Shows
Carpool ConversationsNavigating Blended Family Challenges with Ron DealDid you know that over 35% of Americans today have a step-relationship? Blended families are more common than ever—and with them come unique dynamics that can be both beautiful and complex.In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Ron Deal, one of the nation’s leading experts on stepfamilies, to talk about how parents can lead with grace, patience, and understanding in blended family dynamics. Ron shares powerful metaphors, like his famous "crock-pot" analogy, to explain why these families need time—not pressure—to thrive. He also unpacks common challenges, offers practical tools for step-parents, and give...2025-07-0251 min
Carpool ConversationsHelping Kids Develop Big Hearts & Calm MindsParenting today can feel more challenging than ever before. Research shows that anxiety is increasing at an alarming rate, and there seems to be a decrease in kindness happening at the same time. That's where some Biblical truth can help us as parents. In this episode, Sara and Amy sit down with Ammie Akin — a wife, mom of three boys, and career educator with a background spanning all levels of administration, from elementary to high school and college. Ammie shares about being authentic as a parent, utilizing the Bible to help guide you, finding joy in whatever stage of pa...2025-05-2137 min
Carpool ConversationsTaking the Pressure Off in ParentingParenting can feel heavy—especially when we carry around the weight of how our kids will turn out on our shoulders. But what if we weren’t meant to carry that pressure? In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with bestselling author and mom of five boys, Jeannie Cunnion, to talk about parenting in freedom rather than fear.Jeannie shares encouragement for moms and dads who are weary from trying to do it all perfectly. She dives into what it looks like to trade our performance mindset for a grace-filled approach to both parenting and our rela...2025-04-2339 min
Carpool ConversationsHow Camp Shapes Young LeadersA summer job is just a job—right? Not when it’s working at camp. Today, Amy and Marissa dive into the transformative experience of serving as Summer Camp Staff. Working at camp helps young adults grow in their faith, develop leadership skills, and prepare for life beyond college. Longtime WinShape Camps staffers Alex Scales and Grace Kilgore share the lessons they’ve learned, why they kept coming back, and how their summers on staff shaped their futures. Whether your kids are still little or heading toward their college years, this conversation offers a powerful glimpse into how camp can im...2025-03-2629 min
Carpool ConversationsBuilding a Prayer Life as a FamilyIn today's episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Capri and Jason Brooks to talk all about prayer—how to model it, practice it as a family, and specific prayers to pray over your kids. Capri and Jason share practical ways to make prayer part of everyday life, along with the "S's" they pray over their children: salvation, safety, and spouse. Whether you’re looking to grow your own prayer life or help your kids posture their hearts towards prayer, this conversation is full of encouragement and practical real-life tips!--Question of the Week: What...2025-03-1233 min
Carpool ConversationsMaking Sabbath a Family PriorityIn today’s episode, Amy and Sara dive into the importance of Sabbath and how families can create rhythms of rest in their busy lives. Whether you’re looking to start small or deepen your current Sabbath practices, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, be present, and experience the blessings of intentional rest. Sara also shares about her own journey of making Sabbath a priority for her family and offers practical ways to incorporate Sabbath into your weekly routine. --Book: Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in our Busy LivesVideo...2025-02-2633 min
Carpool ConversationsEquipping Parents to Connect with their BoysWhat's the secret to connecting with your boys in meaningful ways? In today’s episode, Amy and Sara are joined by Sara’s husband, Chase Jones—a Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage & Family Therapist—to unpack how parents can build strong connections with their sons. Drawing from his years of counseling experience, Chase shares insights on common struggles boys face, the key ingredients for meaningful connection, and practical ways parents can encourage, support, and lead their boys. From pulling them out of the digital world to cultivating leadership and resilience, this episode is packed with expert advice, real-life wisdom, and a re...2025-02-1258 min
Carpool ConversationsBuilding Security & Trust in your KidsHow can we help our kids feel safe and secure in an uncertain world? In today's episode, Amy and Sara are joined by Alexis Basik, a Licensed Master Social Worker and trauma-focused care expert, to discuss how parents can help their kids build security and trust in today’s uncertain world. Alexis walks us through key developmental stages for kids —unpacking the lies kids often believe about trust, their unique developmental needs, and practical ways parents can support them. As WinShape Camps prepares for this summer’s theme, UNCHARTED, Alexis connects the dots between navigating life’s uncertainties and trusting...2025-01-2941 min
Carpool ConversationsHelping Your Kids Fall in Love with the BibleEvery parent dreams of their kids developing a deep love for God’s Word, but where do you start? In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Margaret Sharpe—Manager of WinShape Camps International and a passionate follower of Jesus—to explore how parents can inspire a love for Scripture in their children. Drawing from her experience with WinShape’s international projects and and her own faith journey, Margaret shares practical steps like modeling a personal love for the Bible, embracing its rich narratives, and helping kids connect its overarching story to their everyday lives. From accessible Bible study me...2025-01-1536 min
Carpool ConversationsHelping Gen Z Form a Lasting FaithIn this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with David Blanchard, Director of Fellows at Impact 360, to explore practical ways parents can help Generation Z develop a lasting faith. Drawing from over 15 years of experience in discipleship and drawing insights from the latest Barna research, David shares strategies for equipping kids to know God deeply, build strong character, and live out their faith with kingdom influence. He emphasizes the importance of moving from a consumer mindset to a multiplier mindset in discipleship and offers actionable tips for fostering meaningful faith conversations at home. Tune in for encouragement and actionable...2025-01-0130 min
Carpool ConversationsLiving out your Family ValuesLiving out family values takes intentionality—and in today’s episode, Angela Fielder joins us to share how her family does just that. Angela, a member of the Cathy family and a proud WinShape Camps parent, talks about identifying our family values, passing them down to our kids, and weaving them into everyday life. From mission trips to family worship nights, Angela shares practical examples and heartfelt stories that will inspire you to make your family values more than just words on the wall.Podcast: Identifying your Family Values--Questions of the Week...2024-12-1828 min
Carpool ConversationsKeeping Jesus at the Center of ChristmasDid you know that about 96% of Americans celebrate Christmas? In the U.S., Christmas has become a largely cultural event filled with twinkling lights, jingle bells, and festive carols. While those traditions contain a special kind of magic, it’s easy to let the busyness of the season overshadow the real reason we celebrate. In this episode, Amy and Sara share practical ways to slow down the holiday hustle and create meaningful moments with your kids that keep Jesus at the center of it all. From advent devotionals to baking, they offer 10 simple ways to shine a light on Je...2024-12-0423 min
Carpool ConversationsFour Parenting Tips for Discipling TeenagersNavigating the teenage years can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a crucial time to nurture your child’s faith. In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Alecia Bryant, Brand Owner and Content Editor for The Gospel Project for Students at Lifeway, to uncover four practical ways parents can disciple their teens. Whether you’re feeling lost or just looking for fresh ideas, this conversation is packed with encouragement and actionable insights to help you make a lasting impact on your teenager’s faith journey. Tune in now! Blog: A Message for Moms Battling ExhaustionPodc...2024-11-2028 minCarpool ConversationsInspiring Creativity in your KidsChildren are born curious, but they often hit a “curiosity cliff” around age 7, when their natural wonder begins to decline. In this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with Patrick Miles, Innovation Strategist at Chick-fil-A Corporate and a WinShape Homes foster parent, to explore how parents can nurture their kids' curiosity. Patrick shares why curiosity is essential for our children’s future and how it equips them to solve the world's challenges. Together, they discuss practical tips for making our mundane daily rhythms into problem-solving, innovating moments our kids can build on. Patrick also explains how simple family activities can tu...2024-11-0643 min
Carpool ConversationsCultivating Thanksgiving & Gratitude with your KidsDid you know that practicing gratitude can lead to better sleep, improved mood, and even boost your immune system? In this festive episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Sara explore the heart of Thanksgiving, offering parents practical ways to make gratitude a lasting tradition with their kids. Join us as we dive into the "Head, Heart, and Hands" model, a powerful tool to help your kids not only understand gratitude in their minds but also feel it in their hearts and express it through action. Whether it’s sparking meaningful conversations, creating cherished family traditions, or finding ways to gi...2024-10-2325 min
Carpool ConversationsEmpowering Kids with a Whole Child ApproachWhat does the "Whole Child Approach" mean? In today's episode, it means looking at our kids through four key pillars: social, emotional, academic, and spiritual. As we explore these areas, reflect on where your children excel and where they could use a little more support. Along the way, we'll provide simple and practical tips that you can easily incorporate into your day-to-day to empower your kids in each of these fields of development. We'll also discuss how being intentional in these areas not only helps kids thrive but also strengthens your relationship with them. Join us as we explore...2024-10-0931 min
Carpool ConversationsSurrounding Kids with Faith InfluencesHow do we, as parents, instill the joy of Christ in our children so that it resonates throughout their lives? It starts in our homes, but it truly takes a village. In today's episode, we are joined by friend and colleague Emily Alters—a long-time WinShape Camps camper, former summer staffer, and now a member of our full-time Marketing team. Emily reflects on how her parents and community influenced her faith journey over the years. She also shares personal stories and practical tips for surrounding kids with a Christ-centered community that nurtures their faith. Whether you're looking for new id...2024-09-2532 min
Carpool ConversationsNavigating Change with KidsIn today's episode, we are joined by our friend and colleague Jeremy Marshall. Jeremy is a father of three and the Senior Manager of Learning and Development for the WinShape Foundation. He leads this conversation with Amy Lowe and Sara Jones on helping your kids navigate both the planned and unplanned changes that life brings. Listen in as Jeremy shares practical examples and steps you can take to help your kids feel more comfortable and confident while handling changes. --Question of the Week: What is a change that might be on the horizon for y...2024-09-1129 min
Carpool ConversationsHelping Kids Manage Peer PressureNo matter their age or stage, kids today encounter peer pressure in various forms, both positive and negative. In today's episode, Amy and Sara discuss effective strategies for coaching kids through these challenging experiences, kicking things off with a few interesting research findings and a few light-hearted personal anecdotes. Then, they offer practical advice on starting Christ-centered conversations that empower kids to navigate peer pressure with confidence and faith.Research: Psychology Today ArticleBlog: Raising Joyful KidsVideo: Decide Before You Arrive--Question of the Week: Where have y...2024-08-2824 minCarpool ConversationsManaging the Feelings of Parent GuiltWhether you are a stay-at-home parent, a working parent, a mom, or a dad - we all have experienced feelings of “parent guilt” from time to time. The term "Parent Guilt" is a name we often give to the feelings of guilt or shame that arise when we don't live up to our own or others expectations as parents. In today's episode, Amy and Sara address this feeling of parent guilt and share some of the ways they have overcome and dealt with these uncomfortable feelings. We hope you leave this conversation feeling more empowered to handle the feelings of p...2024-08-1424 min
Carpool ConversationsLeading your Family as a TeamIn this episode, we sit down with Rusty Chadwick, the Director of WinShape Teams, to explore the transformative concept of viewing your family as a team. He shares several practical tips on how to lead and serve our family with a team-first mindset, highlighting that the success of the family unit hinges on the health and teamwork of all its members. Rusty uses the three concepts of "Look In, Look Up, and Step Out" when thinking about serving and leading his family well. When we lead and unite our family around a common purpose and goal, we can unlock...2024-06-1928 min
Carpool ConversationsNavigating the Faith and Fears of TeenagersEver wondered what middle and high schoolers are worried about these days? Are their conversations at church similar to the ones we had as kids? Are their fears and worries the same, or how are they different? In today's episode, we sit down with Anna Aaron Harvey, a mom and the Minister to Middle and High School Girls at Hebron Church, to get a look behind the curtain of student ministry. Anna shares the latest trends she's seeing among these age groups and how they're currently navigating their faith journeys. She also offers advice for parents on how we...2024-06-0539 min
Carpool ConversationsHelping Kids Learn Through Risk-TakingKids are constantly learning lessons, and most of the time it's not even in the classroom. As they grow, they learn through relationships, discovering new abilities, and quite often they learn through failure! As parents, we get to come alongside them and help them understand that taking risks, and failing is OK! It's hard to watch our kids take risks when our instincts are telling us to protect and to rescue. But it's also important to look for opportunities where our kids can feel the freedom to choose, to take risks, and to fail in a controlled setting. In...2024-05-2928 min
Carpool ConversationsA Parent's Guide to Asking Kids Great QuestionsAs parents, we put on many hats, and one of those is the "coach" hat. In today's episode Amy and Sara will be talking about the art of question-asking and the impact it has on our effectiveness in coaching our kids. Did you know that Jesus asked his disciples over 307 documented questions, and He was undoubtedly the world's greatest Teacher and Coach! A coach is someone that pushes you to new heights, calls out your potential, and picks you up when you fall. In this episode we discuss several practical tips for asking your kids great questions, and helping...2024-05-0823 min
Carpool ConversationsAre my Kids Ready for Overnight Camp?Sending your kids to overnight camp for the first time can be scary for parents. How do you know if your kids are ready for camp? How do you know if YOU are ready? In today's episode we will be talking about the benefits of camp, and how you can prepare your kid's for their first overnight camp experience. We'll also be talking about some of the things to consider when selecting an overnight camp. This episode is jam-packed with great information on all things camper safety, staff training, camp nurses, camp benefits, and how to prep your future...2024-04-2424 min
Carpool ConversationsCreating Memorable Family ExperiencesIn this episode, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones are joined by Mike McGuire who works with WinShape Camps for Families and is a father of 2. Today we are talking about creating meaningful and memorable family experiences. Mike dives into the significance of creating memorable family experiences to help disciple and engage our kids, and point them to Jesus. And if you're interested in finding a Family Camp experience, we are going to give you a glimpse of what you can expect at a WinShape Camps for Families experience.Learn more about Family Camp!Blog: How...2024-04-1032 min
Carpool ConversationsThe Power of Family PlayExplore the joys of cultivating a culture of fun and intentional play within your family! In this episode, Amy and Sara uncover the "why" of fun, drawing insights from scientific research and Biblical truths. These insights lay the groundwork for an exciting discussion featuring laughter-filled anecdotes and practical tips for how we can infuse our family time with more play and intentional fun! We hope this episode encourages and inspires you. Let's unlock the power of play together!Psalm 118:24 - This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.2024-03-2722 min
Carpool ConversationsIdentifying Your Family ValuesIn this episode, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones explore the significance of identifying your family values, drawing from personal experience and biblical Truth! Identifying your family values can help set a tone and a vision for your family. When called out, they may serve as a compass for your family, especially when rooted in biblical truth. In this episode, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones share an enlightening conversation around the topic of identifying your family values, discussing their significance and sharing practical steps to how you can determine these together as a family.PDF: 100 Commonly Held Values f...2024-03-1322 min
Carpool ConversationsDeepening Your Family's Faith through DiscipleshipAs parents, it is our job to be the primary discipler of our kids. But what exactly is discipleship? It is actually really simple - Discipleship is the process by which we help someone else in their walk with Jesus. In this episode, Amy and Sara discuss the vital role parents play in family discipleship, emphasizing the integration of faith into daily life. They share personal experiences and practical insights, encouraging parents to prioritize their own spiritual growth and to have regular conversations about God with their family. Offering tools and resources, they highlight the journey toward Christ-likeness and...2024-02-2823 min
Carpool ConversationsInspiring Kids to Serve OthersTeaching your kids to serve can be a powerful tool for your kids' development and it actually comes with some added benefits too! In this episode, Amy and Sara share the big "why" of serving and give you some practical tips to easily incorporate serving into your family's routine.Book: Love Does for Kids - Bob GoffBook: Raising Emotionally Strong BoysArticle: Health Benefits of ServingSpiritual Gifts AssessmentQuestions of the Week: What are some ways we can work together as a family to give back to o...2024-02-1421 min
Carpool ConversationsPreparing Kids to Leave the NestAs our kids grow older, we often find ourselves pondering if our parenting actions now are laying the groundwork for their future success. In this episode, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones are joined by Katie Bulmer, a motivational speaker & host of the "Truth for your Twenties" podcast. As a mom to two teenage daughters and a mentor to twenty-something-aged girls, she shares valuable insights on preparing our kids for that next stage of life. Katie discusses the importance of introducing controlled failure moments within the home and offers practical tips for enabling our children to navigate failure within a s...2024-01-3128 min
Carpool ConversationsRaising Healthy & Independent Young AdultsWe all share the desire to glimpse into our kids' futures, seeking guidance on how to be better parents today and equip them for tomorrow. While we will never have all the answers, this episode brings together three accomplished and faith-driven young adults —former WinShape Camps summer staff— offering invaluable insights into the impactful role their parents played in shaping their development. Amy and Sara chat with guests Nicole, Coleman, and Gavin, to discuss what they believe their parents did well to help them become the wonderful people they are today. They touch on several topics including their families' guid...2024-01-1725 min
Carpool ConversationsGiving Blessings and Celebrating Milestone Moments In this episode, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones explore the transformative impact of speaking spiritual truths and encouragement over our kids. Then, they share some practical examples of how we can shine a light on milestone moments in our kids lives to make them feel special. When life gets busy, these ideas can often get innocently lost in the wake of our packed schedules. Pulling from resources and personal experience, Amy and Sara share how we can practically build these rhythms of intentionality into our everyday parenting.Book: The BlessingJournal: My Mommy and Me: A...2024-01-0422 min
Carpool ConversationsPressing the Reset ButtonUsing the New Year or changing of the seasons to reset and restart may be easier, but you and your family can have a fresh start today, no matter what the calendar says. In this episode, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones talk about pressing that RESET button and establishing new rhythms of living and parenting. They start by sharing questions for evaluation and reflection on past seasons as a family. Then they share practical tips on looking forward, setting goals for the new season, pressing that reset button, and how to be intentional with these goals. Book: Al...2023-12-2722 min
Carpool ConversationsManaging Our Kids Screen TimeScreen time is a difficult subject to navigate when it comes to raising our kids in today's technology-reliant world. Research tells us that kids need much more than what screens can provide. In this episode, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones start by sharing some interesting research on the subject. Then, they share some practical tips that they use for managing their kids screen time, and encouraging experiences beyond technology. Book: Taming the Technology MonsterBook: Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr.Book: Good Pictures Bad PicturesArticle: How Much Screen Time is T...2023-12-2022 min
Carpool ConversationsHow to Prioritize Wellness as a MomIt's so natural to put ourselves at the end of the line, as parents. We have to remember that prioritizing our own wellness, is not only good for our soul, but good for our marriage and children as well. In this episode, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones are joined by the Senior Director of WinShape Marriage - Julie Baumgardner. Julie starts by emphasizing the importance and benefits of taking time for ourselves, as parents. Then, she shares some practical ways parents can prioritize wellness for themselves, and their family as a whole.WinShape Marriage Retreats Website2023-12-0632 minCarpool ConversationsEquip Your Kids to Make Friends & Develop Healthy RelationshipsEvery parent wants their kids to have friends. They want them to build the social skills and connections that will help them now and in the future. But making friends isn't always easy for kids. In this episode, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones discuss some common misconceptions about friends and a few practical ways you can help your kids in their pursuit of making friends.Questions of the Week: What makes someone a good friend? Who in your life would you consider a good friend, and why? How can you be a better friend to someone else?2023-11-2218 minCarpool ConversationsHelping Parents & Kids Deal with AngerAnger is a powerful emotion that can often cause damage if not handled properly. That's why it's important to work on managing anger as an adult and help your kids learn to do so too. In this episode, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones start by talking about tools they use to help themselves as parents deal with anger in everyday life. Then, they share a few practical ways to help your kids handle their emotions effectively when they begin to feel frustrated.Book: Parenting, Getting it RightArticle: How to Stay CalmBook...2023-11-0821 minCarpool ConversationsDeveloping Resilience & Grit in KidsToday's world feels more fragile and complex than ever before. So, the youngest generation that is being raised in it is going to be heavily impacted by it. The good news is that resilience and grit can be taught to help kids navigate their present and future. In this episode, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones are joined by the Clinical Director of WinShape Homes - Phil Bradfield. Phil starts by defining resilience and explaining what it looks like. Then, he shares some practical ways parents can work to develop resilience and grit in their kids.Learn more...2023-10-2519 minCarpool ConversationsCultivating Kindness in Your Kids & Dealing with BullyingIt can be challenging to teach your kids to be kind and caring in a world that feels ever-increasingly mean. Research says about 20% of students ages 12-18 are experiencing bullying nationwide. In this episode, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones start by defining bullying and then share how to help your kids identify it and take action when it does happen. Then, they discuss a few practical ways to cultivate kindness in your kids from a Christian parenting perspective.Article: How to Prevent BullyingSunday Funday on the WinShape Camps appQuestions of the...2023-10-1116 minCarpool ConversationsHelp Your Kids Handle Anxiety & Find PeaceDid you know kids are suffering from anxiety levels that are worse than any period we’ve ever had before? Now, more than 8 in 10 kids admit to struggling with anxiety regularly. In this episode, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones share two practical ways to help you, as a parent, equip your kids to handle their anxiety. The first part of the episode covers how to help your kids find peace - including looking to Jesus as our Prince of Peace. Then, they discuss what to do when anxiety inevitably strikes.Bible Project Video: Shalom - Peace...2023-09-2717 minCarpool ConversationsDealing with Sibling RivalrySibling rivalry can be exhausting for everyone in the family. One study found that sibling conflict can even happen up to eight times an hour. That's why it's important to understand how to deal with conflict between siblings when it's happening and prevent it in the future. In this episode, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones share a few practical tips and resources to help your kids get along better.The Love Languages SurveyHow Full is Your Bucket BookParent Report CardQuestion of the Week for Younger Kids: If you c...2023-09-1318 minCarpool ConversationsHow to Help Your Kids Have Self-ControlAs a society, both adults and kids struggle with self-control. The modern-day conveniences we have access to can help us get what we're looking for faster and with less effort than ever before. In this episode, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones share why it's important to develop self-control in our kids and what it looks like for them to have it. Then, they will share a few practical conversation starters to help you talk to your kids about self-control.Video Reenactment of Stanford University's Marshmallow ExperimentQuestion of the Week: Tell me about a time...2023-08-3015 minCarpool ConversationsWelcome to Carpool Conversations!We know that being a mom isn't easy. That's why this podcast is dedicated to encouraging and equipping parents like you to have meaningful and intentional conversations with your kids. Hosted by two remarkable moms – Amy Lowe and Sara Jones – Carpool Conversations brings authenticity and Christ-centered truths to the forefront. So get ready for down-to-earth discussions, personal stories, practical examples, and thought-provoking questions meant to help lay the foundation for powerful parent-child dialogues. In each episode, we’ll discuss what it’s like to be a kid in today’s world, and give you a few questions to help you have m...2023-08-1613 minCarpool ConversationsCarpool Conversations - TrailerCarpool Conversations is a podcast dedicated to encouraging and equipping parents just like you to have meaningful conversations with their kids. Hosted by two moms, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones have down-to-earth discussions where they share stories, practical examples, and questions to help you better understand and connect with your kids. So listen in the next time you’re going to pick up your kids from school and you might end up with the perfect conversation starter!
2023-08-0801 min