks us through the ways our kids are changing and how we can engage our kids on some important topics. Welcome to the Table! We’re so glad you’re here. Show Notes

Sometimes it seems like teens and adults are speaking different languages. How can adults and teenagers learn to connect with one another more easily? Justus and Lexi drop some truth bombs along with your standard dose of silly from the Williams family! 1 Timothy 4:12

Join the Mize Family around Table 112 for an inspiring conversation on the #livelyconversationspodcast about how the businesses Grant and Ben started in elementary school are making a difference. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 Soshen | Supporting cancer research for kids Sweetwater Candle Company | Proudly supporting our veterans

Join Kara Powell and me, Dana Williams, around the Table - Table 112, that is! Our goal is to inspire meaningful talks about life between parents and teens. Our table is virtual so you can listen wherever you are. I’m delighted to bring you this first ever Lively Conversations Parents Only* bonus episode with Kara.  Kara Powell, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) and a faculty member at Fuller Theological Seminary (see fulleryouthinstitute.org).  Named by Christianity Today as one of “50 Women to Watch”, Kara serves as a Youth and Family Strategist for Orange, and also speaks regularly at parenting and leadership conferences.  Kara is the author or co-author of a number of books including Growing Young, The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family, Sticky Faith Curriculum, Can I Ask That?, Deep Justice Journeys, Essential Leadership, Deep Justice in a Broken World, Deep Ministry in a Shallow World, and the Good Sex Youth Ministry Curriculum.  Kara’s team researched the growing issue of the anxiety teens are facing. FYI has some really helpful information for us, as parents, to help our teens navigate the stressors in their world. You’ll also discover the resources they’ve created to help parents dive deeper into supporting our kids. FYI has developed a curriculum that ministry leaders can use with high school students called Faith in an Anxious World.  Kara and I have gotten to know each other a little bit over the last year through the launch of her Growing With book and ministry leadership events, where we shared the joys and fears of sending our oldest sons off to college last fall. Her team featured Justus’ experience with Jim during our birthday milestone celebration (Episode 007) as a Sticky Faith story. She’s married to Dave and they are mom and dad to three kids.  Welcome to the Table! We’re so glad you’re here. Faith in an Anxious World a 4 week High School Curriculum Faith in an Anxious World Parenting Podcast Kara Powell on How to Support Your Teen Through Anxiety infographic

This week, the Mickelson family gets honestly hilarious. Where this family goes, laughter follows. They open up about how humor is a part of their every day world. You’ll laugh along with us, but they also drop in some truth bombs that remind us to be careful of the dark side of humor.  Kyle, Janell, Garrett and Aubrey are dear friends of our family. We know each other through church. We were in the same small group for several years. Our boys played lacrosse together. In our lives, they’re the kind of family who shows up and we love that about them. Kyle manages IT for a public school district in our area. Janell is a broker for CPA Firms. Garrett and Aubrey are both athletes. Garrett is a junior and he plays lacrosse and Aubrey is a freshman and she plays basketball. They are both super involved in their youth group and the Technology Student Association at their high school. You’ll hear how humor helps them bond and navigate meaningful talks in their family. Psalm 126

Things have felt a little weighty lately around here, so we inject a little bit of lightheartedness and fun for this week’s episode! All meaningful talks about life don’t have to be super serious. As you listen, pause and play along! Romans 12:10

This week, Vanessa and Scott Martindale and their son, Michael, talk about talking. No, really! It can be hard for either parents or teenagers to talk about real issues. They leave us with some insights about how they each contribute to having better conversations with each other.  Scott and Vanessa are the founders of Blended Kingdom Families, where they provide resources and encouragement for blended families. You’ll hear how faith, fun and rest are foundational in their family culture and fuel those meaningful talks in their family. Job 33:4 Matthew 17:20

As far as we know, we don’t know anyone with actual superpowers, but we do know some super people! They have strengths we admire. They have weaknesses they have to guard. What you may not realize is that you might be a super person in someone else’s eyes. Join us as we consider what it means to set an example for people who might look up to us. 2 Timothy 2:2

New Year’s Resolutions seem like they’re made to be broken. Another way of setting intention is choosing a word for the year. Words are powerful. What would it look like to choose a word that could guide our thoughts and focus? Join the Williams as we discuss our words for 2020. Romans 12:2

Experts tell us that Generation Z experiences higher levels of anxiety than any other generation. What contributes to the tensions they’re feeling? How can families look out for each other? Take a deep breath. This one might get a little uncomfortable, but building trust with our teens in such an important area is well worth the risk. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Tradition tends gets a bad rap with Generation Z. When are traditions helpful and when do they hurt? How can we shake out the bad? How can we elevate what’s good? Jeremy, Dana, Justus and Lexi start a meaningful talk about shaping culture and building community. Psalm 145:4

We’ve compiled the first ever Lively Conversations gift guide. We’ve crowd-sourced, asking you what teens want and what are some great brands that give back or have a good message. Jeremy, Dana, Justus and Lexi have made their lists and are sharing them with you! Matthew 2:11 Find links to everything on our lists in the show notes. PLUS we’ve created a FREE downloadable Gift Planner to help your teens budget for their gift-giving.

It’s Thanksgiving! It’s a great day to stop and count our blessings. But why does gratitude matter? The Williams family discusses the positive impacts gratitude has on our lives inside and out. Colossians 3:16-17

When life feels upside down because of change, it’s uncomfortable. Change can be the thing that brings along tremendous growth. Just being a teenager means you’re experiencing change automatically as you move from childhood to adulthood. Life brings all sorts of changes - from rearranged living rooms to new schools to scarier changes, like a diagnosis, How can we find an anchor when change comes? Deuteronomy 30:6

Back in Episode 004, the Williams explored some of the problems with our phones. But, can our phones be used for good? What are some ways we can bring humanity and connection back into practice using our devices? Romans 1:10-12

Each of us has something unique and special to share with the world. How can you discover yours? Once you do, what’s next? What can we do with shame, fear or other things that hold us back from testing out our gifts? After you listen, we hope you’ll dive into a conversation about the uniqueness inside of each of you! Romans 12:6-8

Fear is such a common experience. From monsters to bugs, bullies to heights, the Williams family shares stories of times they’ve been afraid, how fear affects us all and what to do when you are afraid. Psalm 56:3 Joshua 1:9 2 Timothy 1:7 Roller Coaster Video

The Enneagram is one of the fastest growing conversations about personality types. It’s a system that points out strengths, areas of need and still leaves room for growth. For the Williams family, it’s been a helpful tool in navigating our relationships with each other, too. Join us for a conversation about some of the things we’ve learned along the way! Colossians 3:9-10

We all have emotions. While our feelings may feel positive or negative, they’re just really good indicators for us about what we need to pay attention to. The Williams dive into a discussion about how we’re feeling and what tools we can reach for when we aren’t feeling so great. Ecclesiastes 3:4

One of the best things about being a teenager is the opportunity to try and explore new interests. One of the tensions most families face today is how to balance that full extracurricular life. The Williams open up a conversation about the joys and challenges of being involved. Plus, tune in for a giveaway! We’ll announce how you can enter to win on the show. Colossians 3:17

If you’re breathing, you’ve probably encountered some kind of struggle in life. Since trouble is part of life we have to find healthy ways to move through it. The Williams family talks through resources that can help us flourish, even when life is rocky! John 16:33

Sometimes we find ourselves in the messy middle, the uncomfortable or the unknown. Many times those are the places in life where we grow. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, the key to getting through and growing is learning to trust. Romans 15:13

We love birthdays! Certain birthdays are an especially big deal in our home. we’ve decided to use them to make sure our kids are thoroughly equipped to face the challenges of what’s next in adult life when they leave our home. We believe very strongly that mentors and role models play a huge part in our kids’ development. We like to use the eighth and thirteenth birthdays as important milestones and opportunities to invite others into the circle to influence our kids. Listen in as we talk to Justus and Lexi about a few of their experiences with this purposeful celebration. 1 Corinthians 11:2

Jeremy reminisces about Choose Your Own Adventure books and how our choices impact what happens in our lives. We take a look at integrity, what it means to make right choices in life and the difference that makes for us. Psalm 119:1-3

It’s easy to find ourselves on a downward spiral of complaining. How do we get there so quickly? Is there anything we can do to stop ourselves? The Williams family talks about all things grumbling, complaining and griping. Philippians 2:14-15