The Empowered Parent Podcast
by One Big Happy Home, LLC
The Empowered Parent Podcast is a practical, insight-driven resource for parents and caregivers who want to raise resilient kids and lead with confidence in the midst of real-world challenges. Hosted by Chris Turner, Ryan, and Kayla North, the podcast blends neuroscience, psychology, faith, and lived experience to translate complex research into clear, usable strategies for everyday family life. Each episode offers both encouragement and actionable tools. Trusted by listeners across the globe, The Empowered Parent Podcast equips adults to show up with clarity, compassion, and courage, even when parenting feels overwhelming.
Episodes
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Here We Go Again: Rethinking Our Kids’ Behavior at School - S13 E09 (#191)
The new school year is underway, and many of us are carrying last year's anxiety and struggles. In this episode, Chris, Ryan, and Kayla explore how relationships, stress, transitions, and a child’s window of tolerance can affect behavior and learning. They challenge parents to reject “here we go...
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What About When Your Kids Don't Respond? - S13 E08 (#190)
There are days when It's easy to say that parenting with connection isn't working. We may even ask if it's worth it and want compliance more than we want relationship. In this episode, Ryan, Kayla, and Chris discuss how parents need to stay faithful to the task of connected parenting, even when...
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Finding Your Way - S13 E07 (#189)
It's easy to get distracted by the newest video or latest parenting trend, but are these things really the right thing for your family? When it comes to connected parenting, it helps to find your trusted voices and to go back to those resources that helped you find your way in the first place.…
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Losing Your Way - S13 E06 (#188)
When it comes to parenting, do you give up too soon? Do you struggle to get out of your comfort zone and try something new? If you're new here, or you've wandered away from the connected parenting approach, this episode is for you. Join Ryan, Kayla, and Chris in a discussion about our on-demand…
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Trauma-Informed Caring - S13 E05 (#187)
In this episode, Chris, Ryan, and Kayla continue their discussion on trauma-informed care. They share stories and examples of the practical application of connected parenting ideas and how they can be used to build trust. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Email Produced by...
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Trauma-Informed Care - S13 E04 (#186)
In this episode, Chris, Ryan, and Kayla take a long, hard look at trauma-informed care. They discuss what it is, what it isn't, and what it's become. As the ideas become more widely accepted, they can become more misunderstood, leading to actions that don't help those who have experienced trauma....
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Attachment, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation - S13 E03 (#185)
In this episode, Chris, Ryan, and Kayla continue the discussion on how we can learn more about attachment in the Bible. In this episode, they discuss what we can learn about attachment, forgiveness, and reconciliation in the parable of the prodigal son. Leaving us to ponder, "Can I continue to…
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Looking at Attachment Through a Biblical Lens - S13 E02 (#184)
In this episode, Chris, Ryan, and Kayla discuss how Biblical love and secure attachment work together. Many of us hear Jesus’ command to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But we rarely stop to ask what that actually means in our homes, or consider our children as our neighbors. Loving your…
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Beyond Basics: Attachment 201 - S13 E01 (#183)
WE'RE BACK! After a break that was much too long, Chris, Ryan, and Kayla return and take a deeper dive into the topic of attachment. Listen as they discuss how the four attachment styles manifest in relationship with our kids and make a strong case for caregivers to make sense of their histories…
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Back to Basics: Attachment - S12 E09 (#182)
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan are still getting back to basics and are talking about attachment in this episode. Understanding relationships (attachment) is foundational in understanding why we relate to other people the way we do. It also helps us understand why our children relate to us the way they…
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Listener Q&A: Food Hoarding - S12 E08 (#181)
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan are taking listener questions in this episode and they start with a fairly common one: food hoarding. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy
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Back to Basics: Memories - S12 E07
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan are still getting back to basic and are talking about the brain in this episode again. They discuss how your brain creates, stores, and recalls memories and why it is an important survival mechanism. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email...
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Back to Basics: Welcome to The Brain - S12 E06
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan are back after a short break and have decided to get back to basics. In this episode, they start with a conversation about the brain. They discuss how your brain was formed, how it processes information, and so much more. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram |...
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The Birth Family Episode with Jamie Finn - S12 E05
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan are joined by Jamie Finn to discuss birth family relationships. They talm about the importance of advocating for and honoring the children's birth families, and in doing so create a network of support for the children and their families. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook |...
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The Marriage Episode with Beth Guckenberger - S12 E04
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan sat down with their friend Beth Guckenberger, Co-Executive Director of Back2Back Ministries, to discuss marriage. With almost 100 years of wedded experience, they shared what they've learned about themselves, their spouses, and how they've managed to stay connected while...
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School: We Got Options with Will Standfest - S12 E03
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan are once again joined by their friend Will Standfest of The Connected Parenting Minute Podcast. They dive into all of the educational options available to families; Homeschool, Public School, and Private School. The Connected Parenting Minute Links Facebook Instagram…
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Back to School: Mid-Year Edition with Will Standfest - S12 E02
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan are joined by their friend Will Standfest of The Connected Parenting Minute Podcast. They discuss the need to get on the same page with the school no matter your educational choices for your family. The Connected Parenting Minute Links Facebook Instagram YouTube Podcast...
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FASD Myths and Realities with Sandra Flach - S12 E01
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan sit down with their friend Sandra Flach, Founder and Executive Director of Justice for Orphans and host of The Adoption and Foster Care Journey Podcast. They discuss the myths and realities of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and offer some ways to help. Sandra is an...
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The Kids Are Going to be as Good as We Are with Daren Jones - S11 E13 (#173)
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan sit down with their friend Daren Jones and reflect on all things parenting. Daren is the Associate Director of Training & Consultation services with the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development (KPICD) at TCU. We recently had a conversation with our friend Daren Jones…
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LIVE at Replanted in Chicago - S11 E12 (#172)
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan did something they hadn't done before, they recorded an episode live in front of an audience. The team took questions from the audience and responded to them at the Replanted Conference in Chicago. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email...
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Wherever You Go - Ryan Wrote a Book - S11 E11 (#171)
Kayla plays host in this episode as she interviews Ryan about his new book, Wherever You Go: A 28-Day Devotional for Adoptive & Foster Parents. Purchase your copy on Amazon NOW! One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy
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Is the Ideal a Lie? - S11 E10 (#170)
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan discuss whether the ideal situation is attainable and conclude that it shouldn't be, but we need to keep striving for it. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy
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Moving from Reacting to Responding - S11 E09 (#169)
The conversation continues as Chris, Kayla, and Ryan dive deeper into their four steps to help parents stay regulated and engaged with their children. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy
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Four Steps to Help Parents Move from Reacting to Responding - S11 E08 (#168)
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan discuss four steps to help parents stay regulated and engaged with their children. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy
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Sound of Hope: Possum Trot - S11 E07 (#167)
After watching Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, Chris, Ryan, and Kayla sit down to discuss the movie. Listen to hear their thoughts. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy
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Telling Your Kids Their Story - S11 E06 (#166)
Chris, Ryan, and Kayla take on an issue that every adoptive and foster family will face. They share their experiences and off some advice when it comes to telling your kids their story. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy
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The Voice of Doubt - S11 E05 (#165)
Chris, Ryan, and Kayla talk about that voice of doubt that everyone deals with in this episode. If you find yourself working through those feelings of inadequacy, you're in good company, and they break down why. Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy
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When Teens and Young Adults Make Decisions We Don't Agree With - S11 E04 (#164)
Chris, Ryan, and Kayla are joined by Will and CarrieAnn Standfest for this episode. They discuss how to respond when our teens make decisions we don't agree with. You can hear Will and CarrieAnn on The Connected Parenting Minute Podcast. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube |...
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Super Bowl 58: A Parenting Masterclass - S11 E03 (#163)
Chris, Ryan, and Kayla are joined by their friend, CarrieAnn Standfest, to discuss the events of Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas. They focus on the parenting masterclass conducted by Kansas City Head Coach Andy Reid in response to Travis Kelce's sideline outburst. You can hear CarrieAnn and her…
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The Gift of Proximity with Jillana Goble - S11 E02 (#162)
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan are joined by their friend Jillana Goble for this episode. They discuss how proximity to their kids' stories and families has helped them grow as individuals and understand people more. They reflect on how that proximity has helped them be more compassionate and less...
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Just Take a Step with Kim Botto - S11 E01 (#161)
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan sat down with Kim Botto at the 2023 Replanted Conference where they discussed the power of taking the first step in faith. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy
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Together Forever with Charity Clayton - S10 E22 (#160)
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan are joined by Charity Clayton, author of the new book Together Forever No Matter What: Can a Family Really Be Forever? They discuss how God can use our stories to help someone else if we are willing to be vulnerable and share. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram |...
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Preparing for the Holidays with Daniela Coats - S10 E21 (#159)
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan are joined by Daniela Coats from With Siblings to discuss why the holiday season can be tough for our kids, why we should perhaps rethink some of our traditions, and discuss how it impacts our biological children. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email |...
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Avoiding the Isolation Trap with CarrieAnn Standfest - S10 E20 (#158)
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan are joined by CarrieAnn Standfest to discuss how isolation is unhealthy and why we need to avoid it for ourselves and our families. CarrieAnn is one half of the Connected Parenting Minute Podcast and part of the One Big Happy Home blogging team. One Big Happy Home Web |...
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Replanted Conference with Jenn Hook - S10 E19 (#157)
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan are joined by Jen Hook, Executive Director of Replanted Ministry to discuss Replanted Conference. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy
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Why Conferences are Important with Currey Blanford - S10 E18 (#156)
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan are joined by the Replanted Conference host, emcee extraordinaire, Currey Blanford. They discuss what it's like to host a conference and why they are such important events for families to attend. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by...
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Double Whammy (Parts 1 & 2) - S10 E17 (#155)
You've heard parts 1 & 2, now hear it the way it was recorded. Double Whammy parts 1 & 2 combined. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy
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Double Whammy (Part 2) - S10 E16 (#154)
Part 2 of Double Whammy with Chris, Kayla, and Ryan tackling how to best respond when our children get into trouble at school and why we should avoid the double whammy at home. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy
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Double Whammy (Part 1) - S10 E15 (#153)
Chris, Kayla, and Ryan tackle how to best respond when our children get into trouble at school and why we should avoid the double whammy at home. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy
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Nervous System Care with Cara DeHaan - S10 E14 (#152)
Chris, Ryan, and Kayla are joined by their friend Cara DeHaan to discuss nervous system care. Cara is a board member and trainer for The Gathering Well in Sioux Falls, SD. The Gathering Well supports, educates, and inspires adoptive and foster families with relevant connection opportunities and...
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Buckle Up! (Part 2 - On the Road Again) - S10 E13 (#151)
Chris, Ryan, and Kayla are back for another episode on travel. In this one, they discuss road trip tips. So, sit back, relax, listen, and buckle up! Become a Patron of the Empowered Parent Podcast We love that we can play a part in bringing hope, encouragement, and healing to families worldwide.…
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Buckle Up! (Part 1 - Airports and Hotels) - S10 E12 (#150)
Chris, Ryan, and Kayla get together to talk about traveling with children, and to help you learn from their failures! Sit back, listen, and buckle up! Become a Patron of the Empowered Parent Podcast We love that we can play a part in bringing hope, encouragement, and healing to families…
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How Fear Drives our Behaviors - S10 E11 (#149)
Chris, Ryan, and Kayla discuss continue their discussion on how fear drives behaviors, but this time they take a look in the mirror and talk about how fear drives our behavior. Become a Patron of the Empowered Parent Podcast We love that we can play a part in bringing hope, encouragement, and...
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Understanding Fear in our Kids - S10 E10 (#148)
Chris, Ryan, and Kayla discuss fear responses in this episode and how fear drives our kids' behaviors. Become a Patron of the Empowered Parent Podcast We love that we can play a part in bringing hope, encouragement, and healing to families worldwide. We are so thankful for the people who have...
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How Parenting Transformed Us with Jason Johnson (Part 2) - S10 E09 (#147)
Chris, Ryan, and Kayla are joined by Jason Johnson for part two to discuss something that they all agree on; parenting transformed all four of them as much if not more than it transformed their kids. CLICK HERE to check out Jason's website. Become a Patron of the Empowered Parent Podcast We love...
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How Parenting Transformed Us with Jason Johnson (Part 1) - S10 E08 (#146)
Chris, Ryan, and Kayla are joined by Jason Johnson to discuss something that they all agree on; parenting transformed all four of them as much if not more than it transformed their kids. CLICK HERE to check out Jason's website. Become a Patron of the Empowered Parent Podcast We love that we can...
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Connecting with Teens with Will Standfest (Part 2) - S10 E07 (#145)
Ryan and Kayla are joined once again by Will Standfest to discuss something they get a lot of questions about, connecting with teens. Mentioned in the Episode Connected Parenting Minute Podcast YouTube Facebook Instagram Become a Patron of the Empowered Parent Podcast We love that we can play a...
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Connecting with Teens with Will Standfest (Part 1) - S10 E06 (#144)
Ryan and Kayla are joined by Will Standfest to discuss something they get a lot of questions about, connecting with teens. Mentioned in the Episode Connected Parenting Minute Podcast YouTube Facebook Instagram Nikola Tesla Become a Patron of the Empowered Parent Podcast We love that we can play a...
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Flexibility and Creativity in Parenting - S10 E05 (#143)
Ryan and Kayla are without Chris for this one. Together they discuss two valuable tools that any of us can have; flexibility and creativity in parenting. Become a Patron of the Empowered Parent Podcast We love that we can play a part in bringing hope, encouragement, and healing to families...
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Blocked Care with Melissa Corkum (Part 2) - S10 E04 (#142)
In this episode (Part 2 of 2) Chris, Ryan, and Kayla are joined by their friend Melissa Corkum to talk about blocked care, her new book, Reclaim Compassion, and her recent TED Talk. Links The Adoption Connection Melissa's TED Talk Reclaim Compassion: The Adoptive Parent's Guide to Overcoming...
About this show
The Empowered Parent Podcast is a practical, insight-driven resource for parents and caregivers who want to raise resilient kids and lead with confidence in the midst of real-world challenges. Hosted by Chris Turner, Ryan, and Kayla North, the podcast blends neuroscience, psychology, faith, and lived experience to translate complex research into clear, usable strategies for everyday family life. Each episode offers both encouragement and actionable tools. Trusted by listeners across the globe, The Empowered Parent Podcast equips adults to show up with clarity, compassion, and courage, even when parenting feels overwhelming.
Hosted by
One Big Happy Home, LLC