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Raising Boys & Girls
Raising Boys & Girls
Author: That Sounds Fun Network
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© Sissy Goff and David Thomas and Melissa Trevathan
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Welcome to the Raising Boys and Girls Podcast with Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan. In each episode of this podcast, we’ll share some of what we’re learning in the work we do with kids and families on a daily basis at Daystar Counseling Ministries. Our goal is to help you care for the kids in your life with a little more understanding, a little more practical help, and a whole lot of hope. So pull up a chair and join us on this journey of raising boys and girls. Connect with us at raisingboysandgirls.com.
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In this warm and super-practical holiday episode, Sissy and David share 10 grounding tips to help families navigate Christmas with more connection and less overwhelm. They normalize the big feelings kids—and parents—experience this time of year, offer simple tools like previewing plans, using calm-down kits and code words, practicing gratitude, and building gentle rhythms instead of rigid schedules. They also speak tenderly to families carrying grief, give guidance for managing family dynamics and gift overload, and remind listeners that the holidays don’t need to be magical—just manageable, honest, and connected. They close by sharing a favorite family tradition and reading a beautiful prayer from Every Moment Holy for anyone wrapping gifts this week.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Strong and Smart: A Boy's Guide to Building Healthy Emotions by David Thomas
All Is Calmish: How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays by Niro Feliciano
The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones – specifically “The Light of the Whole World” chapter
Every Moment Holy – “A Liturgy for the Wrapping of Christmas Gifts”
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
MERCY SHIPS: Please donate today at MercyShips.org/podcast.
OMAHA STEAKS: Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout.
WAYFAIR: Get organized, refreshed, and ready for the holidays for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sissy and David reflect on the meaningful conversations and listener feedback from their Enneagram parenting journey, offering a quick, hope-filled recap of each number’s core parenting strengths and how to support kids of every type. They remind us there’s no “right” way to parent—only the unique goodness each number brings—share a few favorite resources for further learning, and close with a tender benediction for parents doing the sacred work of raising boys and girls.
Resources mentioned:
The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile
The Path Between Us by Suzanne Stabile
The Journey Toward Wholeness: Enneagram Wisdom for Stress, Balance, and Transformation by Suzanne Stabile
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
MERCY SHIPS: Please donate today at MercyShips.org/podcast.
OMAHA STEAKS: Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout.
JOLIE: Jolie will give you your best skin & hair guaranteed. Head to https://tinyurl.com/RBGJolie to try it out for yourself with FREE shipping.
EVERYDAY DOSE: Get 45% off your first subscription order of 30-servings of Coffee+ or Bold+. You’ll also receive a starter kit with over $100 in free gifts including a rechargeable frother and gunmetal serving spoon by going to https://tinyurl.com/RBGEverdayDose or entering RGB at checkout. You’ll also get FREE gifts throughout the year!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this rich and hope-filled conversation, Sissy and David are joined by beloved friends and Enneagram teachers Jill Phillips and Hunter Mobley to explore how the Enneagram can help parents show up with more grace, humility, and curiosity. Together, they unpack how understanding motivations—not just behaviors—can transform parenting, reduce reactivity, and deepen connection. Hunter shares insights from his book Letting Go, Finding You, inviting parents to see their Enneagram type not as a box but as a pathway toward virtue, healing, and surrender, while Jill offers practical wisdom on stances, compassion, and loving kids in ways that fit who they uniquely are. With reflections on contemplative practices, slowing down, and trusting that our kids’ stories are still unfolding, this episode offers parents reassurance, perspective, and hope for the long game of growth—for themselves and for their children.
Resources mentioned:
Letting Go, Finding You: Uncover Your Truest Self Through the Enneagram and Contemplation by Hunter Mobley
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawerence
The Quotidian Mysteries by Kathleen Norris
Under Pressure by Lisa Damour
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
MERCY SHIPS: Please donate today at MercyShips.org/podcast.
OMAHA STEAKS: Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout.
OUR PLACE: Stop cooking with toxic cookware, and upgrade to Our Place today. Visit https://tinyurl.com/RBGOurPlace and use code RBG for 10% off sitewide.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hillary Rector and Andy Gullahorn share an honest, thoughtful look at what it’s like to move through the world—and parent—as Enneagram Nines. They discuss the genuine ease, adaptability, and steady presence that come naturally to them, along with the quieter struggles: delayed emotions, difficulty voicing desires, and the instinct to “smooth the ice” for everyone around them. Their stories highlight both the gentleness and complexity of this peaceful number.
Hillary and Andy reflect on how their nine-ness shapes their parenting—helping them create a calm, grounded environment, while also challenging them to build clearer boundaries, name their needs, and show their kids a more defined sense of self. They offer practical insight for supporting nine children, encouraging parents to give them time, space, and gentle opportunities to speak up and step in. It’s a compassionate, warm conversation for anyone who loves a nine or is raising one.
If you liked this episode, we think you’ll probably like:
Episode 121: Storing Up Good Memories for Your Kids with Hillary and Ben Rector
Episode 18: Using the Enneagram to Understand and Parent Kids and Adolescents
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
MERCY SHIPS: Please donate today at MercyShips.org/podcast.
OMAHA STEAKS: Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Sissy and David dive into Enneagram Nines—their calming presence, deep empathy, and quiet, steady love that makes home feel like a safe place for kids’ big feelings. They also gently name the harder parts for Nines: avoiding conflict, losing their voice, procrastination, and numbing out, especially in parenting. You’ll hear practical ways Nine parents can use their voice, follow through with boundaries, stay present in conflict, and help Nine kids step into their own desires and decisions without losing their beautiful gift of peace.
Resources mentioned:
The Enneagram Made Easy
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
MERCY SHIPS: Please donate today at MercyShips.org/podcast.
OMAHA STEAKS: Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout.
WAYFAIR: Get organized, refreshed, and ready for the holidays for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this Enneagram 8 episode, Sissy and David sit down with longtime friends (and parents of six young adults between them) Amy Fenton and Brian Camp. They share how their “eightness” showed up early—taking charge in childhood, pushing back on authority, and feeling fiercely independent—and how those same traits now benefit their kids through strength, decisiveness, advocacy, and protection that help children feel deeply safe and supported.
Amy and Brian also talk honestly about the harder parts of being an eight parent: quick overreactions, bulldozing with intensity, needing to be heard and “right,” and how fear can sit underneath their need to control. With stories from tossed Xboxes to “conversations about the conversation,” they share practical tools they’re using now—walking away, pausing, asking “Do you want to try that again?”, owning their mistakes, and choosing presence over certainty—so their kids experience them as strong, honest, deeply loyal parents who always have their back.
Resources mentioned:
Christian Sexuality: Raising Kids
Amy’s Cream of Taco
1 lb of browned ground beef1 half pint of whipping cream (yes, I did say whipping cream)1 lb Velveeta cubed2 cans of Chili with no beans2 can of chili hot beans - found in the bean section, not the chili section1 can of RotelPut all ingredients in a crock-pot for a few hours on low, allowing the cream to heat and thicken the mixture. Place in a bowl and put the Chili Cheese Frito's on top. You can top with sour cream, shredded cheese, pico, lettuce, etc.
It is even better reheated, and it is a fall favorite at our house. Makes enough to share with all the neighbors.
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
EVERYDAY DOSE: Get 45% off your first subscription order of 30-servings of Coffee+ or Bold+. You’ll also receive a starter kit with over $100 in free gifts including a rechargeable frother and gunmetal serving spoon by going to everydaydose.com/RGB or entering RGB at checkout. You’ll also get FREE gifts throughout the year!
JOLIE: Jolie will give you your best skin & hair guaranteed. Head to jolieskinco.com/RBG to try it out for yourself with FREE shipping.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sissy and David explore the bold, protective world of Enneagram 8s, celebrating their fierce loyalty, honesty, and justice‑driven strength while also naming common struggles like intensity, difficulty showing vulnerability, and quick reactions. They offer practical guidance for eight parents and caregivers—soften tone, stay calm, practice vulnerability and repair—and ideas to help eight kids use their power for good, feel respected, and grow into balanced leaders.
Resources mentioned:
The Enneagram Made Easy by Elizabeth Wagele and Renee Baron – used as a simple tool to help kids identify their number.
The Road Back to You by Suzanne Stabile
Love And Logic Series – multiple books for different ages, educators, and grandparents; recommended especially for parents raising potential eights because of its focus on getting out of power struggles.
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
OUR PLACE: Stop cooking with toxic cookware, and upgrade to Our Place today. Visit fromourplace.com/RBG and use code RBG for 10% off sitewide.
HIYA: Visit hiyahealth.com/RBG to get 50% off your first order.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Author and therapist Niro Feliciano joins Sissy and David to talk about her new book, All Is Calm-ish, and how we can find contentment and calm in the middle of a busy, often overwhelming holiday season. She shares simple, doable practices—like five minutes of stillness, tiny wellness habits, and choosing connection over perfection—and opens up about writing the book during a heavy season in her own family, walking with her daughter through significant anxiety.
Together they discuss navigating grief, rethinking traditions, setting kind boundaries, and the beautiful overlap between faith and psychology, offering a hopeful, grounding guide for anyone longing for a little more peace—and a little more “calm-ish”—this Christmas.
Resources mentioned:
All Is Calm-ish by Niro Feliciano
This Book Won’t Make You Happy by Niro Feliciano
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Sissy and David sit down with Enneagram Sevens Mary Killett and Aaron Weber, who share how their natural optimism, humor, and energy shape their lives at Daystar and at home. They talk about the joy of being wired for positivity, the pressure to always be “on,” and the growth that comes with learning to slow down, feel hard things, and meet people with presence instead of quick reframing. They also offer a glimpse into Daystar’s building expansion and the hope of a new podcast studio on the way.
As parents, Mary and Aaron reflect on how their Seven-ness helps them cheer on their kids, stay playful, and bring light into hard moments—while also learning to validate big emotions, pause before fixing, and listen more deeply.
If you’re interested in giving towards Daystar Counseling Ministries growth fund, here is the link to give.
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
WAYFAIR: Get organized, refreshed, and ready for the holidays for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
JOLIE: Jolie will give you your best skin & hair guaranteed. Head to jolieskinco.com/RBG to try it out for yourself with FREE shipping.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Sissy and David turn their attention to Enneagram Sevens—the Enthusiasts, Optimists, and Adventurers who bring joy, imagination, and energy to the world. They explore the unique strengths Sevens offer their families, like creativity, flexibility, and a contagious zest for life, as well as the struggles they face with avoiding pain, overscheduling, and following through. You’ll also hear practical encouragement for Seven parents learning to sit with hard emotions, and guidance for raising Seven kids who are curious, adventurous, and grounded.
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
EVERYDAY DOSE: Get 45% off your first subscription order of 30-servings of Coffee+ or Bold+. You’ll also receive a starter kit with over $100 in free gifts including a rechargeable frother and gunmetal serving spoon by going to everydaydose.com/RGB or entering RGB at checkout. You’ll also get FREE gifts throughout the year!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Sissy and David sit down with two beloved Enneagram Sixes: longtime Daystar founder and leader Melissa Trevathan and Daystar counselor Allye Gray. They explore how differently Sixes can look—phobic and counterphobic—and how both expressions are driven by the same core issues of fear, loyalty, and a deep desire for safety and goodness.
Allye shares candidly about being a “phobic” Six: an inner world full of what-ifs and how her anxiety can be palpable in parenting. She talks about learning to trust her own instincts, tolerate discomfort, and surround herself with people who stretch her beyond worry into courage and play. Melissa reflects on decades as a “counterphobic” Six, including childhood stories of pushing through fear, starting Daystar when counseling wasn’t common, and discovering that fear doesn’t have to control her life or leadership.
Together they offer thoughtful encouragement for parents who are Sixes—and those raising Six kids—naming how anxiety can be misunderstood, how important it is to name dread and seek truth, and how community, Scripture, and play can help Sixes move from living out of fear to parenting more from love, trust, and joy.
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
OUR PLACE: Stop cooking with toxic cookware, and upgrade to Our Place today. Visit fromourplace.com/RBG and use code RBG for 10% off sitewide.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sissy and David celebrate the strengths of Enneagram Sixes—their loyalty, courage, diligence, and care for the common good—while naming the real challenges of worst-case thinking, indecision, and hypervigilance. They offer practical ideas for Six parents (trust your gut, build steady routines, model bravery “even when you feel afraid”) and simple ways to support a child who might be a Six (reassure safety, give age-appropriate choices, and nudge into small risks). The theme: Sixes hold families and communities together more than they realize.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
The Worry-Free Parent by Sissy Goff — and its Workbook
Braver, Stronger, Smarter by Sissy Goff (for girls)
Strong and Smart by David Thomas (for boys)
Brave by Sissy Goff (for older middle & high school girls)
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Enneagram 5 parents Lauren Rupley and Kris Plunkett talk curiosity, intentionality, and energy management in family life. They describe how fives’ love of learning, patient problem-solving, and reflective nature become strengths—sparking great questions, thoughtful rhythms, and delight in kids’ unique wiring.
They also name common struggles: over-researching instead of trusting intuition, scarce-energy mindsets, stepping back to observe rather than engaging in hard moments, and turning kids’ challenges into a referendum on their own preparedness. Practical help includes building daily downtime, modeling conscious tech boundaries, asking “Is this about me or about my child?”, showing vulnerability, and finding mentor parents a few steps ahead.
Resources mentioned:
Stephen Biesty's Incredible Cross-Sections
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
WAYFAIR: Get organized, refreshed, and ready for the holidays for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
KIWICO: Tinker, Create, and Celebrate this holiday with KiwiCo! Get up to 50% off your first crate at kiwico.com, promo code RBG.
JOLIE: Jolie will give you your best skin & hair guaranteed. Head to jolieskinco.com/RBG to try it out for yourself with FREE shipping.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Enneagram Fives—the Investigators—bring curiosity, insight, independence, and a calming, steady presence to both life and parenting. Sissy and David highlight how Fives notice patterns others miss, think objectively, set healthy boundaries, and dive deep into learning. Their measured energy and calm in crisis can be a superpower at home, helping kids regulate and feel safe.
They also explore common stretches: retreating into the mind, mistaking self-protection for not needing relationships, cynicism/sarcasm when fear rises, and feeling drained by the constant demands of family life. The episode offers grace (manna for today) and practical growth steps for Five parents—express warmth (not just wisdom), choose presence over preparation, and engage emotions before problem-solving. For kids who may be Fives, they share ways to reassure, gently invite connection, honor refueling needs, and nurture quirky passions.
Books mentioned in the podcast:
The Worry-Free Parent by Sissy Goff
. . . . . .
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Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
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What a heartfelt and deeply human conversation with two incredible Enneagram Fours—therapist Kendra Allen and artist Jon McLaughlin. Jon McLaughlin is a Nashville-based recording artist, songwriter, and pianist who also co-hosts a parenting podcast with his friend Dave Barnes. Kendra Allen is a therapist and mom whose work centers on authenticity, emotional health, and helping people grow with self-awareness and compassion. Both bring such insight into what it means to live and parent from a place of depth, emotion, and authenticity. Together, they explore the gifts and challenges of being a Four—the ability to sit with sadness and create beauty from it, as well as the struggle to focus on what’s missing instead of what’s present.
They share moving stories from their own parenting journeys—how empathy can sometimes become over-identification, how creativity and authenticity shape their homes, and how they’re learning to hold both depth and lightness in their relationships with their kids. From Jon’s tender story about his daughter saying, “I like being with you when I’m sad,” to Kendra’s reminder that “your work is a gift,” this episode is full of grace, honesty, and hope for every parent seeking connection.
We’d also think you’d like: Ep.170 Parenting through Infertility, Loss and Adolescence with Kendra Allen and Ep. 119 Parenting with Vulnerability with Jon and Amy McLaughlin.
. . . . . .
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Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
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Fours bring depth, texture, and beauty to the world—helping all of us see what’s true and lovely through story, song, nature, and the poetry of everyday life. Their superpower is sitting with complex emotions and holding nuance, which can anchor families in grief and hard conversations. We also name a few common traps: chasing the “exceptional,” push–pull dynamics when others don’t respond just right, and letting feelings define identity. Helpful practices include simple, steady routines for the mundane, channeling empathy outward, and remembering that many feelings pass more quickly than they seem—often in about 90 seconds.
For parents, Fours shine in attunement and deep listening—so pair that Olympic-level support with calibrated challenge and an invitation to move forward. Teach kids to sort feelings from truth, give Four girls room to feel without hopping on the rollercoaster, and point them toward purpose; with Four boys, expect some identity “trying on,” name the melancholy default without shaming, and keep both empathy and next steps in play. Growth and grace—always both.
Mentioned in the podcast:
Brave: A Teen Girl’s Guide to Beating Worry & Anxiety — Sissy Goff (referenced for parents of teen girls).
“Someday Soon” by Wilder Woods (Bear Rinehart) — lyric about feeling like a stranger.
Raising Boys and Girls episode #94 Giving Up Parental Control with Betsy & Gene Cashman
. . . . . .
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Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
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We loved this honest, hopeful conversation with two dear friends—Kelli Haywood and Brandon Verner—who both live as Enneagram 3s at home and at work. If you’re a Three (or love one), you’ll hear so much of your own story: the high energy and discipline, the adventurous “let’s go!” spirit, and the quiet temptation to substitute charm and productivity for feelings and presence.
Kelli and Brandon name the hard places (kids feeling pressure to perform, our tendency to “manage” outcomes, the pull to keep moving instead of feeling) and offer practical ways forward: stop and pause, slow your voice and body, ask “Are you open to feedback?”, repair with specific apologies, and build family rhythms that prize connection over winning. You’ll hear beautiful stories about advocating for our kids, making memories through shared adventure, and creating homes where children feel deeply safe, fully accepted, and free to be themselves.
. . . . . .
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Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
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In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of Enneagram Threes—the Achievers. Threes bring incredible energy, focus, and drive into everything they do. They’re natural leaders, quick thinkers, and inspiring motivators who help teams (and families!) move forward. But behind that determination can be a deep pressure to perform and a tendency to confuse “who I am” with “what I do.” We talk about how Threes’ productivity and polish can sometimes overshadow their emotional world, and how kids of Threes may feel like they need to “keep up” or perform, too. Together, we unpack the difference between being loved for who you are versus what you achieve—a truth every Three parent needs to hear.
We also explore what these traits look like in parenting—how Threes create structure and security, but may need intentional space for rest, play, and vulnerability. We share practical ways to slow down, lower the bar, and connect with your kids without an agenda. For moms and dads of Threes, we talk about the impact of image-conscious parenting in a social media age, how to model healthy failure, and how to keep performance from defining family life. Whether you’re a Three yourself or love someone who is, this episode is a reminder that your worth—and your child’s—isn’t earned. You’re loved for who you are, not what you do.
Books mentioned in this episode:
Freeing Your Child from Anxiety by Tamar Chansky
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
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Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
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In this week’s episode, we sit down with two of our favorite Twos—Heather Flener and Sherman Bucher—for a conversation full of warmth, laughter, and self-awareness. These two embody the best of what it means to be “The Helper,” and their stories bring the Enneagram Two to life in such relatable ways. Heather and Sherman share how their caring hearts show up in parenting, friendships, and everyday life—and how that same deep empathy can sometimes make it hard to step back and care for themselves.
We loved hearing them talk about learning to set boundaries, finding rest, and practicing the kind of self-care that allows them to keep loving well without burning out. From stories about childhood moments of “helping” to reflections on parenting as a Two, this conversation is full of insight and encouragement for anyone who gives a lot to others. And in true Two fashion, they even close things out by describing their ideal meal—small, intimate gatherings where connection is rich and laughter is easy. It’s a tender, joy-filled conversation that will make you want to call the helper in your life and say thank you.
Book referenced in the episode: Girls on the Edge and Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax
. . . . . .
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
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. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
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In this week’s episode, we’re diving into one of our favorite Enneagram numbers—Twos, “The Helpers.” We love Twos. They’re the nurturers of the world—nurses, teachers, counselors, and caregivers who instinctively know when someone needs a little extra kindness.
We shared how much we admire their hearts, but also how easy it can be for Twos to lose sight of their own needs. Whenever we’re speaking to a crowd, we always look for a Two—someone smiling, nodding, and radiating warmth that makes us feel right at home.
We also talked about the challenges Twos face—the need for validation, the struggle to rest, and the importance of setting boundaries and practicing self-care.
We wrapped up by calling Twos the “golden retrievers” of the Enneagram—loyal, loving, and endlessly giving—and reminding them they’re deeply loved, not for what they do, but for who they are.
Book referenced in the episode: Emotional Agility by Dr. Susan David
. . . . . .
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
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. . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
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NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
BOLL & BRANCH: Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at Bollandbranch.com/rbg. Exclusions apply.
KA’CHAVA: Go to Ka'Chava and use code RBG for 15% off your next order.
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The Money Wave Official Website — this guided audio session gently reprograms your subconscious mind to attract wealth naturally and effortlessly.
The Rice Purity Test is a harmless questionnaire designed to assess an individual's exposure to a variety of situations. It poses no physical or psychological hazards. However, it is important to remember that the test's questions may touch on sensitive issues or elicit emotional responses in certain people. https://monkey-type.org/quiz/rice-purity-test
name seems like an anti-trans dog whistle