The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips

Episode Summary As we wrap up this season, Suzanne Phillips brings it all home with a powerful, reflective episode centered on one foundational truth: Family is not accidental — it is designed. Throughout this season, you've heard conversations around culture, education, identity, technology, and parenting challenges. But this episode asks a deeper question: What will you actually do with what you've learned? Because information alone doesn't change a family. Inspiration alone doesn't transform a life. Application does. This episode tackles three major barriers parents face: "I don't have time" "I don't have what it takes" "I'm not sure there's a clear design for family" …and replaces them with truth, clarity, and confidence. With practical insight, biblical grounding, and a deeply moving closing reflection, Suzanne reminds parents: You already have the greatest influence in your child's life. The question is whether you will use it intentionally. Episode Highlights ✔️ Why information and inspiration are not enough without application ✔️ The shift from knowledge to transformation through revelation ✔️ The three biggest barriers parents face (time, confidence, and belief) ✔️ Why the home is the primary place of discipleship ✔️ The difference between managing a home and leading people ✔️ Everyday moments as the true curriculum for your children ✔️ The concept of intentional parenting vs. drifting parenting ✔️ God's divine design for family: purpose, calling, and assignment ✔️ The role of parents as primary disciple-makers ✔️ The importance of aligning rhythms, values, and daily life ✔️ A practical framework: Look Up (God's vision) Look In (heart & values) Look Out (calling & awareness) ✔️ The reality that legacy is being built — whether intentional or not Featured Reflection: Time & Influence Parents spend 90,000–100,000 hours with their children from birth to age 18. That is: 6x more than school 40x more than church You don't need more time. You need more intentionality with the time you already have. Core Truth for the Family Family has a divine design. Purpose: Be fruitful and multiply Calling: Grow deeper in relationship with God Assignment: Make disciples — starting with your children Identity Truth for the Family You are not just raising children — you are raising future adults, leaders, and parents. And whether you realize it or not: You are shaping them every single day. Closing Encouragement You don't need to: replace the church outperform the school or become a perfect parent You simply need to: Activate the influence God has already given you. Your home is the most powerful discipleship environment on earth. The question is not: "Am I doing enough?" The question is: "Am I leading with intention?" A Parents' Call-to-Action 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent Instagram → @suzannephillips_ Instagram → @beacon_parent Website → www.beaconparent.com ✨ Join Parent Club Ongoing discipleship, clarity, and support as you lead your family with purpose: 👉 www.beaconparent.com/parentclub Final Thoughts The light doesn't come from doing more. It comes from becoming who God has called you to be. Let's become Beacons — and raise a generation that shines.

Episode Summary What if education wasn't just about academics — but about preparing children to think clearly, live responsibly, and understand the world around them? In this thought-provoking episode, Suzanne sits down with Connor Boyack, bestselling author of the Tuttle Twins series and founder of Libertas Network, to explore how education, freedom, and worldview intersect in raising the next generation. Connor has reached millions of families through books, media, and policy work designed to help children understand the principles of a free society. But at the heart of his work is a deeper question: Who is shaping how our children think? From homeschooling to public policy, from economics to personal responsibility, this conversation challenges parents to engage intentionally — not just academically, but philosophically — in their children's formation. This episode is not about politics for the sake of debate—it's about equipping parents to raise thoughtful, capable, and grounded young people in an increasingly complex world. Episode Highlights ✔️ The heart behind the Tuttle Twins series and who it's for ✔️ Why teaching children about freedom and responsibility matters ✔️ Connor's decision to homeschool and his perspective on modern education ✔️ How parents should think about politics and its influence on education ✔️ The intersection of education, culture, and worldview formation ✔️ Connor's work in policy and why it matters for families ✔️ Key concerns and threats facing family freedom today ✔️ The future of education and the role of school choice ✔️ Encouragement for parents raising children in today's cultural landscape   Featured Resource: Tuttle Twins A bestselling book series and educational platform helping families teach kids about responsibility, entrepreneurship, and the principles of a free society. 👉 Website → https://tuttletwins.com/ 👉 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tuttletwins 👉 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@TheTuttleTwins Links 👉 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/TuttleTwins 👉 X → https://x.com/tuttletwins 👉 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@tuttle_twins 👉 Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/TuttleTwin Call-to-Action For Parents 📲 Connect with Connor Boyack & Tuttle Twins Instagram → @tuttletwins Website → tuttletwins.com 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent Instagram → @suzannephillips_ Instagram → @beacon_parent Website → www.beaconparent.com ✨ GET ONGOING PARENTING SUPPORT Ongoing coaching, encouragement, and biblical clarity as you navigate education, culture, and parenting: 👉 www.beaconparent.com/parentclub Identity Truth for the Family Children are not just being educated — they are being formed. When parents take an active role in shaping how their children think, not just what they learn, they prepare them for a life of purpose, responsibility, and wisdom. In Closing Parents — your influence matters more than any system. If this episode gave you clarity or challenged how you think about education and culture, share it with another parent who is asking similar questions. 🎧 Listen Now →

Episode Summary Marriage is the foundation of family — and parenting flows from that foundation. But what happens when that foundation is built within a blended or stepfamily? In this insightful and practical episode, Suzanne is joined by Ron Deal, one of the nation's leading experts on blended families. With decades of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and director of FamilyLife Blended, Ron brings clarity to one of the most complex family dynamics parents face today. Blended families are not rare — they are increasingly common — yet many parents enter them without the tools, discipleship, or understanding needed to navigate the unique challenges they bring. From dating and remarriage to discipline, school decisions, and family culture, this conversation explores the realities that many families don't anticipate — but must learn to navigate. Ron also speaks into marriage itself, sharing warning signs couples should not ignore, common struggles that lead to breakdown, and how intentionality and awareness can build stronger relationships. This episode is both a wake-up call and a roadmap — helping parents move from confusion to clarity in building healthy, God-centered families. Episode Highlights ✔️ Why blended families require intentional discipleship ✔️ Divorce rates among Christians vs. non-believers ✔️ The difference between stepfamilies and blended families ✔️ Why marriage in a blended family is a "package deal" ✔️ Key considerations when dating, remarrying, and involving children ✔️ How school, discipline, and parenting decisions are more complex in blended homes ✔️ Common stumbling blocks families face when they aren't prepared ✔️ Warning signs in marriage that can lead toward divorce ✔️ Insights from The Mindful Marriage ✔️ The role of the Church in supporting blended families ✔️ Practical resources and tools for families navigating this journey Featured Resources 📚 The Smart Stepfamily 📚 The Mindful Marriage Practical, research-based, and biblically grounded resources to help couples and families thrive. 👉 Learn more → https://rondeal.org 👉 FamilyLife Blended → https://familylife.com/blended Links 👉 Website → https://familylife.com/blended 👉 Ron Deal → https://rondeal.org 👉 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/familylifeblended 👉 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/familylifeblended Call-to-Action 📲 Connect with Ron Deal & FamilyLife Blended Instagram → @familylifeblended Website → familylife.com/blended 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent Instagram → @suzannephillips_ Instagram → @beacon_parent Website → www.beaconparent.com ✨ JOIN PARENT CLUB TODAY FOR MORE If you're navigating parenting, marriage, or family complexity and want ongoing support and biblical clarity: 👉 www.beaconparent.com/parentclub Identity Truth for the Family Strong families are not built by accident — they are built with intention. In blended families especially, clarity, patience, and wisdom are essential to creating unity and stability for both marriage and children. HEY PARENTS! Parents — if your family is navigating remarriage, blending, or complexity, you are not alone. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement, clarity, or practical tools for building a strong family foundation.

Episode Summary Parenting today can feel overwhelming. The conversations are heavier. The culture is louder. The pressure is constant. In this personal and powerful solo episode, Suzanne pauses from interviewing guests to speak directly to parents — not about what to do, but about who we are becoming. Because our doing flows from our being… And our being flows from what we believe. Drawing from over 25 years of experience coaching, teaching, and raising her own family, Suzanne shares a defining vision: the call to build a Well Lit Home. In a world that feels increasingly dark, the brightest light our children should experience is inside our homes. Through a vivid story from Easter morning and a deeply practical framework, Suzanne introduces the 7 Facets of a Beacon Parent — the qualities that anchor parents in truth and empower them to lead with clarity, courage, and peace. This episode is an invitation to step out of pressure, step into purpose, and become the steady light your family needs. Episode Highlights ✔️ Why parenting today feels heavier and more complex than ever ✔️ The shift from focusing on what to do → to who we are becoming ✔️ The vision of a Well Lit Home in a dark world ✔️ A powerful real-life story that shaped the Beacon Parent message ✔️ Why parents are not responsible for outcomes — but to their children ✔️ The role of trust in releasing control and fear ✔️ The importance of anchoring parenting in biblical truth ✔️ Why formation matters more than information The 7 Facets of a Beacon Parent These are the qualities that create a home that shines: 1. Supremacy of Christ Christ is central — above every circumstance Releases pressure and the illusion of control Anchors parents in truth during uncertainty 2. Expressed Honor Honor God, others, and family Teach children to value and respect authority and people Strengthens the fabric of family and society 3. Intentional Legacy What you do today shapes tomorrow Parenting is always forming a legacy Your daily choices matter 4. Transformative Wisdom Wisdom changes how we live, not just what we know Seeks truth and applies it Invites intentional, thoughtful decision-making 5. Humble Courage Following God requires action Standing firm often requires courage Leads with patience, curiosity, and conviction 6. Secure Identity Rooted first as a child of God Embraces uniqueness in family and calling Provides stability in a shifting culture 7. Personal Responsibility Parents are the primary shaping influence Formation is happening — intentionally or unintentionally It is an honor to lead and steward a family Key Takeaway A well-lit home doesn't happen by accident. It is built by parents who stay connected to the Source of light — and choose, day by day, to become a steady beacon for their children. Call-to-Actions (CTAs) 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent Instagram → @suzannephillips_ Instagram → @beacon_parent Website → www.beaconparent.com ✨ Join Parent Club Ongoing encouragement, biblical clarity, and practical guidance for parents navigating today's world. 👉 www.beaconparent.com/parentclub     Identity Truth for the Family The world may grow darker — but light shines brighter in the darkness. When parents stay anchored in Christ, their homes become places of warmth, clarity, and truth. SHARE THE LIGHT  Parents — take a breath. The to-do list will still be there. But who you are becoming matters more than anything you accomplish. If this episode encouraged you, share it with another parent who needs hope and perspective today.

Episode Summary School choice is one of the most talked-about education topics in the country right now — but many parents are still unclear about what it actually means. In this episode, Suzanne is joined by Corey DeAngelis, widely known as the "school choice evangelist," to unpack the realities behind the policies, politics, and possibilities surrounding educational freedom. Corey is a leading advocate for parental rights in education and the national bestselling author of The Parent Revolution. With a Ph.D. in education policy and years of research and advocacy, he brings clarity to a conversation that is often filled with confusing rhetoric. But this conversation goes deeper than politics. At its core, school choice is about recognizing that children learn differently. Not every student thrives in the same environment, and the traditional system often fails to consider the diverse ways children grow and learn. Suzanne and Corey discuss why families are increasingly leaving traditional school systems, how school choice policies impact homeschooling families, which states are leading the movement, and what parents can do if they want to take action. This episode will challenge assumptions and encourage parents to think carefully about the future of education. Episode Highlights ✔️ Corey DeAngelis' personal journey into school choice advocacy ✔️ Why many now refer to public schools as "government schools" ✔️ The real reasons families are leaving traditional school systems ✔️ How school choice policies work and who they impact ✔️ Why these policies can benefit homeschool families ✔️ The number of states currently offering school choice options ✔️ Which states offer the most generous programs — and which resist change ✔️ The biggest barriers to passing school choice legislation ✔️ The practical benefits of educational freedom for families ✔️ Concerns homeschool families sometimes raise about these policies ✔️ How parents can take action and advocate for their children ✔️ What the future of school choice could look like in 2026 Featured Resource 📚 The Parent Revolution by Corey DeAngelis A national bestselling book explaining how parents can reclaim control of their children's education. 👉 Learn more → https://amzn.to/47mZXqM   A Call-to-Action 📲 Connect with Corey DeAngelis Follow Corey for ongoing insights and updates on school choice policy and education reform. 👉 X (Twitter): https://x.com/DeAngelisCorey?t=uogaiJZlZh2DMPlmWltEjg&s=09 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent Instagram → @suzannephillips_ Instagram → @beacon_parent Website → www.beaconparent.com ✨ Join Parent Club If you want ongoing encouragement, biblical clarity, and community as you navigate parenting and education decisions: 👉 Join here: www.beaconparent.com/parentclub Identity Truth for the Family Every child is uniquely created and designed to learn differently. When parents have the freedom to pursue the environment that best fits their child's gifts and needs, education becomes formation — not just information.   In Closing Parents — conversations like this matter because the future of education directly impacts the future of our children. If this episode helped you think more clearly about school choice, share it with another parent navigating education decisions. 🎧 Share Now →

Episode Summary For decades, the path after high school seemed obvious: graduate, go to college, get a degree. But today, families are asking better questions. In this refreshing and inspiring episode, Suzanne sits down with Jonathan Brush to explore a bold alternative to traditional college pathways. Jonathan brings nearly 25 years of experience helping young adults ask the right questions, take action, and build lives of meaning and purpose. Unbound is not anti-college — it's pro-intentionality. It challenges the assumption that information equals formation and instead focuses on habits, mentorship, real-world experience, and a biblical worldview as the foundation for adult life. As more parents reconsider what success looks like after graduation, this episode offers clarity, confidence, and a compelling alternative. Because education is not one-size-fits-all — and formation matters as much as information. Episode Highlights ✔️ Jonathan's background and journey into alternative higher education ✔️ What Unbound is — and how it works ✔️ Why questioning the traditional college model is healthy ✔️ How Unbound combines academics, mentorship, and real-world experience ✔️ Retention rates and student outcomes ✔️ What students consistently say about the experience ✔️ The most important takeaway students leave with ✔️ The overall vision: formation, not just credentialing ✔️ Class size and community culture ✔️ What parents and communities are noticing about Unbound graduates ✔️ Why this model works so effectively ✔️ Encouragement for hesitant parents considering a nontraditional path Featured Resource: Unbound A nontraditional, biblically grounded approach to post-high school education focused on formation, mentorship, and real-world learning. 👉 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/be.unbound/ 👉 Website → https://beunbound.us Call-to-Actions (CTAs) 📲 Connect with Unbound Instagram: @be.unbound Website: beunbound.us 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent Instagram → @suzannephillips_ Instagram → @beacon_parent Website → www.beaconparent.com ✨ Join Parent Club Ongoing support, biblical clarity, and practical guidance for parents navigating education and cultural conversations. 👉 Join here: www.beaconparent.com/parentclub Identity Truth for the Family Success is not defined by a diploma alone. When parents prioritize formation, mentorship, character, and calling, young adults are prepared not just for careers — but for life. In Closing Parents — before you default to the expected path, ask better questions. If this episode gave you fresh vision for your student's next step, share it with another family navigating post-graduation decisions.

Episode Summary Sexual identity conversations are no longer rare or distant — they are happening in classrooms, friend groups, churches, youth ministries, and homes. In this deeply thoughtful and compassionate episode, Suzanne is joined by Elizabeth Woning, Co-Executive Director of the CHANGED Movement — a community of individuals who once identified as LGBTQ+ and now testify to experiencing transformation through their faith in Jesus Christ. Elizabeth shares her powerful personal story — from openly identifying as lesbian, advocating for LGBTQ affirmation in seminary and church spaces, to a life-altering encounter with Jesus that reshaped her theology, identity, and direction. Today, she works with pastors, parents, and church leaders to navigate one of the most emotionally charged and culturally dominant issues of our time. This episode does not aim to inflame — it aims to equip. With 26% of Gen Z identifying as LGBTQ+, many families feel blindsided and unprepared. Suzanne and Elizabeth discuss how believers can hold firm to biblical convictions while extending grace, patience, and love — especially when the conversation becomes personal. This is an episode about truth without cruelty. Love without compromise. And hope for families walking through difficult identity conversations. Episode Highlights ✔️ Elizabeth's personal story and transformation ✔️ The founding and mission of the CHANGED Movement ✔️ Why sexual identity conversations are accelerating among Gen Z ✔️ The spiritual and emotional layers beneath identity struggles ✔️ How schools and cultural messaging shape identity formation ✔️ The most pressing needs facing families navigating LGBTQ issues ✔️ Trends parents must be aware of in today's cultural climate ✔️ Supporting pastors, parents, and churches with compassion and clarity ✔️ Practical guidance for parents whose child identifies as LGBTQ+ ✔️ Stories of transformation and reconciliation ✔️ The importance of holding truth and love together 🎧 Listen Now   Featured Resource: CHANGED Movement A community of friends who once identified as LGBTQ+ and now celebrate the freedom and comfort found in Jesus Christ. 👉 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/changedmvmt 👉 Elizabeth → https://www.instagram.com/elizabethwoning 👉 Website → https://changedmovement.com 👉 Elizabeth's Website → https://elizabethwoning.com Call-to-Actions (CTAs) 📲 Connect with Elizabeth Woning @elizabethwoning elizabethwoning.com 📲 Learn More About CHANGED Movement @changedmvmt changedmovement.com 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent Instagram → @suzannephillips_ Instagram → @beacon_parent Website → www.beaconparent.com ✨ Join Parent Club If you want ongoing support, biblical clarity, and a community of parents navigating cultural conversations together: 👉 Join here: www.beaconparent.com/parentclub Identity Truth for the Family Truth and love are not enemies. Compassion and conviction are not opposites. Parents who remain anchored in Christ can create homes where hard conversations are met with both grace and clarity. In Closing Parents — this is not a topic to avoid. It is a topic to approach thoughtfully. If this episode brought perspective, courage, or language to a conversation you've been afraid to have, share it with a trusted friend, small group, or fellow parent. 🎧 Listen Now

Episode Summary Can we raise children who are deeply rooted in the Kingdom of God and grateful for the country they live in? In this important and thought-provoking episode, Suzanne sits down with Jill Simonian, Director of Outreach and co-creator of PragerU Kids. With over 20 years of experience in media, parenting commentary, and education advocacy, Jill brings clarity and courage to conversations surrounding merit-based education, patriotism, parenting trends, and digital culture. Together, Suzanne and Jill unpack a bold question: Can America survive with unpatriotic youth? This conversation explores the tension parents often feel — wanting to raise children who serve God first while also teaching gratitude, civic responsibility, and love for the freedoms we've been given. From divisive policies in schools to the erosion of merit standards, from grit and self-reliance to digital overconsumption, this episode challenges parents to think clearly and lead intentionally. Because what happens under our roof shapes what happens in our nation. ⸻ Episode Highlights ✔️ The mission and "why" behind PragerU and PragerU Kids ✔️ Over 1,200 free pro-America resources for families and schools ✔️ What "merit-based education" really means — and why it matters ✔️ Why children cannot afford to "make zeros" academically or character-wise ✔️ How divisive school policies (DEI mandates, restorative discipline, gender ideology) impact students ✔️ Teaching capability, self-reliance, resilience, and grit at home ✔️ Digital consumption — where parents must draw lines ✔️ Can America survive with unpatriotic youth? ✔️ How PragerU Kids resources are being used in education (including Oklahoma) ✔️ What's next for PragerU Kids 🎧 Listen Now ⸻ Featured Resource: PragerU Kids Over 1,200 pro-America videos, books, lesson plans, worksheets, and character-building resources — available FREE for families and schools. Resources teach: Values & character U.S. & world history Civics Financial literacy Cultural literacy 👉 Website: PragerUkids.com ⸻ Call-to-Action 📲 Connect with Jill Simonian Instagram: instagram.com/jillsimonian X: x.com/jillsimonian   📲 Explore PragerU Kids Instagram: instagram.com/pragerukids Website: PragerUkids.com   📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent Instagram: @suzannephillips_ Instagram: @beacon_parent Website: www.beaconparent.com   ✨ Join Parent Club Biblical clarity, cultural discernment, and practical leadership support for parents navigating today's world. 👉 Join here → https://community.beaconparent.com/offers/mLSFLoXT/checkout 🏫 Considering Alternative Education or Homeschool Pod? Explore The Pod Packet — a step-by-step guide for creating simple, intentional learning communities for your family. 👉 https://www.thepodpacket.com ⸻ Identity Truth for the Family Gratitude for our nation does not compete with allegiance to God's Kingdom. Children can be formed with humility before God and appreciation for the freedoms that allow them to live it out. Parents who teach truth, history, gratitude, and responsibility raise leaders — not spectators ⸻ In Closing  Parents — the future of our nation is shaped in living rooms long before it's shaped in legislatures. If this episode encouraged you to think more intentionally about how you're forming your children, share it with another family, educator, or small group.

Episode Summary Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than most parents can track — and it will shape our children's future far more than it will ever shape ours. In this essential episode, Suzanne Phillips is joined by Ryan Findley — a Christian, husband, father of three, former teacher turned tech professional, and founder of Evergreen Faith. Having spent six years working in Silicon Valley, Ryan has seen firsthand how quickly AI capabilities are expanding and how easily they could follow the same dangerous trajectory as social media and smartphones if parents don't act now. This conversation moves beyond fear or hype and equips parents with a biblically grounded framework for thinking clearly about AI. Together, Suzanne and Ryan explore how to prepare children for a world we haven't lived in — not just practically, but spiritually — by addressing the root issues of discernment, formation, and worldview. If you feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or underprepared for the Age of AI, this episode will bring clarity, language, and direction. ⸻ Episode Highlights ✔️ Ryan's journey from education into the tech world ✔️ Why AI will impact our children more than any generation before them ✔️ How Christians should approach AI from a biblical worldview ✔️ A helpful framework for parents: shortcuts, supports, and superpowers ✔️ Why "doing nothing" is not a neutral option ✔️ How parents can begin setting boundaries and forming discernment now ✔️ What churches and schools must consider in the Age of AI ✔️ Practical steps families can take today — without panic ✔️ The shadow side of AI: Stunted development & digital sloth Siloed and severed lives Substitution of AI for human growth Superiority thinking & detachment from reality 🎧 Listen Now: ⸻ Featured Resources AI Parenting Course A comprehensive course equipping parents to navigate AI wisely and biblically. 👉 www.aiparentingcourse.com 💸 Use Code BEACON1 for $10 off AI Self Defense (For Kids & Families) Tools to help children understand, recognize, and respond to AI risks. 👉 www.aiselfdefense.kids 💸 Use Code BEACON1 for $5 off Evergreen Faith A hub for parents, churches, and schools seeking support in the Age of AI. 👉 Visit evergreen.faith online for guidance and resources ⸻ A Call-to-Action 📲 Learn More from Ryan Findley & Evergreen Faith Explore resources that help families integrate AI safely and intentionally. 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent Instagram: @suzannephillips_ Instagram: @beacon_parent Website: www.beaconparent.com  ✨ Join Parent Club Foundational discipleship, cultural clarity, and community support for parents navigating today's challenges. 👉 Join here → https://community.beaconparent.com/offers/mLSFLoXT/checkout 🏫 Considering Alternative Education or Homeschool Pod? Explore The Pod Packet — a step-by-step guide for creating simple, intentional learning communities for your family. 👉 https://www.thepodpacket.com ⸻ Identity Truth for the Family Technology will shape the future — but formation shapes discernment. When parents lead with truth, wisdom, and intentional boundaries, children learn to engage innovation without losing their humanity or their faith. ⸻ In Closing Parents, you were not called to raise children who simply keep up with the future — but children who can discern it. If this episode helped you think more clearly about AI, share it with another parent, pastor, or educator who needs language and confidence for this conversation.

Episode Summary Screens are not going away — but what our children consume on them matters more than ever. In this timely and encouraging episode, Suzanne Phillips sits down with Brent Dusing, founder and CEO of TruPlay, a Christian entertainment platform created by parents, for parents. Brent shares his remarkable journey from venture capital and major tech exits to building a biblically grounded gaming platform that protects children while reinforcing faith, character, and joy. At the same time, this conversation exposes the real battle happening behind the scenes: faith-based content being flagged, throttled, or banned — while sexually explicit, violent, and agenda-driven material is freely promoted to children through algorithms. This episode offers parents both clear warning and practical direction — reminding families that while reducing screen time is wise, having aligned, trustworthy options is essential in a digital world children already inhabit. Episode Highlights ✔️ Brent's entrepreneurial journey — and why TruPlay was born ✔️ Why "safer" entertainment isn't enough — alignment matters ✔️ What TruPlay Games actually is and how it works ✔️ The resistance faith-based platforms face from Big Tech ✔️ How algorithms push sexualized and violent content to kids ✔️ Three key ways parents can protect children in digital spaces ✔️ The hidden mental health cost of toxic screen exposure ✔️ Why faith-based entertainment reinforces discipleship at home ✔️ How gaming can nurture character instead of eroding it ✔️ Encouragement for parents who feel exhausted and behind 🎧 Listen Now! Featured Resource: TruPlay A safe, ad-free, biblically authentic entertainment platform where kids can play, learn, and grow in faith — without hidden agendas or chat rooms. 👉 Website → https://www.truplaygames.com 👉 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/truplaygames 👉 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/truplaygames 👉 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCutwcoaalmdoIoxaZ2coQhA   Call-to-Action 📲 Connect with TruPlay: @truplaygames https://www.truplaygames.com 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: Instagram → @suzannephillips_ Instagram → @beacon_parent Website → https://www.beaconparent.com ✨ Parent Club (Monthly Membership) Ongoing discipleship, teaching, community, and support for parents navigating culture, technology, and family formation with clarity and conviction. 👉 Join here → https://community.beaconparent.com/offers/mLSFLoXT/checkout 🏫 Considering Alternative Education or Homeschool Pod? Explore The Pod Packet — a step-by-step guide for creating simple, intentional learning communities for your family. 👉 https://www.thepodpacket.com Identity Truth for the Family Entertainment shapes imagination — and imagination shapes belief. When parents choose content that aligns with truth, beauty, and goodness, screens can become tools for reinforcement rather than erosion of faith. In Closing Parents, you don't have to choose between total screen shutdown and surrendering your children to digital chaos. There are better options — and choosing them is an act of leadership. If this episode encouraged or equipped you, share it with another parent who is navigating screens, gaming, and digital boundaries in their home.

Episode Summary Social media is no longer just a distraction — it is shaping identity, behavior, mental health, and safety for an entire generation. In this eye-opening episode, Suzanne Phillips is joined by Nicki Petrossi, a former social media executive turned national advocate for child safety online. Nicki is the founder of Scrolling 2 Death, co-founder of the Tech-Safe Learning Coalition, and a leading voice helping parents understand what is actually happening behind screens. Nicki brings insider knowledge from her time working inside social media platforms — paired with real-world stories, research, and current cases that reveal how algorithms, AI, gaming, and school-issued devices are putting children at risk. This conversation moves beyond fear into clarity — offering parents both warnings and solutions, so they can lead their families with confidence instead of overwhelm. Episode Highlights ✔️ Nicki's journey from social media executive to child safety advocate ✔️ What parents need to understand about Meta trials and fraud allegations ✔️ AI dangers — including Character AI and emotionally manipulative chatbots ✔️ Whether ChatGPT and AI companions are harming vulnerable users ✔️ How Instagram ranks content and why it matters for kids ✔️ The Motion Picture Association's influence on content normalization ✔️ "The Heat Is On" — what it means and why parents should pay attention ✔️ Snapchat and its connection to sex trafficking ✔️ Sextortion schemes using platforms like GroupMe ✔️ UNESCO testing and global digital experimentation ✔️ AI-generated nudes, "Sharenting," and image exploitation ✔️ Video game addiction and dopamine-driven design ✔️ How parents can stay informed without living in fear Featured Resource: Scrolling 2 Death A parent-focused platform providing education, advocacy, and real-time insights into social media risks and digital culture. 👉 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/scrolling2death 👉 Learn more → via Nicki's resources and coalition work Take Action 📲 Connect with Nicki Petrossi: • Instagram → @scrolling2death 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: • Instagram → @suzannephillips_ • Instagram → @beacon_parent • Website → www.beaconparent.com 📚 Beacon Parent Parent Club Ongoing discipleship, teaching, and community for parents navigating cultural pressure and digital challenges. 👉 Join here → www.beaconparent.com 🏫 Concerned About Screens in Education? Explore tools that help parents create safer learning environments. 👉 Learn more → www.beaconparent.com/podpacket Identity Truth for the Family Children were not designed to be raised by algorithms. Parents who stay informed, engaged, and courageous can interrupt harmful digital patterns and restore real connection, security, and discernment in their homes. Parents, the digital world moves fast — but you are not powerless. If this episode gave you language, clarity, or courage to engage your child's online world more intentionally, share it with another parent who feels overwhelmed or unsure where to start. 🎧 Listen Now 

Episode Summary This is one of the most consequential and challenging conversations ever hosted on The InFormed Parent Podcast. In this episode, Suzanne Phillips is joined by Del Bigtree — journalist, filmmaker, former Emmy-winning producer, and one of the most influential voices calling for transparency in public health and medical science today. Del is the founder and CEO of Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN), host of The HighWire, and Executive Producer of the documentary An Inconvenient Study. This episode centers on a never-published vaccinated-versus-unvaccinated study conducted within the Henry Ford Health System — a study Del challenged the institution to run in 2016, with a simple condition: publish the results no matter what they show. The study was completed. It was never submitted for publication. Through legal action, FOIA requests, investigative journalism, and now film, Del walks parents through what the study revealed, why it matters, and why asking questions in medicine has become controversial — even dangerous — for those inside the system. This is not an episode telling parents what to think. It is an episode that insists parents must be allowed to ask questions, see data, and make informed decisions for their families. Episode Highlights ✔️ Del Bigtree's background — from mainstream media to investigative journalism ✔️ The fallout from Vaxxed and the professional backlash Del experienced ✔️ The connection between politics, public health agencies, and vaccine policy ✔️ Inside An Inconvenient Study — how the film came to be and why it matters ✔️ What the unpublished vaccinated vs. unvaccinated data reveals ✔️ The dramatic rise in chronic conditions among children ✔️ Questions surrounding infant health, SIDS, and NICU outcomes ✔️ Genetic susceptibility and MTHFR considerations ✔️ Why the study was never submitted for publication ✔️ Dr. Marcus Zervos' on-camera admissions and their implications ✔️ The collapse of open scientific debate — and why it matters for families ✔️ Rebooting the scientific method through transparency and accountability ✔️ ICAN's legal, media, and legislative response to criticism ✔️ How parents can engage, learn more, and take responsibility without fear 🎧 Listen Now Featured Resource: An Inconvenient Study A documentary by Del Bigtree and ICAN examining an unpublished vaccinated-versus-unvaccinated study and the broader implications for public health transparency. 👉 Watch & Learn More → https://www.aninconvenientstudy.com Call-to-Actions (CTAs) 📲 Connect with Del Bigtree & ICAN: • The HighWire → https://thehighwire.com • ICAN → https://icandecide.org • X (Twitter) → https://x.com/delbigtree • Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/delbigtree 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: • Instagram → @suzannephillips_ • Instagram → @beacon_parent • Website → www.beaconparent.com ✨ Parent Club (Monthly Membership) Ongoing discipleship, teaching, and community for parents navigating complex cultural issues. 👉 Join here →https://community.beaconparent.com/offers/mLSFLoXT/checkout 🏫 Exploring Educational Freedom? The Pod Packet helps parents create small, intentional learning communities with confidence. 👉 Learn more → www.beaconparent.com/podpacket Identity Truth for the Family Informed consent is not rebellion. Asking questions is not disobedience. Parents were entrusted with the responsibility to protect, steward, and advocate for their children — especially when systems grow complex and opaque. Closing CTA Parents, this episode may challenge you — and that's the point. You don't have to agree with every conclusion to recognize the importance of transparency, open debate, and informed decision-making. If this conversation stirred questions, sparked reflection, or helped you feel less alone in asking hard things, share it with another parent who needs space to think critically and courageously. 🎧 Listen Now

Episode Summary Season 6 opens with a powerful solo episode from Suzanne Phillips, founder of Beacon Parent, setting the tone for what lies ahead. In this monologue, Suzanne reflects on the cultural moment parents are navigating right now — one marked by confusion, exhaustion, pressure, and noise. From education and technology to identity, sexuality, and discipleship, parents are being asked to make high-stakes decisions without clarity or support. This episode is both an invitation and a reset. Suzanne explains why this season exists, what has shaped the direction of the conversations ahead, and why being informed is not optional for parents who want to lead with wisdom rather than react from fear. She addresses the subtle ways culture disciples families, the danger of passive parenting, and the urgent need for parents to reclaim their role as leaders, protectors, and disciplers in their homes. Season 6 is about discernment — learning to recognize what is shaping our children, understanding where ideas come from, and choosing intentional formation over cultural default. If you've felt overwhelmed, behind, unsure, or simply tired — this episode will remind you that you are not alone, and that clarity is possible. Episode Highlights ✔️ Why Season 6 was created and what prompted its focus ✔️ The difference between reacting to culture and discerning it ✔️ How parents are being discipled — often without realizing it ✔️ Why "busy" is one of the enemy's most effective tools ✔️ The cost of passive parenting in a high-pressure culture ✔️ Why informed parents make different decisions ✔️ What listeners can expect from Season 6 conversation ✔️ An invitation to slow down, listen, and lead with clarity 🎧 Listen Now Featured Resource: Beacon Parent Beacon Parent exists to equip parents to parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and lead their families with clarity and conviction in an increasingly confusing world. This season, Beacon Parent resources are designed to help you: • understand cultural influence • strengthen identity formation • disciple intentionally at home • make informed decisions for your family 👉 Learn more → www.beaconparent.com Call-to-Actions (CTAs) 📲 Stay Connected with Suzanne & Beacon Parent • Instagram: @suzannephillips_ • Instagram: @beacon_parent • Website: www.beaconparent.com 📚 Beacon Parent Free Resource Hub Practical tools, teaching guides, and identity-building resources for parents. 👉 Access free resources → https://community.beaconparent.com/offers/7dFPbYXY/checkout/ ✨ Parent Club (Monthly Membership) Ongoing discipleship, community, teaching, and support for parents who want to lead well — not alone. 👉 Join the Parent Club →https://community.beaconparent.com/offers/mLSFLoXT/checkout/ 🏫 Exploring Education Alternatives? From pods to hybrids, The Pod Packet helps families take intentional next steps. 👉 Learn more → www.thepodpacket.com Identity Truth for the Family Parents were never meant to follow culture — they were called to lead their children. Discernment is not fear. Being informed is not reactionary. Intentional parenting is an act of love. Closing CTA Season 6 is an invitation to slow down, open your eyes, and lead with wisdom. If this episode resonated with you, share it with another parent who feels the weight of these decisions — a friend, a small group, or someone who needs encouragement to step out of autopilot and into intentional leadership. 🎧 Listen Now →

Episode Summary: In this powerful and timely episode, Suzanne sits down with two moms who have lived what so many parents are only beginning to consider: you can change your child's educational story — and it doesn't have to be complicated. Today's guests, Lauren Tatum and Brandy Hansen, both stepped out of traditional education pathways to create thriving, faith-filled homeschool pods for their children and communities. From fear and overwhelm to clarity and confidence, their journeys reveal what is possible when parents refuse to believe the cultural lie that there is only one way to educate kids. This conversation explores the cultural pressure surrounding education, the rise of therapeutic and agenda-driven classrooms, and why more families every year are discovering freedom through pods, microschools, hybrid models, and custom learning environments. Suzanne also introduces The Pod Packet, a practical, step-by-step resource created to help parents launch their own simple-but-powerful pod—without needing to build a full school or reinvent the wheel. Whether you're curious, cautious, overwhelmed, or ready to take action, this episode will give you vision, options, and encouragement for the educational future of your family. Episode Highlights: ✔️ Lauren & Brandy's personal journeys into alternative education ✔️ Public, private, homeschool — and why they chose something different ✔️ The cultural lies that pressure parents into traditional schooling ✔️ Why pods work — and how simple they can be ✔️ The story behind The Pod Packet and how it equips families ✔️ How to structure a pod, build rhythms, and set expectations ✔️ Real results: confidence, community, joy ✔️ How pods grow into hybrids, microschools, or academies ✔️ Encouragement for parents feeling the nudge to make a change 🎧 Listen Now: [Insert Podcast Link] Featured Resource: The Pod Packet A practical, step-by-step guide to help families create a simple, effective homeschool pod rooted in vision, community, and clarity. Perfect for: parents teachers churches entrepreneurs hybrid or microschool starters 👉 Learn More → www.beaconparent.com/podpacket 👉 Instagram → @thepodpacket Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Connect with Today's Guests: @thepodpacket www.beaconparent.com/podpacket 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: Instagram: @suzannephillips_ Instagram: @beacon_parent Website: www.beaconparent.com 📚 Beacon Parent Free Resource Hub: Tools for discipleship, identity, parenting, culture conversations & more. 👉 Download free resources → www.beaconparent.com/thehub ✨ Parent Club (Monthly Membership): Foundational discipleship, community, teaching, and support for parents. 👉 Join the club → www.beaconparent.com/parentclub 🏫 Considering Alternative Education? Explore The Pod Packet — your first step toward building a meaningful, small-scale educational community. 👉 Get the packet → www.beaconparent.com/podpacket Identity Truth for the Family: You don't have to choose what culture tells you is "normal." Parents have God-given authority, creativity, and freedom to shape an environment where their children can grow in truth, purpose, and joy. Closing CTA: Parents — you have more options than ever, and more influence than you know. If this episode encouraged you, share it with another family exploring educational alternatives or seeking clarity for next year. 🎧 Listen Now →

Episode Summary: In this heartfelt and deeply practical episode, Suzanne Phillips sits down with Jonathan Pitts—author, speaker, ministry executive, father of five, and President of For Girls Like You, a ministry serving tween girls and their parents. Jonathan has spent nearly two decades in Christian leadership, including serving as Executive Director of Dr. Tony Evans' ministry (The Urban Alternative), managing recording artist Anthony Evans, Jr., and now serving in pastoral leadership at Church of the City in Franklin, TN. As a father of four daughters and a newly welcomed baby boy, Jonathan brings real-life wisdom, raw honesty, and a deeply redemptive story following the loss of his late wife, Wynter Pitts. This episode is essential for any parent raising girls in a culture that is rapidly shifting and increasingly confusing. From identity and confidence to cultural pressures and discipleship at home, Jonathan offers encouragement, clarity, and tools to help parents raise secure daughters who stand firm in truth. Episode Highlights: ✔️ Why Pop Culture Parenting is dangerous—especially for girls ✔️ The rise of cultural insecurity, comparison, and identity distortion ✔️ Why For Girls Like You focuses on tweens — and how it helps parents ✔️ The father–daughter dynamic and how dads impact girls' identity ✔️ Raising a boy now — what's different, what's the same ✔️ Encouragement for parents raising girls who need grounding in truth Featured Resource: For Girls Like You A Christ-centered ministry equipping parents of tween girls with resources that build identity, confidence, and discipleship at home. 👉 Website → www.forgirlslikeyou.com 👉 Instagram → @forgirlslikeyou 👉 Jonathan's Instagram → @pittsjr26 👉 Books → She Is Yours & My Wynter Season 💸 Use Code: BEACON20 for 20% off Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Connect with Jonathan Pitts: Instagram (Personal): @pittsjr26 Ministry: @forgirlslikeyou Website: www.forgirlslikeyou.com 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: Instagram: @suzannephillips_ Instagram: @beacon_parent Website: www.beaconparent.com 📚 Beacon Parent Free Resource Hub: Your place for discipleship tools, identity-building worksheets, and family formation resources. 👉 Download resources →   ✨ Parent Club (Monthly Membership): Ongoing discipleship, teaching, support, and community for moms & dads. 👉 Join now →     📥 Thinking About Homeschooling or Hybrid Learning? The Pod Packet walks you step-by-step through creating your own homeschool pod. 👉 Get The Pod Packet → www.beaconparent.com/podpacket Identity Truth for the Family: Girls become secure when they hear truth from the people they trust most. Parents who affirm identity before culture tries to distort it lay foundations for strong, confident, Christ-centered women. Closing CTA: Parents, your voice matters. Your presence matters. The world is loud — but truth is louder when it's lived out in your home. If this episode encouraged you or gave you language for raising girls in today's culture, share it with a friend, your small group, or another parent who needs this hope. 🎧 Listen Now →

Episode Summary: In today's episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, Suzanne Phillips sits down with Andrew Chambers, the Head of Campus Life at Excel College, one of the most innovative and biblically grounded higher education models in the country. With many parents questioning traditional college pathways — rising costs, secular influence, lack of discipleship, cultural pressure — this conversation opens the door to a revolutionary alternative designed to help students become wise, mature, productive adults who live purposeful and fulfilling lives. Andrew shares how Excel College is rethinking higher education by prioritizing mentorship, community, real-world skills, spiritual formation, and integrated learning — all through a distinctly Christian worldview. Whether your child plans to attend college or pursue another path, this episode will inspire and equip you to think differently about what higher education can look like. Episode Highlights: ✔️ How Excel College is redefining Christian higher education ✔️ Why so many families are rethinking traditional college pathways ✔️ The hesitations many parents have — and the truths that ease those fears ✔️ Why a biblical worldview is essential in higher education today ✔️ How parents can guide teens through major decisions with confidence ✔️ A hopeful vision for raising the next generation of kingdom leaders 🎧 Listen Now Featured Resource: Excel College An innovative, Christ-centered college dedicated to forming wise, mature, purposeful adults through community, mentorship, and integrated education. 👉 Website → theexcelcollege.com 👉 Instagram → @theexcelcollege 👉 Facebook → facebook.com/theexcelcollege 👉 X (Twitter) → x.com/TheExcelCollege     Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Connect with Excel College: Instagram: @theexcelcollege Website: theexcelcollege.com 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: Instagram: @suzannephillips_ Instagram: @beacon_parent Website: www.beaconparent.com 📚 Beacon Parent Resource Hub: Free tools for discipleship, identity formation, family culture, and parenting with biblical wisdom. 👉 Download free resources → https://community.beaconparent.com/offers/7dFPbYXY/checkout/ ✨ Join the Parent Club (Monthly Membership): Parenting support, community, teaching, coaching, and discipleship for moms and dads who want to lead with confidence and without the overwhelm. 👉 Join now → https://community.beaconparent.com/offers/mLSFLoXT/checkout/ 📥 Starting a Homeschool Pod? The Pod Packet is a step-by-step guide to help you build, launch, and lead your own alternative education option with confidence and clarity. 👉 Download The Pod Packet → www.beaconparent.com/podpacket Identity Truth for the Family: Education is more than academics — it's discipleship. Parents who guide their children with wisdom, truth, and courage prepare them to walk in purpose, freedom, and maturity. Closing CTA: Parents, you don't have to settle for the cultural default. Higher education can be purposeful, biblical, personal, and transformative. Explore, ask questions, and lead with confidence as you help your children discern their next steps. If this episode gave you insight or opened your eyes to new possibilities, share it with another parent, pastor, or teen who's navigating the college conversation.

Episode Summary: In this energizing and visionary episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, Suzanne Phillips is joined by Justin MacDonald, award-winning educator, coach, entrepreneur, global executive, and founder of The Academy at District Church. Justin brings a bold, fresh perspective on what education could be — and what's possible when the Church, families, and innovative thinkers reclaim learning for the next generation With a model that blends individualized learning, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and Christ-centered formation, The Academy is proving that children thrive when they are known, challenged, equipped, and expected to lead. Parents, pastors, educators, innovators — this conversation will inspire you, stretch your imagination, and call you to action. The education system may be broken, but solutions already exist — and Justin is living out one of the most compelling models today. Episode Highlights: ✔️ The story of how a local church stepped out to lead and provide solutions for education in its community. ✔️ Why the next generation of leaders must be trained with a biblical worldview and an entrepreneurial spirit. ✔️ How students learn through 6-week sprints, real projects, and leadership ✔️ Why pastors and parents must reclaim education as discipleship ✔️ Encouragement for parents who feel powerless in today's educational climate 🎧 Listen Now!   Featured Resource: The Academy at District Church A bold, Christ-centered K–12 leadership academy helping raise confident, joyful, purpose-driven students. 🔗 Visit → www.districtchristianacademy.com 🔗 Follow → @theacademyatdistrict Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Follow Justin MacDonald & The Academy at District Church: • Instagram:   / jmacleads     / theacademyatdistrict  • Website: https://www.theacademyatdistrict.com/   📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: •   / suzannephillips_  •   / beacon_parent  • Website: https://www.beaconparent.com   📚 Free Resource Hub: Download guides, conversation starters, and digital wellness tools → The Hub: https://community.beaconparent.com/offers/7dFPbYXY/checkout/   ✨ Join the Parent Club (Monthly Membership): Access Christ-centered coaching, community, and exclusive resources for parents → The Parent Club: https://community.beaconparent.com/offers/7dFPbYXY/checkout/   📥 Thinking About Homeschooling or Hybrid Models? Download The Pod Packet—a complete guide to starting and managing your own homeschool pod with confidence → https://www.beaconparent.com/podpacket/ Identity Truth for the Family: "Leaders aren't born—they're discipled." Families who build a culture of responsibility, curiosity, and biblical identity prepare children to lead with wisdom and courage. Closing CTA: Parents, pastors, and leaders — the future belongs to those willing to build it. Education is not neutral. It's discipleship. If this episode gave you vision or stirred something in you, share it with a pastor, parent, or educator who needs to hear what's possible.

Episode Summary: In this heartfelt and wisdom-filled episode, Suzanne Phillips sits down with her own pastor, Chuck Ramsey, Lead Pastor of Restoration Church, for a conversation on building strong families through biblical parenting and discipleship. As a father of seven and grandfather of five, Pastor Chuck shares both personal and pastoral insights on what it means to raise children with a "vertical" mindset—anchored in God's Word, guided by His Spirit, and grounded in eternal truth. Together, they discuss the power of a Vertical Church, how its principles build strong families at home, and why now more than ever parents must return to Scripture as their foundation for leadership and love. Whether you're raising little ones or leading grown children, this episode will refresh your faith and refocus your parenting around the One who holds it all together. Episode Highlights: ✔️ What it means to build and lead a Vertical Church ✔️ How the same principles of a vertical church apply to parenting at home ✔️ The 5 pillars that strengthen families and churches alike ✔️ Why parents must root their family life in Scripture—not social media trends ✔️ The importance of discipleship and honoring spiritual fathers and mothers ✔️ Why prayer, community, and men's ministry are vital in today's culture ✔️ How Restoration Church's growth reflects God's hand and healthy leadership ✔️ Encouragement for parents who want to raise their children to follow Christ ✔️ A powerful prayer Pastor Chuck prayed over his children growing up   📖 Featured Resource: Restoration Church Discover the heart behind a Vertical Church—one built on truth, prayer, and discipleship that leads people to Jesus. 👉 Visit: www.restorationchurch.faith 👉 Follow: @restorationchurch.faith   📣 Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Follow Pastor Chuck Ramsey & Restoration Church: Instagram: @restorationchurch.faith Website: www.restorationchurch.faith 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: @suzannephillips_ @beacon_parent Website: www.beaconparent.com 📚 Free Resource Hub: Download guides, conversation starters, and digital wellness tools →  The Hub ✨ Join the Parent Club (Monthly Membership): Access Christ-centered coaching, community, and exclusive resources for parents → The Parent Club 📥 Thinking About Homeschooling or Hybrid Models? Download The Pod Packet—a complete guide to starting and managing your own homeschool pod with confidence → www.beaconparent.com/podpacket 📖 Identity Truth for the Family: ✅ Families who look vertically to God find peace, purpose, and power to lead with conviction. ✅ A vertical home reflects a vertical heart—rooted in prayer and truth, producing legacy and fruit. 🔔 Closing Call-to-Action (CTA): Culture changes, but God's design for family does not. Parents, you are called to lead from the Word—not the world. Build vertically, lead intentionally, and pray fervently over your children. If this episode encouraged or challenged you, share it with another parent, small group, or pastor who's passionate about raising strong families in faith.

Episode Summary: In this eye-opening and deeply practical episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, Suzanne Phillips is joined by Chris McKenna, founder of Protect Young Eyes—a leading organization helping families, schools, and churches navigate the complex world of technology, internet safety, and digital wellness. Chris's work has reached hundreds of thousands of students and families nationwide and even led him to conversations at the White House about the dangers of AI and child safety online. This episode equips parents to take actionable steps toward creating safer digital environments at home and in schools. From the most dangerous apps to the latest AI threats, this conversation empowers you to protect your children without fear—through awareness, wisdom, and boundaries rooted in truth. ⸻ Episode Highlights: ✔️ How Protect Young Eyes began and the mission behind it ✔️ Why tech is one of the most critical parenting conversations today ✔️ Chris's "10 Before 10" rule and other practical safety habits ✔️ The most dangerous apps parents need to know about—and why ✔️ The truth about Gemini AI, KIK, and other high-risk platforms ✔️ Understanding sextortion and how to protect your children ✔️ The importance of parental involvement in tech at school ✔️ Encouragement for parents feeling overwhelmed by technology ✔️ Hope and confidence for families navigating the digital age ⸻ 💡 Featured Resource: Protect Young Eyes Founded by Chris McKenna, Protect Young Eyes provides families, schools, and churches with the most up-to-date tools and strategies for digital safety and wellness. 👉 Visit → www.ProtectYoungEyes.com 👉 Follow → @protectyoungeyes ⸻ 📣 Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Follow Chris McKenna & Protect Young Eyes: Instagram: @protectyoungeyes Website: www.ProtectYoungEyes.com 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: @suzannephillips_ @beacon_parent Website: www.beaconparent.com 📚 Free Resource Hub: Download guides, conversation starters, and digital wellness tools →  The Hub ✨ Join the Parent Club (Monthly Membership): Access Christ-centered coaching, community, and exclusive resources for parents → The Parent Club 📥 Starting a Homeschool Pod? Grab The Pod Packet—a step-by-step guide to building and managing your own pod with confidence → www.beaconparent.com/podpacket ⸻ 📖 Identity Truth for the Family: ✅ Wisdom, not fear, leads families to peace in the digital age. ✅ Parents are the gatekeepers of influence—digital wellness begins with discipleship. ⸻ 🔔 Closing Call-to-Action (CTA): Technology is powerful—but so is your voice as a parent. Don't hand the digital steering wheel to the world. Be intentional, stay informed, and lead your family with conviction and grace. If this episode equipped or encouraged you, share it with another parent, teacher, or youth leader who's navigating these same challenges.

Episode Summary: In this powerful and redemptive episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, Suzanne Phillips sits down with Joshua Broome—a bestselling author, speaker, and former adult film star whose life has been radically transformed by the love and truth of Jesus. Now serving as the Executive Director of Walk Worthy, a division of the American Association of Christian Counselors, Joshua uses his story to educate and inspire families to confront the dangers of pornography, protect their children online, and live out a biblically grounded vision of sexuality and purpose. This conversation dives deep into the realities of hyper-sexualization in our culture, the impact of pornography on children and families, and the hope of redemption and healing that is available through Christ. Episode Highlights: ✔️ Joshua's remarkable story of redemption and transformation ✔️ How he found freedom and purpose through Christ ✔️ The harsh realities and dangers of pornography in our culture ✔️ What parents need to know about how early and easily children are exposed ✔️ How to talk with your kids about pornography in age-appropriate, truth-filled ways ✔️ The connection between pornography, identity, and broken family dynamics ✔️ Encouragement for families navigating hard conversations with grace and hope ✔️ What the Church and Christian counselors are doing to bring healing and restoration 📖 Featured Resource: 7 Lies That Will Ruin Your Life (Book)In his bestselling book, Joshua Broome exposes the seven lies that keep people trapped in shame and brokenness—and reveals how to find freedom, identity, and purpose in Christ. 👉 Get your copy → www.JoshuaBroome.me 📣 Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Follow Joshua Broome: Instagram: @iamjoshuabroome Website: www.JoshuaBroome.me Book: 7 Lies That Will Ruin Your Life Organization: Walk Worthy – A Division of AACC 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: @suzannephillips_ @beacon_parent Website: www.beaconparent.com 📚 Free Resource Hub: Download faith-based parenting tools, identity guides, and discipleship resources →  The Hub ✨ Join the Parent Club (Monthly Membership): Access community, coaching, and exclusive resources for intentional parenting → The Parent Club 📥 Starting a Homeschool Pod? Download The Pod Packet—your free step-by-step guide to building a homeschool pod with confidence → www.beaconparent.com/podpacket 📖 Identity Truth for the Family: ✅ Freedom is found in truth. When families bring darkness into the light, healing begins. ✅ God's design for sexuality and purity isn't restrictive—it's redemptive. 🔔 Closing Call-to-Action (CTA):Pornography is one of the most powerful weapons the enemy uses against families—but it's not stronger than redemption. Parents, your awareness and your willingness to talk about hard things can break generational cycles of shame and deception. If Joshua's story inspired you, share this episode with another parent, youth pastor, or friend who needs encouragement and truth today.

Episode Summary: In this powerful and much-needed conversation, Suzanne Phillips sits down with two leading voices in Christian education and child development—Dr. Jeff Myers of Summit Ministries and Dr. Kathy Koch of Celebrate Kids. Together, they unpack the heart behind their upcoming book, Raising Gender-Confident Kids, releasing July 2025. As gender confusion continues to rise at alarming rates among children and teens, this episode offers parents biblical clarity, practical wisdom, and a compassionate approach to talking about gender and identity with their kids. From understanding the cultural root causes to equipping children to stand firm in truth and love, Dr. Jeff and Dr. Kathy offer a hopeful roadmap for parents who want to raise confident, Christ-centered kids in an age of confusion. Episode Highlights: ✔️ What inspired Dr. Jeff and Dr. Kathy to write Raising Gender-Confident Kids ✔️ The definition of gender confidence and why it matters now more than ever ✔️ How social media and peers are fueling confusion ✔️ How parents can use Scripture to build gender confidence in their children ✔️ Common mistakes parents make—and how to avoid them ✔️ What "truth and love" looks like in real family conversations ✔️ The connection between identity formation and gender clarity ✔️ The role of stereotypes in confusion—and a biblical alternative ✔️ Practical ways to begin these conversations at any age ✔️ Encouragement for parents who feel overwhelmed or unsure 🎧 Listen Now 📖 Featured Resource: Raising Gender-Confident Kids (Book) Coming July 2025 from Dr. Jeff Myers and Dr. Kathy Koch, Raising Gender-Confident Kids equips parents with biblical wisdom and practical steps to guide their children toward a clear, confident understanding of who God created them to be. 👉 Stay updated at: www.Summit.org | www.CelebrateKids.com 📣 Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Follow Dr. Jeff Myers & Summit Ministries: @drjeffmyers Facebook: Dr. Jeff Myers X: @drjeffmyers Truth Changes Everything Podcast Summit Ministries Website Summit Ministries Instagram: @summitmn 📲 Follow Dr. Kathy Koch & Celebrate Kids: @celebratekidsinc Celebrate Kids Podcast Facebook: Celebrate Kids, Inc. Website: Celebrate Kids 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: @suzannephillips_ @beacon_parent Website: www.beaconparent.com 📚 Free Resource Hub: Download faith-based parenting tools, identity guides, and discipleship resources →  The Hub ✨ Join the Parent Club (Monthly Membership): Access community, coaching, and exclusive resources for intentional parenting → The Parent Club 📥 Starting a Homeschool Pod? Download The Pod Packet—your free step-by-step guide to building a homeschool pod with confidence →www.beaconparent.com/podpacket 📖 Identity Truth for the Family: ✅ True gender confidence comes from knowing who God says you are, not what the world says you should be. ✅ Parents are called to be the first voice of truth in shaping their children's identity. 🔔 Closing Call-to-Action (CTA): Culture is loud—but parents can be louder with truth spoken in love. Don't shy away from the hard conversations. You are equipped, you are called, and you are capable of raising gender-confident kids who stand firm in God's design. Share this episode with a friend or small group, subscribe for weekly encouragement, and join us as we continue to equip families to parent with purpose and disciple with direction. 🎧 Listen Now → 

Episode Summary: In this gripping episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, Suzanne welcomes Erin Lee, a mother of three, national speaker, and founder of Stop Gender Ideology. Erin shares the shocking story of rescuing her 12-year-old daughter from transgender grooming at her public school—an experience that propelled her into the fight for parental rights and the protection of children nationwide.Erin's courage has taken her story to major outlets like Fox News, The Daily Wire, The Blaze, and The Wall Street Journal, and her advocacy work continues through Protect Kids Colorado and her powerful documentary Art Club.This conversation exposes the dangers hiding in plain sight in schools, highlights recent legislation in Colorado with national implications, and equips parents to recognize threats, defend their rights, and protect their children. Episode Highlights: ✔️ Erin's powerful story of protecting her daughter from school-based gender ideology ✔️ How Colorado's new transgender law impacts families—and why it's a warning for the nation ✔️ Why parents must actively exercise their rights instead of assuming protection ✔️ The positive momentum and exposure coming from parent advocates across the country ✔️ How Erin's journey has shaped her faith, values, and family life ✔️ The story behind Art Club and why every parent needs to see it ✔️ Words of wisdom and encouragement for parents navigating today's culture   🎥 Featured Resource: Art Club (Documentary) Based on Erin's family's story, Art Club exposes how gender ideology infiltrates schools and equips parents to recognize the danger.   👉 Watch Free → www.ArtClubMovie.com   📣 Call-to-Actions (CTAs):   📲 Follow Erin Lee: Instagram: @erinforparentalrights Organization: Protect Kids Colorado Advocacy: Stop Gender Ideology 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: @suzannephillips_ @beacon_parent Website: www.beaconparent.com   📚 Free Resource Hub: Get access to parenting downloads, discipleship tools, and biblical worldview guides →  The Hub ✨ Join the Parent Club (Monthly Membership):Exclusive resources, coaching, and community for faith-filled families → The Parent Club.   📥 Starting a Homeschool Pod?Download The Pod Packet—a step-by-step guide to launch and manage your own pod with confidence → www.beaconparent.com/podpacket   📖 Identity Truth for the Family: ✅ When parents step into their God-given role, they safeguard their children from confusion and harm. ✅ Your vigilance and faith are the shield your children need in today's cultural battles.   🔔 Closing Call-to-Action (CTA): Erin's story is a sobering reminder that no family is immune to cultural deception. But it's also a call to action—parents have both the right and the responsibility to protect their children.If this episode informed or encouraged you, share it with another parent or community leader. Subscribe for more conversations equipping families to stand firm in truth and raise the next generation with courage.

In this episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, host Suzanne Phillips is joined by Dr. Hutz Hertzberg and Jennifer Burns of Turning Point Education to explore the rising movement of classical education and why it's gaining momentum among parents, homeschoolers, and schools across the nation. For many parents, education is simply about curriculum and outcomes. But beneath every method lies a philosophy of education—Montessori, Charlotte Mason, Classical, and more—that shapes not just what students learn but how they think and live. Together, Hutz and Jennifer share their rich backgrounds in Christian education and explain how classical education, rooted in virtue and wisdom, is equipping students to lead with clarity, confidence, and truth. Whether you're a parent, educator, or school leader, this episode will inspire you to see education through a new lens—and offer practical next steps to get involved. Episode Highlights: ✔️ Why education is more than just curriculum—it's about philosophy ✔️ An overview of classical education and how it works in practice ✔️ The mission of Turning Point Education and who it serves ✔️ How hybrid schools and homeschool programs are shaping a new model for families ✔️ Why restoring virtuous education is so critical in today's cultural moment ✔️ What trends are emerging in K-12 and higher education ✔️ How parents and educators can take part in this growing movement 🎧 Listen Now   📖 Featured Resource: Turning Point AcademyTurning Point Academy exists to restore virtuous, values-based education for families across America, offering classical curriculum and hybrid learning options.   👉 Learn More → Turning Point Education   📣 Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Follow Turning Point Education: Instagram: @tpusaacademy Website: www.turningpointed.com @suzannephillips_ @beacon_parent Website: www.beaconparent.com 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: 📚 Free Resource Hub:Get access to parenting downloads, discipleship tools, and biblical worldview guides →  The Hub ✨ Join the Parent Club (Monthly Membership):Exclusive resources, coaching, and community for faith-filled families → The Parent Club.   📥 Starting a Homeschool Pod?Download The Pod Packet—your free guide to launch and manage a homeschool pod with confidence → www.beaconparent.com/podpacket   📖 Identity Truth for the Family:   ✅ Education shapes identity. Classical education equips children not only with knowledge but with virtue, purpose, and wisdom rooted in truth.   🔔 Closing Call-to-Action (CTA): Education isn't neutral—it shapes how our children think, believe, and lead. Don't leave it to chance. Explore classical education and learn how you can give your children the tools they need to stand firm in truth and live with purpose.Share this episode, subscribe for weekly encouragement, and join us as we continue to equip families to parent with purpose and disciple with direction   .🎧 Listen Now → 

Episode Summary: In this critical episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, host Suzanne Phillips is joined by Karen England, President of the Capital Resource Institute and long-time advocate for parental rights, religious freedom, and education reform. With more than 27 years of experience in policy and advocacy, Karen has been on the frontlines fighting for parents, children, and families at the local, state, and national levels. Today, she unpacks the real issues surrounding school libraries, surveys, and curriculum, and why the conversation around "book banning" is often misunderstood. This episode equips parents with facts over fear, helping them understand what's at stake in schools and how to practically engage their local community to protect children. Episode Highlights: ✔️ How Karen's journey from homeschooling mom to policy advocate began ✔️ Why more parents are "waking up" to dangers in culture and schools ✔️ The truth about books vs. curriculum—and why it matters ✔️ What parents need to know about age-inappropriate content in school libraries ✔️ The role of surveys in shaping children's beliefs ✔️ Breaking down the recent Supreme Court case in Maryland and what it means for parents ✔️ Why complacency around executive orders can be risky ✔️ Practical steps to engage with your school board and elected officials ✔️ Encouragement for parents who feel overwhelmed by the fight   📖 Featured Resource: Capital Resource Institute Toolkit Karen and her team created a practical toolkit to help parents organize locally, engage school boards, and protect children. 👉 Explore Resources → Capital Resource Institute 📣 Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Follow Karen England: Instagram: @thekitchentableactivist Website: Capital Resource Institute 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: @suzannephillips_ @beacon_parent Website: www.beaconparent.com 📚 Free Resource Hub: Get parenting tools, downloads, and discipleship guides →  The Hub ✨ Gain access to coaching, encouragement, and exclusive resources → The Parent Club 📥 Starting a Homeschool Pod? Download The Pod Packet—a free step-by-step guide to launch your own homeschool pod with confidence → www.beaconparent.com/podpacket 📖 Identity Truth for the Family: ✅ Parents are called to be the primary protectors and disciples of their children. ✅ When we engage with truth and vigilance, we model faith and courage to the next generation. 🔔 Closing Call-to-Action (CTA): The classroom is one of the most important battlefields of our time. Don't assume someone else is protecting your children—you are their first line of defense. Share this episode with another parent or community leader, subscribe for weekly encouragement, and let's continue raising families who are both informed and equipped. 🎧 Listen Now → https://youtu.be/svSWYlPT1mU

Episode Summary: In this urgent and eye-opening episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, host Suzanne Phillips is joined by Landon Starbuck, national speaker, activist, and fierce advocate for protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. Landon's recent documentary The War On Children has reached over 60 million viewers, igniting conversations around the cultural threats our children face—and how parents can respond with clarity and courage. From screen time and online predators to radical ideology and unsafe school environments, this episode gives practical insight and spiritual direction for today's Christian families. Parents, this is not just a political or cultural issue. It's a spiritual battle, and we're called to be informed and equipped. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of modern parenting—this episode will ground you in truth and action. Episode Highlights: ✔️ Understanding the difference between abuse, exploitation, and trafficking ✔️ Shocking statistics every parent needs to know ✔️ How culture and tech are normalizing dangerous behavior ✔️ What to know about OnlyFans and "Sugar Baby" platforms ✔️ The rise of abuse inside school systems ✔️ The role of legislation and how Landon is helping shape it ✔️ What parents can do TODAY to protect and disciple their children ✔️ Behind-the-scenes of the War On Children documentary 🎧 Listen Now! 🎥 Featured Resource: The War On Children (Documentary) With over 60M+ views, this groundbreaking film exposes the cultural crisis harming kids—and equips parents to protect their homes. 👉 Watch now → www.linktree.com/landonstarbuck 📣 Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Follow Landon Starbuck: Instagram: @landonstarbuck Twitter/X: @LandonStarbuck YouTube: Landon Starbuck Channel Website: www.LandonStarbuck.com Organization: FreedomForever.us 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: @suzannephillips_ @beacon_parent Website: www.beaconparent.com 📚 Free Resource Hub: Explore downloads, guides, and family discipleship tools → The Hub ✨ Join the Parent Club (Monthly Membership): Ongoing coaching and Christ-centered parenting community → The Parent Club 📥 Thinking of Homeschooling? Download The Pod Packet—a free step-by-step guide to launching your own homeschool pod →www.beaconparent.com/podpacket 📖 Identity Truth for the Family: ✅ You are the first and most powerful protector of your child. ✅ We are not called to parent out of fear, but to parent with truth, vigilance, and biblical conviction. 🔔 Closing Call-to-Action (CTA): You may not be able to fight every cultural battle—but you can start with your own home. Don't be passive. Don't be quiet. Get equipped and stay awake. Share this episode with a fellow parent, teacher, or church leader who needs to hear the truth—and let's raise the standard for the next generation. 🎧 Listen Now → [https://youtu.be/kVmWA5gfnjU]

In this powerful and timely episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, host Suzanne Phillips is joined by long-time friend and national voice Laurie Krieg, Director of Parent Programs at The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender. Laurie brings years of wisdom and fresh insight into one of the biggest questions parents ask: "When should I talk to my kids about sex?" Spoiler: sooner than you think. Together, they explore how to talk about sexuality, gender, singleness, and same-sex marriage with clarity, compassion, and biblical conviction. Laurie also shares behind-the-scenes insight into her new film and upcoming book—designed to help parents disciple their kids in a sexually broken world. This episode is a must-listen for parents ready to trade silence and fear for courage and truth.     Episode Highlights: ✔️ Why waiting to talk about sex is a mistake—and what age to begin ✔️ Why gospel-centered sexuality starts with the purpose of life ✔️ How to talk to your kids about same-sex marriage and gender identity ✔️ Why singleness must be part of the discipleship conversation ✔️ How to prepare your kids to respond when—not if—they see pornography ✔️ What Laurie learned while writing her new parenting book and film ✔️ What it really looks like to parent from truth, not pop culture trends ✔️ Where and when you can access the new Christian Sexuality film series     📖 Featured Resource: Raising Kids Discipleship Film & Course From the creators of Christian Sexuality, this new resource helps parents talk to their children with confidence about sex, gender, identity, and the gospel—all from a biblical worldview. 👉 Start learning → www.christian-sexuality.com 👉 Explore the course → Raising Kids Discipleship Series     📣 Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Follow Laurie Krieg and Christian Sexuality: Website: lauriekrieg.com Instagram: @laurie_krieg Ministry Hub: centerforfaith.com 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: @suzannephillips_ @beacon_parent 📚 Free Resource Hub: Get instant access to printable downloads, discipleship tools, and Bible-based parenting guides → The Hub ✨ Join the Parent Club (Monthly Membership): Gain coaching, exclusive resources, and Christ-centered community → The Parent Club 📥 Starting a Homeschool Pod? Download The Pod Packet—a free guide to launch your own homeschool pod with confidence → www.beaconparent.com/podpacket     📖 Identity Truth for the Family: ✅ Biblical sexuality begins with understanding your identity in Christ. ✅ Discipleship in your home is the most important defense against cultural confusion.     🔔 Closing Call-to-Action (CTA): Talking to your kids about sexuality doesn't have to feel scary or awkward—it just needs to be biblical. If this conversation helped you or challenged your thinking, share it with a friend, a spouse, or your parenting group. Subscribe, leave a review, and join us each week as we equip you to parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy.   Listen Now → https://youtu.be/1krdG5oDPK4  

In this timely solo episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, Suzanne Phillips tackles a crucial and often overlooked topic—Pop Culture Parenting. With a blend of personal stories, biblical truth, and cultural analysis, Suzanne challenges parents to examine who they're following, what philosophies are shaping their home, and whether their parenting is grounded in theories or truth. From gentle parenting trends to emotional intelligence buzzwords, this episode asks: Are we parenting based on popularity or precepts? If you've ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting parenting advice, this conversation will ground you in the Word and encourage you to lead your children intentionally, not reactively. Episode Highlights: ✔️ A powerful story from the sidewalk: what one family taught Suzanne about discipline, design, and fatherhood ✔️ Why "children don't come with a manual" is a myth—and what the Bible actually says about parenting ✔️ A look into the rise of gentle parenting—where it comes from, who popularized it, and what's missing ✔️ How pop culture has influenced Christian parenting more than we realize ✔️ The difference between trends and truth—and why theories aren't enough ✔️ Key questions every parent should ask: Who am I following? What do they believe? ✔️ An invitation to stop parenting from theory and start parenting from biblical design 🎧 Listen Now! 📖 Featured Resource: Beacon Parent's Free Resource Hub A curated collection of printable tools, parenting prayers, and discipleship downloads to help you raise Kingdom-minded kids—rooted in truth, not trends. 👉 Explore the Free Hub → The Hub   📣 Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Follow for biblical parenting encouragement and resources: Instagram: @suzannephillips_ Instagram: @beacon_parent ✨ Join the Parent Club (Monthly Membership): Get exclusive content, coaching, and community to help you parent with purpose → The Parent Club 📥 Thinking About Starting a Homeschool Pod? The Pod Packet is your step-by-step guide to build, launch, and lead your own homeschool pod with confidence—from vision and curriculum to finances, communication, and life skills. 👉 Download now → www.beaconparent.com/podpacket 🌐 Explore More: www.suzannephillips.net www.lifetracklearning.com 📖 Identity Truth for the Family: ✅ Your parenting is most powerful when it's aligned with God's design, not public opinion. ✅ To identify as a parent is to walk in sameness with the One who parents you—your Heavenly Father. 🔔 Closing Call-to-Action (CTA): Trends change. Truth doesn't. If this episode challenged you to look deeper at your parenting foundation, share it with a friend or small group and start the conversation. Subscribe, leave a review, and let's keep raising families rooted in truth—not theory. 🎧 Listen Now → [YouTube]

Welcome to the Season 4 finale of The InFormed Parent Podcast! In this heartfelt and powerful solo episode, Suzanne Phillips wraps up a rich season on identity with a deeply personal and practical conversation about the identity of the family unit. She unpacks a truth she wishes someone had shared earlier in her parenting journey—the importance of forming a clear, intentional Family Identity rooted in God's design. With wisdom drawn from her own experience as a parent, grandparent, and leader of the organization Beacon Parent, Suzanne invites you to become a Beacon for your children, shaping their core values, rhythms, and direction. This episode will inspire, equip, and challenge you to parent with renewed purpose—because your family already has an identity. The goal is to define it on purpose and for a purpose. ⸻ Episode Highlights: ✔️ One parenting insight Suzanne wishes she had known early on ✔️ What it means to be discipled as a parent, not just in parenting ✔️ Defining your Family Identity: Who you are, what you value, and why it matters ✔️ The role of time, tradition, values, and victories in shaping identity ✔️ Biblical insight into the mantle of parenthood as God's chosen design ✔️ The dangers of letting culture define your child's "chosen family" ✔️ Practical examples of "We" statements that shape family culture ✔️ Why discipleship is the mission, and why it starts at home ✔️ Encouragement for parents: It's never too late to begin ⸻ 📖  Featured Resource:  Become a Beacon Parent! Want to be a more intentional parent? Beacon Parent offers courses, coaching, and content to help you disciple your children with confidence. 👉 Join Our Free Resource Hub and Receive Parent Coaching at  Beacon Parent → www.beaconparent.com 👉 Follow on Instagram → @beacon_parent ⸻ 📣  Know and Go: ✅ Define Your Family Identity: Take time to answer, "Who are we?" ✅ Start a new tradition or rhythm—small steps create lasting impact ✅ Create We Statements like: "We love God," "We serve others," "We speak truth" ✅ Be a Beacon for your children—shine both direction and warning 📲 Follow for More Encouragement and Tools: @suzannephillips_ @beacon_parent ⸻ 🏆 Identity Truth for the Family: ✅ Identity is not just individual—it is communal. Family identity is rooted in sameness: shared faith, shared values, shared purpose. "Our 'We' becomes their foundation for 'Me.'" ⸻ 🔔 Thank you for joining us for this incredible season of The InFormed Parent Podcast. We pray these episodes have helped you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy. If this season has encouraged or impacted you, share it with a friend—and don't forget to subscribe so you're the first to know when Season 5 launches! Parents, your children need you. The world is loud—but your voice of truth, love, and leadership matters more. Until next time—stay anchored, stay informed, and keep building Kingdom families.

In this week's episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, host Suzanne Phillips welcomes Santosh Swamidass, founder of Launching Ground and Launch Network, for a powerful and practical conversation on discipling your children in everyday family life. With a background in aerospace engineering, church planting, and family leadership, Santosh brings a unique blend of innovation and faith to the conversation around family discipleship. Whether you're a parent feeling under-equipped or a church leader looking for scalable tools, this episode provides vision, strategy, and encouragement for weaving faith and character into your family rhythms. You'll walk away with practical insight, powerful stories, and a renewed sense of calling to raise disciples—right at home. ⸻ Episode Highlights: ✔️ The mission behind Launching Ground—equipping families to disciple at home ✔️ Statistics that reveal a growing discipleship gap in families ✔️ Understanding the mantle of responsibility on the family unit ✔️ The powerful legacy of Jonathan Edwards and what we can learn from it ✔️ Why so many parents don't understand discipleship—and how to change that ✔️ What to say to the parent who feels unequipped or unsure ✔️ Defining discipleship in practical, life-giving terms ✔️ A look into the stages of discipleship and how they apply to parenting ✔️ How Launching Ground's tools and subscription boxes work ✔️ Feedback from families and churches using the tools—and the fruit it's producing ✔️ How churches, schools, and families can get started and plug in ⸻ 📖  Featured Resource:  Launching Ground Family Discipleship Tools Explore hands-on resources designed to equip parents to disciple their children with confidence. 👉 Subscribe to the Family Discipleship Box: Faith + Fun + Formation, delivered to your home → www.LaunchingGround.com ⸻ 📣 Follow and Connect  📲 Follow Santosh & Launching Ground for more tools and stories: Suzanne Phillips & Beacon Parent: @suzannephillips_ | @beacon_parent Santosh & Launching Ground: @launchingground | @santoshswamidass 🎥 YouTube Channel: Launching Ground ⸻ 🏆 Identity & Discipleship Truths: ✅ To disciple your children is to lead them in becoming more like Christ—to identify as His. ✅ You don't have to be perfect, just faithful. Discipleship starts with showing up. ✅ The family is God's first design for discipleship—and that mantle is still yours to carry. ✅ When you disciple your children, you build a legacy of faith and purpose. ⸻ 🔔 Ready to take family discipleship from theory to practice? You're not alone—resources exist, and help is available. Subscribe, share this episode, and join the movement of parents discipling the next generation—right where they are.

In this episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, host Suzanne Phillips sits down with Kent Evans, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Manhood Journey, for a compelling conversation about biblical fatherhood, identity, and discipleship. After a successful 20-year career in the business world, Kent turned his focus toward equipping fathers to become confident, present, and purposeful disciple-makers in their homes. From real-world struggles to encouraging trends, this conversation will inform and inspire you—whether you're a dad, you're raising a dad, or you're mentoring a dad. Get ready to explore what it means to walk in identity as a father, how to overcome the hurdles of modern parenting, and how to start leading your children spiritually—right where you are. ⸻ Episode Highlights: ✔️ The mission of Manhood Journey—equipping fathers to lead with purpose ✔️ Eye-opening statistics about the state of fatherhood in today's culture ✔️ What identity as a father really means and how it shapes your influence ✔️ The top personal struggles men face today—and how to walk through them ✔️ Common hurdles dads experience when trying to lead their families spiritually ✔️ Encouraging trends emerging among men committed to growth and discipleship ✔️ What's ahead for Manhood Journey and how men can get started today ⸻ 📖  Featured Resource: Don't Bench Yourself by Kent Evans Kent's latest book encourages men to stay in the game of fatherhood and faith, even when they feel unqualified. 👉 Get the Book → Amazon 👉 Explore Manhood Journey → www.ManhoodJourney.org ⸻ 📣 Follow and Connect with Kent Evans and all that Manhood Journey has to offer you: LinkedIn @manhoodjourney 📲 Follow for More Parenting and Discipleship Insights: • Instagram: @suzannephillips_ | @beacon_parent  ⸻ 🏆 Identity & Discipleship Truths for Dads: ✅ As a father, to identify is to become the same—to reflect the heart and character of our Heavenly Father. ✅ Fathers are not benchwarmers—they're called to lead, disciple, and protect. ✅ Manhood isn't passive. Biblical manhood is active, servant-hearted, and Spirit-led. ⸻ 🔔 Whether you're a father yourself or walking alongside one, this episode is a must-listen. Let's champion a generation of dads who are spiritually awake, emotionally available, and anchored in identity. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a dad who's ready to get back in the game.

In this inspiring and purpose-packed episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, host Suzanne Phillips welcomes Jerrod Gunter, founder of Riotstarters—a national next-gen movement that is igniting faith, evangelism, and identity in students across the country. From the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, Jerrod is equipping an army of teenage disciple-makers to take the gospel boldly into their schools and communities. What started as a local response to tragedy has become a nationwide movement of students owning their faith, finding their identity, and walking in purpose. This episode is a wake-up call and a blueprint for parents to raise world-changers and disciple-makers in their own homes. ⸻ Episode Highlights: ✔️ The story behind Riotstarters—how a single moment of bold faith sparked a movement ✔️ How identity in Christ shapes students' actions, responses, and direction ✔️ Why parents are also designed to lead through hard moments and cultural chaos ✔️ Helping students move from reaction to revival by owning their role as Christ-followers ✔️ What happens when students realize they're part of something bigger than themselves ✔️ How purpose reinforces identity in the next generation ✔️ Foundational truths Jerrod teaches to anchor kids in who they are ✔️ How to partner with Riotstarters and bring the movement to your city ⸻ 📖 Get The Featured Resource: Riotstarters Movement 👉 Join the mission to equip and mobilize students to start a righteous riot through prayer, purpose, and evangelism. ⸻ 📣 Follow Jerrod Gunter & Riotstarters for daily encouragement and movement updates: Instagram:  @jgunter5 Riotstarters: @riotstarter104 🌟 Follow Suzanne for More About Parenting with Purpose and Discipling with Direction: Instagram: @suzannephillips_ | @beacon_parent  ⸻ 🏆 Key Biblical Truths for Parents - Identity + Purpose: ✅ To identify is to become the same—students become like Christ as they walk with Him. ✅ Your response to life's challenges is rooted in who you believe you are. ✅ Purpose activates boldness—when students know why they're here, they live differently. ✅ Parents, your leadership in the home matters—it's your righteous riot too. ⸻ 🔔 Feeling inspired by what God is doing through this generation? Don't let it stop here—share this episode, rally your family, and get involved. Subscribe, leave a review, and join the movement to raise up strong, bold, purpose-driven kids who know who they are in Christ.

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, host Suzanne Phillips sits down with January Littlejohn, a mother-turned-advocate whose daughter was socially transitioned at school without her knowledge or consent. January shares her personal journey, exposing the dangers of gender identity ideology, the erosion of parental rights, and how parents can protect their children from cultural confusion. With a background in mental health counseling, January now speaks nationally, equipping parents, educators, and faith leaders with tools to navigate today's identity crisis. Whether or not you have faced this specific challenge, the wisdom and insight shared in this conversation will empower all parents. Get ready—this is a must-listen episode for every parent committed to standing firm in truth and leading their family well. ⸻ Episode Highlights: ✔️ How a 13-year-old was socially transitioned without parental consent ✔️ Why even engaged, involved parents are vulnerable in today's culture ✔️ The parental authority crisis: Who has the final say over your child's identity? ✔️ The biblical foundation for parental leadership—you are the head, not the tail ✔️ Key steps to prevent this from happening to your family ✔️ Teaching truth early and consistently—how to prepare your child before they are influenced ✔️ How January found support & clarity in the midst of this battle ✔️ Helping children navigate emotions in a healthy, biblical way ✔️ What type of child is most vulnerable to gender ideology? ✔️ How to detect grooming and conditioning—what signs to watch for ✔️ What to do if your child is struggling—a roadmap for parents ⸻ 📖 Featured Resource: CPRC Church Transgender Response Guide 👉 A must-have for churches, pastors, and parents navigating today's challenges. ⸻ 📣 Follow January for More Resources on Parental Rights: Twitter/X: @JanuaryDoNoHarm  Instagram: @januarylittlejohndnd 🌟 Follow Suzanne for More About Parenting with Purpose and Discipling with Direction: Instagram: @suzannephillips_ | @beacon_parent  ⸻ 🏆 Key Biblical Truths for Parents: ✅ The Lord will make you the head and not the tail—if you follow His commands (Deuteronomy 28:13) ✅ God has entrusted parents to lead, advocate, and shepherd their children ✅ Parents will give an account for their children—our leadership matters The battle over identity is real, but as parents, we are not powerless. We are called and equipped to lead our children in truth and love. ⸻ 🔔 If this episode opened your eyes to the urgency of standing for parental rights, don't keep it to yourself—share it with another parent who needs to hear this!   Subscribe, leave a review, and stay informed—together, we can equip and empower families to lead with wisdom and strength.

In this episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, host Suzanne Phillips welcomes Jonathan Brozozog, Lead Pastor of Creative Church, author of Raising Parents, and father of eight children. With over 20 years in ministry, Jonathan is passionate about equipping parents to embrace their God-given role, build strong families, and navigate today's biggest cultural challenges. Together, they discuss the identity crisis in parenting, the biggest lies that take parents off course, and how families can restore peace, unity, and purpose. Jonathan also shares practical wisdom on parenting through defiance stages, technology use, and the critical role of the church in supporting parents. Parents, grab a notebook—this episode is packed with game-changing insights to help you lead your family with confidence! ⸻ Episode Highlights: ✔️ The parenting identity crisis: Why many parents don't know their true role. ✔️ Top 3 lies parents believe—and how to combat them with truth. ✔️ The biggest struggles parents face in leading their families. ✔️ The #1 problem Jonathan sees in both parenting and pastoring families. ✔️ What divides families most? Understanding the root causes of conflict. ✔️ Creating an atmosphere of peace—how to cultivate a God-centered home. ✔️ Grandparents' role in the faith and formation of children. ✔️ Navigating defiance years & parenting stages with wisdom and patience. ✔️ Technology & parenting: How to set healthy boundaries with screens. ✔️ The role of the church in supporting and equipping parents. 🎧 Listen Now! ⸻ 📖 Featured Resource: Raising Parents Book Jonathan Brozozog's insightful guide to building strong, faith-filled families. 👉 Get Your Copy Here → www.RaisingParents.com ⸻ 📣 Stay Connected: 📖 Discover More of Jonathan's Work: Books, parenting resources, and courses  📱 Learn About the Cell Phone Permit: A tool to help families navigate technology wisely  💡 Follow for More Parenting Insights: Instagram: @suzannephillips_ | @beacon_parent | @creative.church | @jonathanbrozozog ⸻ 📖 Key Biblical Truths for Parents: ✅ I am complete in Christ and have all I need (Colossians 2:10) ✅ I am God's co-worker (1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 6:1) ✅ God has chosen to give me the gift of my child—and He equips who He calls. As parents, we often feel insecure and unqualified—but God has given us everything we need to lead our children well! ⸻ 🔔 In Closing: If you're ready to step into your God-given role as a confident, faith-filled parent, don't miss this episode! Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a fellow parent or grandparent who needs encouragement today.

In this insightful episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, Suzanne Phillips sits down with Jonathan Morrow, Director of Cultural Engagement and Student Discipleship for Impact 360 Institute. Jonathan has led groundbreaking research on Gen Z in partnership with the Barna Group and has a deep understanding of how this generation thinks about identity, faith, success, and culture. Together, they discuss the shifting landscape of Gen Z, exploring their views on God, gender, adulthood, and social media. Parents, educators, and mentors—this conversation is packed with research-backed insights that will help you understand, reach, and connect with Gen Z in a meaningful way. Episode Highlights: ✔️ Who is Gen Z? Understanding their key characteristics and worldview ✔️ Gen Z and Identity: What they believe about God, self, and cultural influences ✔️ Success & Goals: How they define fulfillment and personal achievement ✔️ Social Struggles: The tension between wanting to be their "true self" and holding back ✔️ Gen Z & Gender: Research on self-identification and LGBTQ+ perspectives ✔️ Spiritual Beliefs: Where Gen Z turns for answers on faith and truth ✔️ Top 10 Trusted Sources for Spiritual Questions among Gen Z ✔️ The Role of Social Media: How smartphones are shaping their identity ✔️ A Roadmap for Parents: How to guide and disciple Gen Z with wisdom and grace 📖 Featured Resource: Refresh Roadmap Course - A practical guide for Christian parents navigating smartphones & social media with their kids. 👉 Access the Course Now  📣 Call-to-Action: 📖 Explore Impact 360 Institute: Equipping the next generation with biblical worldview training  🎙️ Discover Jonathan Morrow's Resources: Books, research, and parenting tools  📲 Follow for More Insights on Gen Z & Parenting: Instagram: @suzannephillips_ | @beacon_parent | @impact360 | @jonathanmorrow YouTube: Jonathan Morrow 📖 Key Takeaways for Parents: ✅ Gen Z is searching for truth but often struggles to find trusted sources ✅ Social media is shaping how they see themselves, their worth, and their identity ✅ Parents play a crucial role in guiding conversations around identity, faith, and culture ✅ Discipleship is more important than ever—Gen Z needs biblical truth in a confusing world 🔔 In Closing: If you want to better understand Gen Z and help them navigate their identity with confidence, don't miss this episode! Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a fellow parent or educator who wants to connect with Gen Z in a deeper way.

In this episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, Suzanne Phillips takes a deep dive into the core question of identity: "Who Am I?" Our culture places so much emphasis on diversity, yet true identity is rooted in sameness—specifically, our sameness with Christ. Suzanne unpacks the biblical definition of identity, the dangers of placing identity in roles rather than in God, and the ways parents can instill unshakable identity in their children. Through real-life examples, biblical wisdom, and practical insights, this episode will equip parents to guide their children confidently in their God-given identity. Episode Highlights: ✔️ Why identity is defined as sameness—and how that changes how we see ourselves. ✔️ The difference between identity and roles—and why roles are not our foundation. ✔️ How Jesus modeled identity by identifying with His Father. ✔️ The impact of false identities on children and parents. ✔️ How words shape identity—what we say about ourselves and our children matters. ✔️ The power of biblical identity statements in transforming mindsets. ✔️ Practical ways to instill identity in your children while avoiding cultural confusion.   📖 Featured Resource: Free Family Identity Statements Download Identity Statements for Parents & Kids to speak biblical truth over your family.   📣 Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📖 Explore Beacon Parent's Resources: Biblical parenting tools to help you lead your children in truth.   💡 Follow Along for More: Join Suzanne for daily encouragement and biblical parenting insights: • Instagram: @suzannephillips_ | @beacon_parent • Facebook: Beacon Parent   🔔 Closing CTA: If this episode encouraged you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent who needs to hear this message. Let's raise a generation rooted in truth and confident in their God-given identity!

In the second of two eye-opening episodes of The InFormed Parent Podcast, host Suzanne Phillips sits down with Jenna Parker, a 25-year-old young professional who walked through gender transition and later detransitioned in her early twenties. Jenna bravely shares her powerful and deeply personal story, shedding light on gender ideology, the cultural pressures surrounding it, and the emotional and psychological aspects of transitioning. With honesty and compassion, Jenna offers insights for parents and young people navigating this topic and provides invaluable advice for fostering a healthy, identity-rooted foundation in truth. Episode Highlights: The dangers of social media, online communities, and gender affirmation therapy. Processing trauma after detransitioning—what healing looks like. The role of parents in guiding their children through cultural pressures. Identity in Jesus—what Jenna has learned and how she sees herself now. Practical advice for parents and kids navigating these conversations. Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📖 Free Beacon Parent Tools to Support Healthy Identity in Your Kids → [Link] 🎙️ Hear More Resources and Conversations on Identity in Season 2 → [Link] 📚 Shop Beacon Parent's Recommended Book List → [Link] 💡 Join the Conversation: Follow Suzanne and Beacon Parent for more insights and encouragement. Instagram: @suzannephillips_ | @beacon_parent  Facebook: Beacon Parent   Featured Resource Section: Healthy Identity & Biblical Truth for Parents Equipping parents with the tools and wisdom to navigate identity confusion and lead their children with confidence. Access resources → [Link]   Quotes or Scriptures Mentioned: "True identity is found in Christ, not in labels, ideologies, or cultural trends." "Parents are the first and most important voice in shaping their child's understanding of identity." Closing CTA: If this conversation resonated with you, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend or parent who might need encouragement today. Together, we can equip families with the truth and confidence to navigate these important conversations!

In the first of two eye-opening episodes of The InFormed Parent Podcast, host Suzanne Phillips sits down with Jenna Parker, a 25-year-old young professional who walked through gender transition and later detransitioned in her early twenties. Jenna bravely shares her powerful and deeply personal story, shedding light on gender ideology, the cultural pressures surrounding it, and the emotional and psychological aspects of transitioning. With honesty and compassion, Jenna offers insights for parents and young people navigating this topic and provides invaluable advice for fostering a healthy, identity-rooted foundation in truth. Episode Highlights: Jenna's personal story: Her journey through gender transition and detransition.Understanding the influence of gender ideology and its rapid rise in youth culture. Key factors that make young people susceptible to gender confusion. Breaking down important terminology: derealization, depersonalization, dead naming, God complex. Exploring the connections between gender ideology and the occult. Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📖 Free Beacon Parent Tools to Support Healthy Identity in Your Kids → [Link] 🎙️ Hear More Resources and Conversations on Identity in Season 2 → [Link] 📚 Shop Beacon Parent's Recommended Book List → [Link] 💡 Join the Conversation: Follow Suzanne and Beacon Parent for more insights and encouragement. Instagram: @suzannephillips_ | @beacon_parent Facebook: Beacon Parent Featured Resource Section: Healthy Identity & Biblical Truth for Parents Equipping parents with the tools and wisdom to navigate identity confusion and lead their children with confidence. Access resources → [Link] Quotes or Scriptures Mentioned: "True identity is found in Christ, not in labels, ideologies, or cultural trends." "Parents are the first and most important voice in shaping their child's understanding of identity." Closing CTA: If this conversation resonated with you, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend or parent who might need encouragement today. Together, we can equip families with the truth and confidence to navigate these important conversations!

In part two of this two-part episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, Suzanne Phillips sits down with Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc., to explore the foundational concept of identity through the lens of core needs. Together, they tackle some of today's most pressing challenges for parents and children, from understanding emotional identity to fostering security and resilience in the face of confusion. With insights drawn from her decades of work in educational psychology, Dr. Kathy shares actionable strategies to help parents build a strong identity foundation for their children—and themselves. Episode Highlights Understanding the five core needs outlined in Dr. Kathy's book, 5 to Thrive. How identity shapes the way children navigate difficult conversations about race, gender, and belonging. The impact of insecurity on children's vulnerability to identity confusion. The dangers of emotionalism and how to develop resilience in children. Encouragement for parents facing their own identity crises in today's challenging cultural climate. Practical strategies for building security and fostering belonging in your family.. Call-to-Action 📖 Discover Dr. Kathy's Resources: Learn more about her books, podcasts, and tools at www.CelebrateKids.com. 🎙️ Tune into Dr. Kathy's Podcasts: Celebrate Kids with Dr. Kathy 💡 Join the Conversation: Follow Suzanne and Dr. Kathy for updates and encouragement. Instagram: @suzannephillips_, @kathy_koch__ Facebook: Beacon Parent Featured Resource Section Dr. Kathy's Book: 5 to Thrive Discover how to meet your child's core needs to build security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence. Get your copy → [Link] 💡 Join the Conversation: Follow Suzanne for updates, resources, and encouragement. Instagram: @suzannephillips_ Facebook: Beacon Parent Featured Resource Section Charting Your Family's Future Explore Suzanne's step-by-step course to create your family's vision, mission, and values for purposeful parenting. Learn more. Quotes or Scriptures Mentioned "Insecurity is the foundation of identity confusion. Building security is critical to raising confident, resilient children." – Dr. Kathy Koch "We are made in God's image, not for confusion but for clarity and purpose." Subscribe and Share Enjoying The InFormed Parent Podcast? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who might need encouragement today. Let's work together to equip parents and inspire families for a brighter future!

In part one of this two-part episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, Suzanne Phillips sits down with Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc., to explore the foundational concept of identity through the lens of core needs. Together, they tackle some of today's most pressing challenges for parents and children, from understanding emotional identity to fostering security and resilience in the face of confusion. With insights drawn from her decades of work in educational psychology, Dr. Kathy shares actionable strategies to help parents build a strong identity foundation for their children—and themselves. Episode Highlights Understanding the five core needs outlined in Dr. Kathy's book, 5 to Thrive. How identity shapes the way children navigate difficult conversations about race, gender, and belonging. The impact of insecurity on children's vulnerability to identity confusion. The dangers of emotionalism and how to develop resilience in children. Encouragement for parents facing their own identity crises in today's challenging cultural climate. Practical strategies for building security and fostering belonging in your family.. Call-to-Action 📖 Discover Dr. Kathy's Resources: Learn more about her books, podcasts, and tools at www.CelebrateKids.com. 🎙️ Tune into Dr. Kathy's Podcasts: Celebrate Kids with Dr. Kathy 💡 Join the Conversation: Follow Suzanne and Dr. Kathy for updates and encouragement. Instagram: @suzannephillips_, @kathy_koch__ Facebook: Beacon Parent Featured Resource Section Dr. Kathy's Book: 5 to Thrive Discover how to meet your child's core needs to build security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence. Get your copy → [Link] 💡 Join the Conversation: Follow Suzanne for updates, resources, and encouragement. Instagram: @suzannephillips_ Facebook: Beacon Parent Featured Resource Section Charting Your Family's Future Explore Suzanne's step-by-step course to create your family's vision, mission, and values for purposeful parenting. Learn more. Quotes or Scriptures Mentioned "Insecurity is the foundation of identity confusion. Building security is critical to raising confident, resilient children." – Dr. Kathy Koch "We are made in God's image, not for confusion but for clarity and purpose." Subscribe and Share Enjoying The InFormed Parent Podcast? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who might need encouragement today. Let's work together to equip parents and inspire families for a brighter future!

Welcome to Season 4 of The InFormed Parent Podcast! This season takes a fresh approach, diving into the vital topic of identity. Host Suzanne Phillips reflects on her personal testimony, a recent eye-opening experience with her church youth group, and the identity crisis facing today's culture. Suzanne sheds light on how mistaken identity impacts both parents and children, setting the stage for this season's exploration of God's design for identity and family. Episode Highlights: Suzanne's powerful testimony and how it shaped her identity. The cultural and spiritual identity crisis facing youth today. Thought-provoking Q&A with youth on abortion, purpose, and relationships. Understanding identity through a biblical lens: "Who does God say we are?" Why mistaken identity leads to confusion, anxiety, and brokenness. Practical steps for parents to instill God-given identity in their children. Quotes or Scriptures Mentioned: "You are exactly who God says you are, no more, no less." "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6 Featured Resource: Charting Your Family's Future Explore Suzanne's step-by-step course to create your family's vision, mission, and values for purposeful parenting. Learn more. Call-to-Action: 📖 Download the Free Parenting Guide: 10 Daily Habits for Intentional Parenting 🎙 Listen to Past Episodes: Catch up on Seasons 1-3 for actionable advice 💡Join the Conversation: Follow Suzanne for updates, resources, and encouragement. Instagram: @suzannephillips_ Facebook: Beacon Parent ↗️ Loving the new season of The InFormed Parent Podcast? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend who might need encouragement today. Let's build a community of intentional, informed parents! THINQ Resources Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Apply the THINQ Framework as you think through cultural topics. Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: Participate in Let's Talk Tech Detox. Bring the 28-Day Digital Fast to your family, workplace, or church. Sign up for THINQ Summit 2025 October 2-4 in Nashville, TN. More from the THINQ Podcast Network: Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons NextUp with Grant Skeldon NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson

In this episode, Suzanne dives into an exciting and forward-thinking conversation about innovation in education with entrepreneur and business owner Russell Gray. After nearly 20 years as co-host of The Real Estate Guys™ Radio Show, he became CEO of Collective Inner Circle, co-founder and CEO of Syndication Mentoring Club, and founder and host of Main Street Investor Mentoring Club. Russel explores how parents can play a pivotal role in fostering innovation for their children. They discuss the importance of out-of-the-box thinking, the future of education, and how ideas shaped by personal experiences can impact the next generation. Listen in for an inspiring discussion that blends entrepreneurship, creativity, and a vision for empowering families through education. . . . . Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, parenting and leadership coach, and podcast host with THINQ Media. With a deep passion for discipleship and intentional legacy, Suzanne has founded two hybrid schools and Beacon Parent, a national ministry with a mission to educate, equip and empower parents to live out God's design for family by shedding light on current culture and education through a biblical worldview. . . . . . GET GROUNDED In all topics we discuss we want to be rooted and grounded in TRUTH. Let's consider and walk in the truth of  2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either today.  . . . . . GET GOING Get involved and become a part of The Raising Capitalist project Volunteer to mentor Fund opportunities for the next-gen Become a next-gen Main Street Capitalist Charting Your Family's Future! Suzanne will help you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy by identifying your family identity statement, vision, mission, and core values. . . . . . GET CONNECTED @russellwgrey https://thembeforeus.com/   WEBSITE  suzannephillips.net beaconparent.com thinqmedia.com INSTAGRAM  @SuzannePhillips_ @Beacon_Parent @Thinq_Media FACEBOOK Suzanne Phillip's Page  

In this episode of The Informed Parent, Suzanne talks with Brett Pike, founder of Classical Learner. They discuss how parents can choose alternative education to enhance their children's growth and development. Brett unpacks insights on going from traditional teaching to creating comprehensive homeschooling platforms for parents. He explains how he has drawn inspiration from classical education, Charlotte Mason, and Montessori philosophies in order to equip children with the best tools to analyze and engage the world around them. Listen in as he shares how to overcome the challenges of homeschooling, how to access practical resources and guidance, and how to create an intentional legacy for your children. . . . . Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, parenting and leadership coach, and podcast host with THINQ Media. With a deep passion for discipleship and intentional legacy, Suzanne has founded two hybrid schools and Beacon Parent, a national ministry with a mission to educate, equip and empower parents to live out God's design for family by shedding light on current culture and education through a biblical worldview.  . . . . . GET GROUNDED Proverbs 1:8-9 - "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck."   . . . . . GET GOING Use Classical Learner resources and learn to teach your kids with confidence. Purchase the Cubs to Bears Series. Charting Your Family's Future! Suzanne will help you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy by identifying your family identity statement, vision, mission, and core values. More from the THINQ Podcast Network: THINQ Media Podcast with Gabe Lyons Rhythms for Life with Gabe and Rebekah Lyons NextUp with Grant Skeldon NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: Sign up for THINQ Summit 2025 in Nashville, TN, Oct. 2-4. . . . . . GET CONNECTED Tik Tok: CubsToBears Facebook: ClassicalLearner  Twitter: ClassicLearner Gab: Classical Learner www.ClassicalLearner.com YouTube: Classical Learner / Homeschools Connected WEBSITE  suzannephillips.net beaconparent.com thinqmedia.com INSTAGRAM  @SuzannePhillips_ @Beacon_Parent @Thinq_Media FACEBOOK Suzanne Phillip's Page

In this episode of the InFormed Parent, Suzanne speaks with Lance Lang, the founder of Hope is Alive Ministries. They discuss his journey to overcome addiction and his work to support individuals affected by addiction. Lance shares his personal experience with drug addiction and emphasizes that addiction often masks deeper issues. He explains that achieving sustainable recovery necessitates a holistic approach that includes healing core emotional wounds, life skills training, community support, financial stability, and restoring family relationships. Join them as they discuss current trends, noting a rise in severe anxiety among young adults without substance use, which Lance believes could lead to addiction if not addressed properly. He encourages parents to have open discussions about mental health and addiction, model healthy behaviors, and remain vigilant for signs of addiction. . . . . Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, parenting and leadership coach, and podcast host with THINQ Media. With a deep passion for discipleship and intentional legacy, Suzanne has founded two hybrid schools and Beacon Parent, a national ministry with a mission to educate, equip and empower parents to live out God's design for family by shedding light on current culture and education through a biblical worldview.  . . . . . GET GROUNDED Romans 15:13 - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Hebrews 10:23 - "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." . . . . . GET GOING Share Hope is Alive with a friend or family member, and Invite your church to partner with Hope Is Alive. Check out more from Lance, including his book, Hope is Alive: One Addict's Story of Hope. Charting Your Family's Future! Suzanne will help you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy by identifying your family identity statement, vision, mission, and core values. . . . . . GET CONNECTED @lancelang @hopeisalive https://hopeisalive.net/   WEBSITE  suzannephillips.net beaconparent.com thinqmedia.com INSTAGRAM  @SuzannePhillips_ @Beacon_Parent @Thinq_Media FACEBOOK Suzanne Phillip's Page

In this week's episode of The Informed Parent, Suzanne speaks with Robert Enlow, the President and CEO of EdChoice, a prominent advocate for educational choice in the United States. Robert explains the various school options available, such as traditional public schools, charter schools, private schools using vouchers, and micro-schools. He discusses how school choice empowers families by providing access to different types of educational institutions and programs, which can vary significantly from state to state and often involve complex legislation. Listen in as Suzanne and Robert empower you to make the right educational choice for your children. . . . . Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, parenting and leadership coach, and podcast host with THINQ Media. With a deep passion for discipleship and intentional legacy, Suzanne has founded two hybrid schools and Beacon Parent, a national ministry with a mission to educate, equip and empower parents to live out God's design for family by shedding light on current culture and education through a biblical worldview. . . . . . GET GROUNDED James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." . . . . . GET GOING Learn about educational freedom for your family and the different schooling options in your state using EdChoice resources. Charting Your Family's Future! Suzanne will help you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy by identifying your family identity statement, vision, mission, and core values. . . . . . GET CONNECTED @edchoice (IG)  https://www.edchoice.org/ WEBSITE  suzannephillips.net beaconparent.com thinqmedia.com INSTAGRAM  @SuzannePhillips_ @Beacon_Parent @Thinq_Media FACEBOOK Suzanne Phillip's Page

In this episode, Suzanne chats with Emily Jones, Founder and CEO of Home Tribe, about solutions for those interested in alternative education. Emily shares her journey into homeschooling and alternative education. Living in a progressive area, she faced challenges with medical and educational mandates, which led her to seek out alternatives. This prompted her to create Home Tribe, a digital marketplace that offers a variety of educational resources, including online learning, group experiences, and physical educational materials. Listen in and get encouragement as you explore new educational opportunities like apprenticeships and alternative education models that emphasize critical thinking and real-world skills. . . . . Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, parenting and leadership coach, and podcast host with THINQ Media. With a deep passion for discipleship and intentional legacy, Suzanne has founded two hybrid schools and Beacon Parent, a national ministry with a mission to educate, equip and empower parents to live out God's design for family by shedding light on current culture and education through a biblical worldview. . . . . . GET GROUNDED Galatians 6:2 - "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." . . . . . GET GOING If you're a teacher, parent, or have an educational product or resource to share, check out Home Tribe for all kinds of educational options to suit your needs! Charting Your Family's Future! Suzanne will help you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy by identifying your family identity statement, vision, mission, and core values. . . . . . GET CONNECTED @hometribecom (IG) https://www.hometribe.com/ WEBSITE  suzannephillips.net beaconparent.com thinqmedia.com INSTAGRAM  @SuzannePhillips_ @Beacon_Parent @Thinq_Media FACEBOOK Suzanne Phillip's Page

In this episode, Suzanne interviews international journalist, educator, and author Alex Newman. They discuss the current state of education and trace its roots back to socialist and secular ideals. Alex shares his views that the education system is broken and designed to undermine family values, faith, and critical thinking. He argues that government schools have progressively deteriorated over time. Newman warns about the dangers of government control, highlighting how educational systems may indoctrinate children away from religious principles. Tune in as they encourage parents to take charge of their children's education, challenge the existing system, and consider homeschooling or alternative education models to avoid the systemic issues present in public schooling. . . . . Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, parenting and leadership coach, and podcast host with THINQ Media. With a deep passion for discipleship and intentional legacy, Suzanne has founded two hybrid schools and Beacon Parent, a national ministry with a mission to educate, equip and empower parents to live out God's design for family by shedding light on current culture and education through a biblical worldview. . . . . . GET GROUNDED Ephesians 6:4 - "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Proverbs 22:6 - "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." . . . . . GET GOING Follow The Liberty Sentinel - access their website and share their influx of resources. Check out the new documentary Beneath Sheep's Clothing, where Alex is featured. Grab Alex's newest book, Indoctrinating Our Children to Death: Government School's War on Faith, Family and Freedom - and How to Stop It. Charting Your Family's Future! Suzanne will help you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy by identifying your family identity statement, vision, mission, and core values. . . . . . GET CONNECTED Twitter: @alexnewman_ YouTube: Liberty Sentinel Facebook: Liberty Sentinel WEBSITE  suzannephillips.net beaconparent.com thinqmedia.com INSTAGRAM  @SuzannePhillips_ @Beacon_Parent @Thinq_Media FACEBOOK Suzanne Phillip's Page

In this episode, Suzanne talks with Amy Bohn, President of PERK Freedom (Protection of the Educational Rights of Kids). They discuss Amy's journey from being a stay-at-home mom to leading an impactful organization that advocates against restrictive government policies affecting children's rights, family autonomy, and education, particularly in California. Amy shares about the culture shock she experienced moving from Arkansas to California, due to California's extreme policies on education. In response, she founded PERK, which has been successful in fighting against legislation that infringes on parental and children's rights, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen in as they share how policies passed in California often influence other states and how you can fight to defend your children's fundamental rights in your own states. . . . . Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, parenting and leadership coach, and podcast host with THINQ Media. With a deep passion for discipleship and intentional legacy, Suzanne has founded two hybrid schools and Beacon Parent, a national ministry with a mission to educate, equip and empower parents to live out God's design for family by shedding light on current culture and education through a biblical worldview.  . . . . . GET GROUNDED Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." . . . . . GET GOING Visit and access PERKs parent resource guide If you are advocating within your state, reach out to PERK and use their resources to support your efforts. Follow California to watch for trends that will likely impact your state in future.  Charting Your Family's Future! Suzanne will help you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy by identifying your family identity statement, vision, mission, and core values. . . . . . GET CONNECTED X (Twitter): PERK_GROUP Instagram: @perk_group https://www.perk-group.com/   WEBSITE  suzannephillips.net beaconparent.com thinqmedia.com   INSTAGRAM  @SuzannePhillips_ @Beacon_Parent @Thinq_Media FACEBOOK Suzanne Phillip's Page

In this episode, Suzanne sits down with Grant Skeldon to discuss all things next gen. Grant shares about his work as THINQ's Next Gen Director—what trends he's seeing among young leaders across the country and what the older generation needs to know about communicating and connecting with Gen Z and Millennials. Plus, they dig into something they're both particularly passionate about: discipleship. Listen in to hear their take on reaching and raising high capacity leaders.  . . . . Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, parenting and leadership coach, and podcast host with THINQ Media. With a deep passion for discipleship and intentional legacy, Suzanne has founded two hybrid schools and Beacon Parent, a national ministry with a mission to educate, equip and empower parents to live out God's design for family by shedding light on current culture and education through a biblical worldview. . . . . . GET GROUNDED 2 Timothy 2:2 - "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." . . . . . GET GOING Attend THINQ's Next Gen Summit in November 8-9, 2024. Charting Your Family's Future! Suzanne will help you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy by identifying your family identity statement, vision, mission, and core values. . . . . . GET CONNECTED Follow Grant's work and book him to speak. @grantskeldon WEBSITE  suzannephillips.net beaconparent.com thinqmedia.com INSTAGRAM  @SuzannePhillips_ @Beacon_Parent @Thinq_Media FACEBOOK Suzanne Phillip's Page

In this episode, Suzanne has an important conversation with Britt Parramore, a licensed therapist and the Clinical Director of PathLight Counseling, Behavioral Health, and Treatment Services. Together they shine a light on the current landscape of drugs, specifically marijuana, and how it's severely impacting teen mental health. Britt explains how the THC in today's marijuana is extraordinarily potent and not the "recreational" drug our culture maintains. He outlines how THC's potency has tripled and is causing psychotic disorders and diseases like schizophrenia in teens. It's also causing higher suicide rates. Tune in to hear Britt share his personal story and an urgent message to parents on the destructive effects of marijuana. . . . . . Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, parenting and leadership coach, and podcast host with THINQ Media. With a deep passion for discipleship and intentional legacy, Suzanne has founded two hybrid schools and Beacon Parent, a national ministry with a mission to educate, equip and empower parents to live out God's design for family by shedding light on current culture and education through a biblical worldview. . . . . . GET GROUNDED Ephesians 5:15-16 - "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." . . . . . GET GOING Stay engaged as parents and caregivers. Lean in and ask direct questions with care and compassion and have honest conversations with young people. Ask Britt to speak at your event or church. Share PathLight services with anyone in need throughout Georgia. Charting Your Family's Future! Suzanne will help you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy by identifying your family identity statement, vision, mission, and core values. . . . . . GET CONNECTED www.pathlightga.com Georgians For Responsible Marijuana Policy WEBSITE  suzannephillips.net beaconparent.com thinqmedia.com INSTAGRAM  @SuzannePhillips_ @Beacon_Parent @Thinq_Media FACEBOOK Suzanne Phillip's Page  

If you're a parent with a child about to graduate from high school and considering college, you'll want to listen to this episode with Connor Champion, the President of Austin Christian University. Connor has a wealth of experience, from cognitive performance and leadership to coaching college football. Listen in as Connor explains how he is now using his expertise to lead a new kind of university that prepares students for business leadership, grounded in a biblical worldview. ACU regularly hosts top Christian executives from companies like Nike, Apple, and Chick-fil-A, giving students exposure to both timeless wisdom and cutting-edge practical insights. . . . . Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, parenting and leadership coach, and podcast host with THINQ Media. With a deep passion for discipleship and intentional legacy, Suzanne has founded two hybrid schools and Beacon Parent, a national ministry with a mission to educate, equip and empower parents to live out God's design for family by shedding light on current culture and education through a biblical worldview.  . . . . . GET GROUNDED 1 Timothy 4:12 - "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." . . . . . GET GOING Follow, share and support Austin Christian University as an innovative and biblical college opportunity. Consider visiting ACU and applying. Charting Your Family's Future! Suzanne will help you parent with purpose, disciple with direction, and leave an intentional legacy by identifying your family identity statement, vision, mission, and core values. . . . . . GET CONNECTED @austinchristianuniversity (IG)  @connorchampion (IG) https://www.austinchristianuniversity.org/   WEBSITE  suzannephillips.net beaconparent.com thinqmedia.com INSTAGRAM  @SuzannePhillips_ @Beacon_Parent @Thinq_Media FACEBOOK Suzanne Phillip's Page