The Empowered Parent Podcast

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. One Big  Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy

  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 love and pursue my children when they don't respect me and push me away?" One Big  Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 neighbor isn’t just about being nice; it’s about wanting what is best for someone else, in the same way that you want what’s best for yourself. One Big  Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 so they can break the negative generational cycles. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to make sense of their past as well as have healthier relationships with those closest to them. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 do. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy

  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

  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 Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 | YouTube | TikTok | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy

  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 parenting their kids.    One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy

  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 YouTube Podcast Website One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 Website One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 FASD Educator and Coach. Links Justice for Orphans The Adoption and Foster Care Journey Podcast FASD Resources One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 and reflected on all things parenting. In the midst of the discussion, Daren shared this piece of wisdom with us, "The kids are going to be as good as we are. So if we suck, guess what? We're going to have a long day." So, what are we doing to build our skills as parents? What are we doing to make sure our histories don't become buttons that get pushed? What are we doing to make sure we're good today? These are questions we must have answers to.   One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 Produced by Dallas Stacy

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

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

  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

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

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

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

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

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 | TikTok | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 husband on The Connected Parenting Minute Podcast. One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy  

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 judgemental. Click here to purchase Jillana's latest book, A Love Stretched Life NOW! One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

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

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 | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

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

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 Dallas Stacy

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

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

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

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 resources.  One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

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. We are so thankful for the people who have poured into us so we can pour into others. Would you consider supporting our ongoing work by becoming a patron of our podcast? One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 worldwide. We are so thankful for the people who have poured into us so we can pour into others. Would you consider supporting our ongoing work by becoming a patron of our podcast? One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

  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 healing to families worldwide. We are so thankful for the people who have poured into us so we can pour into others. Would you consider supporting our ongoing work by becoming a patron of our podcast? One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 poured into us so we can pour into others. Would you consider supporting our ongoing work by becoming a patron of our podcast? One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 that we can play a part in bringing hope, encouragement, and healing to families worldwide. We are so thankful for the people who have poured into us so we can pour into others. Would you consider supporting our ongoing work by becoming a patron of our podcast? One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 play a part in bringing hope, encouragement, and healing to families worldwide. We are so thankful for the people who have poured into us so we can pour into others. Would you consider supporting our ongoing work by becoming a patron of our podcast? One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 part in bringing hope, encouragement, and healing to families worldwide. We are so thankful for the people who have poured into us so we can pour into others. Would you consider supporting our ongoing work by becoming a patron of our podcast? One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

  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 part in bringing hope, encouragement, and healing to families worldwide. We are so thankful for the people who have poured into us so we can pour into others. Would you consider supporting our ongoing work by becoming a patron of our podcast? One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 worldwide. We are so thankful for the people who have poured into us so we can pour into others. Would you consider supporting our ongoing work by becoming a patron of our podcast? One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

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 Blocked Care with Neuroscience and Faith 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 poured into us so we can pour into others. Would you consider supporting our ongoing work by becoming a patron of our podcast? One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

In this episode (Part 1 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 Blocked Care with Neuroscience and Faith 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 poured into us so we can pour into others. Would you consider supporting our ongoing work by becoming a patron of our podcast? One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

In this episode, Part 2 of our sibling conflict discussion, Chris, Kayla, and Ryan share practical advice and offer some skill-building strategies for us and our kids. 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 poured into us so we can pour into others. Would you consider supporting our ongoing work by becoming a patron of our podcast? One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

We're back for Season 10 of The Empowered Parent Podcast. In this episode, Chris, Kayla, and Ryan discuss something every parent with at least two kids has to deal with, sibling conflict. They share personal examples (both as parents and siblings), confirm that sibling conflict is normal, and share some additional insights. 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 poured into us so we can pour into others. Would you consider supporting our ongoing work by becoming a patron of our podcast? One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

Ryan and Kayla are joined by their friend Jillana Goble to discuss her new book, A Love Stretched Life. They had the privilege of endorsing A Love Stretched Life and here is what they had to say: "The stories Jillana shares in  A Love Stretched Life are raw and real. You won’t want to put this book down as you begin to read story after story of heartbreak and struggle. But the stories are not only hard, but they are beautiful too. They are stories of choosing to “love against the grain.” For anyone who has considered stepping into the story of a vulnerable child, this book is for you." You can purchase a copy of A Love Stretched Life HERE. Become a Patron of the Empowered Parent Podcast We love that we can play a part in bringing hope, encouragement, and healing to families across the world. We are so thankful for the people who have poured into us so we could pour into others. Would you consider supporting our ongoing work by becoming a patron of our podcast? One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy

Chris, Kayla, and Ryan talk about a topic near and dear to their hearts, open adoption. They share their experiences and all that they have learned from being in a relationship with their daughter's birth mom. Become a Patron of the Empowered Parent Podcast We love that we can play a part in bringing hope, encouragement, and healing to families across the world. We are so thankful for the people who have poured into us so we could pour into others. Would you consider supporting our ongoing work by becoming a patron of our podcast? One Big Happy Home Web | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Email | Patreon Produced by Dallas Stacy