Shows
Parents Take FiveEpisode 144 - Getting to Know a hospital ChaplainJen is starting a new series with Eric Nolin, a former hospital chaplain, to talk about death and grief. This conversation started after Jen read Eric's Presbyterian Outlook article, My death and resurrection as a chaplain.
Eric Nolin, M.Div., is a recent graduate from Fuller Theological Seminary, where he took a special interest in studying grief, pastoral care, and the resiliency of the human spirit. When he's not reading or writing, you'll find him running, climbing, or exploring new restaurants with his wife.
2023-04-1510 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 134 - Domestic AbuseJen is beginning a conversation with Rev. Gen about domestic abuse. This is the first of a few episodes that Jen will have with Rev. Gen. For more information about Gen visit https://www.hoperisethrive.com/ for more resources. You can also go to https://www.thehotline.org/ for help and resources.
2022-11-1510 min
Small Business Boot Camp PodcastFinding Your Strengths (with Kim Tudor, Controller)Send us a textThis is Episode #7 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast! Jen and Megan talk with Kim Tudor, Kids First's Controller about our Top 5 Strengths! The Clifton Strengths Gallup Assessment is a personality and strengths assessment used by many organizations today. We break down Kim, Jen and Megan's top 5 strengths and how they relate to our roles at Kids First!To learn more about the Clifton StrengthsFinder, click here. Podcast Audio is also available on:+ Spotify+ Apple Podcasts+ Google Podcasts For more information about...2022-03-1032 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 108 - Memories and Growing ForwardIt's the 3 year anniversary of Parents Take Five and in this episode Jen takes a walk down memory lane.
"I have learned so much from listeners, guests, and the many parents and church workers that I’ve met as a result. It offers a place to be authentic by sharing my own parenting struggles as we attempt to model faithful discipleship." -Rev. Jen Evans
2022-02-2538 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 105 - Let’s Set the Bar LowThis week Jen has guest Brian Wallace with her. Brian is the primary presbytery staff liaison for congregations in the North Branch and East Branch of the Pittsburgh Presbytery, Administrative Commission for Transformation, Commission on Preparation for Ministry, New Worshiping Communities Commission, and Next Generation Ministry Team, as well as overseeing areas of children & youth ministries. He's here to talk about continuing to parent through this pandemic.
2022-01-2510 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 104 - The Grace, Tell, Love EffectJen is back this week and is talking about deepening relationships with those we love. It is hard but can truly be worth the work.
2022-01-1609 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 103 - GriefIn this episode Sarah Grace Montgomery and Rich Evans (Jen's partner) fill in. Jen experienced a sudden loss. Her father passed away over the Christmas holiday and so Sarah Grace and Rich discuss grief and a few resources for kids and adults alike who may also be experiencing a loss.
Resources discussed in this episode:
The Next Place by Warren Hanson
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
2022-01-0509 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 102 - Season of Advent - JoyThis week we have the last in our advent series. Jen and guest Sarah Grace Montgomery talk about where they find Joy is this advent season.
2021-12-2310 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 101 - Season of Advent - LoveIn the third in the series, guest Sarah Grace Montgomery and Jen discuss Love in the series on Advent. Let's light the Love candle.
2021-12-1509 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 100 - Season of Advent - PeaceIn this weeks episode, Sarah Grace Montgomery is back with Jen to continue the series on Advent. This week they are discussing Peace.
2021-12-0511 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 99 - Season of Advent - HopeThis week Jen has a series guest joining her. Welcome Sarah Grace Montgomery to the first in a series on Advent. We begin with HOPE.
2021-11-2510 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 98 - The Problem with YellingJen discusses 3 types of yelling she notices and the perception and feelings of others when they are being yelled at.
2021-11-1508 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 97 - The Power of ParentshipsIn this episode Jen discusses what she calls 'Parentships' and why she believes they are something every parent should have.
2021-11-0508 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 96 - Thomas Lynch - Unconditional LoveIn this episode Jen continues her conversation with Thomas Lynch. This week he has a word of gratitude and has a good reminder for parents.
2021-10-2506 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 95 - Judgment, Worth & ShameIn today's episode Jen reminds us that our worth is in God and that we need to kick judgment and shame to the curb.
2021-10-1506 minParents Take FiveEpisode 94 - Team Parenting with Thomas LynchIn today's episode, Jen welomes one of her former youth, Thomas Lynch! Thomas is a 26 year old living in Greenville, South Carolina and he chats with Jen about the things his parents passed down to him and what made their brand of parenting particularly special.
2021-10-0509 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 93 - Sabbath & WorthToday, Jen comes to us on the heels of a conference for ministers that offers them a chance to cultivate wholeness and rest for themselves as a way to better serve their churches. Coming out of that space, she offers some insight she's had through the words of Katy Stenta about how Jesus rested and continues to encourage us to rest.
If you'd like to read more of Katy's work, you can check her out at https://katyandtheword.com
2021-09-2509 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 92 - Trust with CeCe ArmstrongToday, Jen welcomes Rev. CeCe Armstrong from St. James Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC. CeCe shares the way her own faith has intersected with her decisions around keeping children safe and heatlhy during this back-to-school time. While everyone is absolutely entitled to their own opinions, CeCe's view rests in trust and, specifically, her trust in God.
2021-09-1511 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 91- Prayer for AfghanistanToday, Jen takes a different route and shares a hymn-prayer with us. The Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, a Presbyterian hymn-writer and the parish associate at First Presbyterian Union Church in Owego, New York, has written new lyrics to an old hymn for the people of Afghanistan. This hymn-prayer is sung to you today with extra verses written and added by Leigh Thomas Brown from North Carolina.2021-09-0506 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 91- Prayer for AfghanistanToday, Jen takes a different route and shares a hymn-prayer with us. The Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, a Presbyterian hymn-writer and the parish associate at First Presbyterian Union Church in Owego, New York, has written new lyrics to an old hymn for the people of Afghanistan. This hymn-prayer is sung to you today with extra verses written and added by Leigh Thomas Brown from North Carolina.
2021-09-0506 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 90 - Responding to the PainToday, Jen talks about how, historically, some voices of faith have used their words, actions, and even the Bible to cause pain. Thinking on this history, she offers a time of reflection for us to consider how our words and actions may be unknowingly affecting those around us.
2021-08-2609 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 89 - Being A Dad with Court MichaelIn today's episode, Jen sits down for a conversation with Court Michael. Court is a member of Second Presbyterian Church and a dad to three little ones. Jen is always in awe of Court's parenting skills and took the time today to talk with Court about what motivates him to be the best dad he can be and some of the ways he builds trust and honesty into the relationship he has with his kiddos.
2021-08-1614 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 88 - AuthenticityIn today's episode, Jen welcomes special guests "Joseph" and "John" talk about authenticity and the support we need to stay authentic to others and to ourselves.
2021-08-0609 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 87 - The Transformative Faith of a 4-Year-OldToday, Jen recounts watching a child's conversation with an adult at a conference she attended recently. Watching this child's joy, wonder, love, and faith had thinking more and more about what our children can teach us too.
2021-07-2607 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 86 - Developmental Stages with Dr. TinaToday's episode is part two to Jen and Dr. Tina's conversation on sex and sexuality. We're going back to children with this episode and discussing the "100 one minute conversations" parents need to be having with their kids as they grow into their bodies and this world. To learn more about Dr. Tina, check out the bio in Episode 85 or find her at https://www.tinaschermersellers.com.
2021-07-1508 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 85 - Redefining Sex & Sexuality with Dr. TinaDr. Tina Schermer Sellers (a PhD in Clinical Sexology, an M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy, a B.S. in Education, a certified Sex Therapist and Sex Therapy Supervisor, as well as being a speaker, author, mother, and wife) wears a LOT of hats! In this episode, Dr. Tina and Jen talk openly about one thing parents often have a hard time talking about…their own sex lives. They ask if you and your partner are talking about what sex is worth having? Are you having connection and pleasure when you come together? What does sex look like for yo...2021-07-0610 min
Parents Take FiveEpisode 82 - Sexuality SeriesToday, Jen introduces the sexuality series Parents Take Five will be covering over the next few episodes. Jen will bring a few different people on who are going to talk us through how sexuality, faith, and family intersect throughout different stages of our kiddo's development. These episodes will include language that you may not be comfortable with your children hearing so please be aware of that if you often listen with your little ones.
2021-06-0609 minParents Take FiveEpisode 81 - Acknowledging Trauma in Kids with Greg Allen-PickettGreg Allen-Pickett serves as the senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Hastings, Nebraska. Greg has an amazing partner in ministry in his wife, Jessica, and a gregarious and compassionate daughter in elementary school. They are loving life in central Nebraska with their ridiculous beagador dog named Luna.Today, Greg and Jen talk about ways we can acknowledge trauma and big emotions in our kids. He talks through some of the ways he and his daughter have processed his father's death together and how that's helped them both grieve in a healthy way.
2021-05-2610 minParents Take FiveEpisode 80 - FearToday, Jen sits in a bit of vulnerability. We all experience fear. Fear of not being good enough, smart enough, not doing things right. And, while we teach our kiddos they're good and smart and enough, sometimes we can forget what Scripture says to us adults about it as well.
2021-05-1506 minParents Take FiveEpisode 79 - Talking to Kids About God with Paul PastorPaul J. Pastor is a writer, editor, and wilderness lover who lives in the woods near Portland, OR with his wife and three kids. His award-winning writing on Christian spirituality is widely recognized for its beauty and insight. He loves good questions (especially ones about God), big stories, and the holy wonder of living.
There's a possibility that you got to hear a little bit of the behind-the-scenes moments from Paul and Jen's conversation last week. This week is the actual conversation that's here to help you take steps towards having real conversations about God with your...2021-05-0611 minParents Take FiveEpisode 78 - Staring or CaringToday, Jen tells a story of a recent flight she was on and a struggling mom and son. This story, like so many that happen every day around us, reminded her of something the Bible tries to teach us about truly caring for those around us.
2021-04-1607 minParents Take FiveEpisode 77 - Watering the Grass with Jerusalem GreerToday's episode is part two of Jen's conversation with Jerusalem Greer. To see more about Jerusalem and her life, check out episode 76, "Happiness vs. Wholeness with Jerusalem Greer".
2021-04-0611 minParents Take FiveEpisode 76 - Happiness vs. Wholeness with Jerusalem GreerIn today's episode, Jen welcomes author, parent who's survived those kiddo and teen years, and Episcopal minister, Jerusalem Greer. Jerusalem provides some golden nuggets in this episode so make sure to turn that volume up! She reminds us that, while this pandemic is harsh, "generations upon generations upon generations have weathered worse" and we can do hard things. There are things we can't (and maybe shouldn't) get our kids out of but that doesn't make us bad parents. That makes us more concerned about their wholeness than their happiness.
2021-03-2509 minSmall Business Boot Camp PodcastCasey Campbell - Most Veteran DL & Our Largest ProgramSend us a textThis is Episode #6 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast! Jen and Megan talk with Casey Campbell, Kids First's most veteran Department Leader and the leader of our largest Kids First program. Casey runs our Tumble Bees preschool gymnastics program whose peak enrollment is 1600-1700 students weekly. We talk with Casey about our decentralized organizational structure, her personal mentors and how growth and innovation have impacted her time at Kids First on this episode of the Small Business Boot Camp podcast!Podcast Audio is also available on:+ Spotify+...2021-03-1546 minParents Take FiveEpisode 75 - International Women's Month with GigiOn today's episode we recognize International Women's Month with a conversation between Jen and her Gigi! This is such a special episode for Jen as she gets to talk parenting with one of the people who spent a ton of time helping to parent her growing up.
2021-03-1513 minSmall Business Boot Camp PodcastReece O'Hara - Kids First's Newest Department LeaderSend us a textThis is Episode #5 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast! Jen and Megan talk with Reece O'Hara, Kids First's newest Department Leader. Reece runs our Fly Kids Ninja & Parkour Academy which has quickly grown to 300 students in 8 months and began a competitive ninja team in January 2021. We talk about our culture, hiring practices, and more on this episode of the Small Business Boot Camp podcast!Podcast Audio is also available on:+ Spotify+ Apple Podcasts+ Google Podcasts For more information about the Small Business Boot Camp...2021-03-0839 minParents Take FiveEpisode 74 - Hands-On Faith Parenting with Joelle Brummit-YaleIn today's episode, Joelle Brummit-Yale joins Jen to talk about some of the more artistic resources she's making available to parents. These resources help parents find hands-on ways to get Bible stories into their kid's weekly lives. They also talk about the importance of a good children's Bible.
2021-03-0611 minParents Take FiveEpisode 73 - Two Years of Parents Take FiveHappy anniversary to Parents Take Five! It's been two whole years, 730 days, of editing podcasts, talking to guests, belly laughs, and deep recognition of our mistakes. Jen cannot thank you all enough for your support in this community so, as a token of her appreciation, here's a look back at some of the best moments and bloopers of the past two years.
Make sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode for a surprise addition that even our host, Rev. Jen, didn't know about.
2021-02-2537 minSmall Business Boot Camp PodcastJeff Metzger (Part 3 of 3) - Retirement and Moving Forward without PresidentSend us a textThis is Episode #4 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast! Jen and Megan talk with Jeff Metzger, Founder of Metzger Gym Club Owners Boot Camp and Kids First Sports Center. This is the final part of a three part series with Jeff focused on the history of Kids First and Boot Camp, succession planning and carrying out an exit strategy as well as retirement and what life at Kids First is like without our 47 year President/Owner at the helm. Podcast Audio is also available on:+ Spotify+ Apple...2021-02-2340 minSmall Business Boot Camp PodcastJeff Metzger (Part 2 of 3) - Succession Planning and Building Your Exit Strategy from your BusinessSend us a textThis is Episode #3 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast! Jen and Megan talk with Jeff Metzger, Founder of Metzger Gym Club Owners Boot Camp and Kids First Sports Center. In this part 2 of a 3 part series, we cover succession planning and building your exit strategy from your business. Episode #4 will be Jeff talking about retirement for Jeff and what that looks like as well as how Kids First is faring without their 47 leader at the helm.Podcast Audio is also available on:+ Spotify+ Apple Podcasts2021-02-2345 minSmall Business Boot Camp PodcastJeff Metzger (Part 1 of 3) - History of Kids First and Boot CampSend us a textThis is Episode #2 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast! Jen and Megan talk with Jeff Metzger, Founder of Metzger Gym Club Owners Boot Camp and Kids First Sports Center. In this podcast, we cover more historical information about the humble beginnings of Kids First Sports Center and how Boot Camp came to be! This is part 1 of a 2 part interview with Jeff!Episode #3 will be Jeff talking about succession planning and your business exit strategy as well as what 'retirement' looks like for Jeff!Podcast Audio is...2021-02-1945 minParents Take FiveEpisode 72 - Holy Ordinary Time with Jocelyn WildhackDue to the once-in-a-few-decades weather that Central Arkansas has been experiencing this week, we took a day to spend time out in the snow with our families and make sure our heaters weren't rattling in their boots.
In today's episode, Jen joins Ferncliff's Chaplain and Camp Director Jocelyn Wildhack to talk about the resources Ferncliff has been offering families so that overworked, pandemic-era parents aren't carrying the brunt of faith formation and entertainment of their kiddos all by themselves. Jocelyn spends her time at work sending worshippers on scavenger hunts, fills hundreds of boxes with sparkly pipe c...2021-02-1611 minParents Take FiveEpisode 71 - InterruptionsLife comes with a lot of interruptions. Interruptions as momentary and harmless as a kiddo who keeps asking what's for dinner in the middle of a grown-up conversation to interruptions as long-lasting and deeply impactful as the onset of an illness. In today's episode, Jen reminds us that scripture is full of these interruptions and gives us a deep hope in the midst of them.
2021-02-0506 minParents Take FiveEpisode 70 - The Joy of Play with Coach Ryan Pt. 2Ryan Stallings (a.k.a. Coach Ryan) has been coaching youth sports for the past fifteen years, ranging from flag football and baseball to basketball and soccer. For more information on Ryan's background, check out the bio of Episode 69 or go to our website: www.parentstakefive.com
In this second part to Coach Ryan and Rev. Jen's conversation, Ryan talks about ways he keeps the parents and players in a positive mindset and how he uses critical thinking to help his young players always look for growth.
*This episode was recorded before COVID-19 hit home for...2021-01-2506 minSmall Business Boot Camp PodcastPodcast Introduction!Send us a textThis is Episode #1 of the Small Business Boot Camp Podcast! Woohoo! Jen and Megan talk about Metzger Boot Camp, their roles at Kids First Sports Center and the future of this podcast! 2021-01-2115 min