The Journey Parent Podcast

  Guest: Ricky Chelette, Executive Director for Living Hope Ministries   If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   Ricky Chelette helps us understand how the “T” of LGBTQ has "changed everything." Sexual orientation used to be something you were “born with” and was unchangeable, but today both gender and sexuality are seen by many as being on a sliding scale and can be changed on a whim! From battles over men in women’s sports and locker rooms to accusations that institutions are prescribing hormone blockers to children as young as 8 years old, transgender ideology has taken our current cultural chaos by storm and Christian parents need to understand how to engage in a meaningful and biblical way! Ricky also helped launch The Institute for Biblical Sexuality, whose mission is to train the church and future generations about God's remarkable design for gender and sexuality.

  If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   We had the opportunity to speak with several students and adults at the 2025 Biblical Worldview Conference and heard their perspective on why “worldview” is crucial and how to develop a Biblical worldview. If you were unable to attend the conference or want to watch every session of the entire conference, all 30 sessions are available for purchase at PrestonwoodWorldview.org, including additional content with each speaker that was not available at the conference itself.   

  Guest: Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston, PCA Dean of Students and Prestonwood Baptist Church Pastor of Apologetics   If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   When we recorded this episode, it was scheduled to be released as the 200th episode for The Journey Parent Podcast! Thank you to all who have listened, watched, and supported our podcast. Now would be a great time to share The Journey with a friend as well as to like and subscribe, if you haven't already! Always a pleasure to sit down and catch up with Dr. Jeremiah Johnston. He has been very busy recently talking about the newly discovered evidence relating to the Shroud of Turin - and this evidence has convinced Dr. Johnston that this was, indeed, the burial covering of Jesus Christ! The Lord has opened up numerous interesting opportunities for Dr. Johnston to talk about the Shroud, and also to share about the resurrection of Jesus, and the historical facts that demonstrate that Jesus existed, lived, died…and was raised to life again! Dr. Johnston is also getting ready to host PCA’s annual Biblical Worldview Conference Sept. 28-30. Schools from out of state and individuals by the thousands will be joining our PCA students for this incredible worldview conference - parents, you should make plans to attend now as well - you don’t want to miss any of these incredible speakers and the topics they’ll be addressing!  

  Guest: Karol Ladd, author, speaker, and involved grandparent - check out Karol’s latest blog articles on the power of positive grandparenting   If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   The world tells grandparents one of two untruths…first, that because they are older, they are insignificant; and second, now is their time to retire and take care of their own needs and desires. The Bible paints a much different picture for grandparents. Proverbs 16:31 says, “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” That “crown of glory” is to be respected and honored and the wisdom that comes with age should be considered valuable. This proper perspective or grandparenting is shared in Dr. Josh Mulvihill’s outstanding book titled Grand Parenting: Strengthening Your Family and Passing on Your Faith, which is one of the eight books in the Grandparenting Matters series.   Last week was Grandparents Day for the PCA North campus, and this Friday, September 19th is Grandparents Day for the Plano campus. We hope that all grandparents are able to attend and we want to get connected with each grandparent who wants to be equipped to be a strong spiritual influence in their family and the community!

How to Find Hope in Tragedy   Guests: Dr. Mike Goddard, Superintendent, PCA System of Schools, and Dr. Jeremiah Johnston, Dean of Students, PCA, and Pastor of Cultural Apologetics, Prestonwood Baptist Church   If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   Parents are having to navigate some very difficult conversations with their children following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA Founder and Executive Director. When tragedy hits, how can we as parents first guard the hearts and minds of our children, then guide them through dark and difficult times, and finally ground them in the Word of God as their source of strength and hope? This conversation with Dr. Jeremiah Johnston and Dr. Mike Goddard will address those practical concerns as well as encourage you to follow after the example of Charlie Kirk and stand up for your faith in Jesus Christ in a world that desperately needs more voices of truth and hope.   Dr. Johnston mentioned in the podcast that Charlie Kirk was hoping to be a surprise guest speaker at this year’s Biblical Worldview Conference. To continue his legacy, consider attending (or watch via livestream) the conference and equip yourself to stand and make a difference for the cause of Christ!  

  Guest: Julie Zarycki, Prestonwood Christian Academy North teacher and grandparent   If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   Julie Zrycki started her educational career in the public school system, then made the transition to Christian education and recently came on staff at PCA North. During her time in the public schools, Julie was a light of God’s goodness and grace, but standing on biblical principles and truth in the public arena is becoming increasingly difficult. In fact, recently the State of California passed a law banning teachers from telling parents when a student makes a decision to transition from one gender to another - check out this article to read more about this law. Several Christian teachers have sued the state saying the law violates their First Amendment protections and the wellbeing of students and their parents.   Julie’s heart for the Lord and her desire to share His love and truth with her students is evident and contagious. And Julie is more than a PCA North teacher, she’s a PCA North grandparent as well! Listen as Julie shares her journey with the Lord in the educational world.

  Guests: Brian Aulenbach, Senior Director of Development, and Kenzie Venus, Director of Development Events   If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   What is the PCA Fund? Doesn’t my tuition cover everything that PCA needs? Why are we being asked to participate in North Texas Giving Day - is that even a PCA-sponsored event? What is this new “Fun Run” and how can I sign up to participate? Brian and Kenzie answer all of these questions as well as give reasons how the generous PCA community continues to support and allow PCA to build not only the best Kingdom Education environment for students today, but also for building for the future as well. To give to PCA as part of NTGD, visit this site. Go here to sign up for the Fun Run.  

  If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   In this episode, you will have the opportunity to hear from Justin McAdams and Eric Leininger, both serving their respective campuses as Director of Spiritual Development, as well as from several students who are sharing their thoughts and reflections about US Retreat. Please make sure you check out the Panetti Parcel Post that is sent out in the weekly PCA Connection email for additional resources to enhance your own personal spiritual journey.  

Guest: Jon Noyes, Stand to Reason - Speaker for PCA’s Biblical Worldview Conference, September 28-30, 2025   If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   Loved chatting with Jon Noyes from Stand to Reason about the importance of developing a Biblical worldview and his personal journey to faith in Jesus Christ. Hope you enjoy the conversation with Jon…also, make plans to attend the BWC and like and share this podcast with others!

Guest: Dr. Mike Goddard, Superintendent of Prestonwood Christian Academy System of Schools   If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   John 14:6 - Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.   Parents, we would love for you to like, share, and subscribe to our weekly podcast available on most podcast platforms and as a video on YouTube. We love keeping you informed on what is happening at PCA and how you can better equip your family as we partner together to train the next generation in godliness (1 Tim. 4:8).

Guests: Julie West and Vinny Tellini   If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   Straight from the research at Johns Hopkins Medicine, there is an essential connection between a person’s “gut health” and their “mental health.” So what you eat directly affects how you feel - your mood, energy levels, and emotional wellbeing. Which is why the Sage Dining program at PCA Plano Campus is so much more than just nutritious and delicious food, it’s fuel for our bodies so that we can do the work that God has called us to do!   Parents, check out the Sage Dining app called Touch of SAGE to find out more about the food selections and what is available each week for your students. You can also use this app to find out about what foods best meet the needs and dietary restrictions of your students as well as share feedback with Sage Dining.  

Guests: Gabe Boyd, Justin McAdams, and Eric Leininger   If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   Parents, this is our final week of the deeper dive into the issues raised by the popular Netflix series “Adolescence.” This week we discuss the power of various cultural influences, including social media, in the lives of our children and families. We will be taking a short break for the month of July and return with new episodes beginning in August - enjoy the rest of your summer!   Huge shout-out to good friends Gabe Boyd and Justin McAdams from the PCA North campus as well as Eric Leininger, the new Director of Spiritual Development for PCA’s Plano campus for watching this series, digesting the information, and sharing some wisdom from a Biblical perspective on these important conversations!

Guests: Gabe Boyd, Justin McAdams, and Eric Leininger NOTICE: my mistake, this episode SHOULD HAVE been released as our FIRST in the series of three, but I released Masculinity first...and now the one on parenting - that was my mistake, please forgive me.  If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   Parents, this is our second week of the deeper dive into the issues raised by the popular Netflix series “Adolescence.” This week we discuss the topic of parenting, and for the final week we will discuss cultural influences including social media.   Huge shout-out to good friends Gabe Boyd and Justin McAdams from the PCA North campus as well as Eric Leininger, the new Director of Spiritual Development for PCA’s Plano campus for watching this series, digesting the information, and sharing some wisdom from a Biblical perspective on these important conversations!

Guests: Gabe Boyd, Justin McAdams, and Eric Leininger   If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   Parents, we are taking a deeper dive into the issues raised by the popular Netflix series “Adolescence.” This week we discuss the topic of masculinity, next week we will look at the issue of parenting, and for the final week we will discuss cultural influences including social media.   Huge shout-out to good friends Gabe Boyd and Justin McAdams from the PCA North campus as well as Eric Leininger, the new Director of Spiritual Development for PCA’s Plano campus for watching this series, digesting the information, and sharing some wisdom from a Biblical perspective on these important conversations!

Guests: Coach Vic Shealy, Chief of Staff, and Dr. Houn Hib, Head of School, Plano campus   If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   Like many young men, Houn Hib was greatly influenced by the faith and leadership of Coach Vic Shealy. Years later, God would reunite that relationship here at PCA as Coach Shealy is now moving into the newly created Chief of Staff position and his former quarterback turned wide receiver comes to PCA as the new Head of School for the Plano campus. Take a listen to the heart behind these men, the friendship that was forged on the gridiron, and the excitement of these two mighty men of valor getting to lock arms together again to advance Kingdom Education at Prestonwood Christian Academy!

Guest: Natasha Crain   If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   We are excited that Christian author and apologist Natasha Crain will be joining us for our 2025 Biblical Worldview Conference (BWC) September 28-30 - make sure you register today for this outstanding event! Natasha shares in this podcast about the importance of parents to be armed with the truth of God’s Word as they equip their students for the world around them. Check out Natasha’s website to learn more about her and her ministry as well as her outstanding books for your family, including her latest book When Culture Hates You: Preserving for the Common Good as Christians in a Hostile Public Square.  

Guest: Dan Panetti, Director of Parent Engagement & Ministry, PCA Plano campus   If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   If you’ve heard my story, you know that my wife Tricia and I were huge public school advocates - Tricia was teaching in PISD and we wanted to be “salt and light” in the public school system. God had different plans for our family. Twenty-two years ago, I started volunteering at PCA helping out with the Student Leadership Institute (SLI) and then a couple years later, I started a new role as the Worldview Director for PCA. After fifteen years of legal and public policy in the nonprofit world, we had no concept of what the private Christian school was or how we could afford to send four kids to PCA - but God knew, so we trusted Him.   Now as we look back at those 20 years at PCA, we are amazed how God provided over and over again, more than we could ask or imagine - our fourth child, Campbell, is graduating from PCA and the blessings from our time at PCA and the friends and community we’ve done life with has been remarkable! I hope you enjoy some personal and professional reflections and are encouraged that God has you here at PCA for His purposes - so enjoy the ride, it goes by way too fast!

Guest: Ruslan KD   If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   Born Ruslan Karaoglanov to Armenian parents in Baku, Azerbaijan, Ruslan was a child when he immigrated with his family to the United States in 19900 to escape religious persecution after an ethnic conflict broke out in the wake of tensions between the dissolving Soviet Union and the Azerbaijan government. Ruslan broke on the scene as a rapper and YouTube vlogger and now is popular with young people as a YouTube sensation apologist sharing his faith in Christ and taking on all questions and opposition to the Gospel! His book Godly Ambition: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Time, Talent, and Treasure will be available September 9, 2025 and Ruslan will be a featured speaker at the 2025 Biblical Worldview Conference (BWC) coming to Prestonwood Baptist Church September 28-30, 2025  

Guests: Gabe Boyd and Justin McAdams   If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   Important overview discussion about the Netflix series “Adolescence” that deals with the cultural issues of masculinity, parenting, violence, social media, pornography, education, and loneliness. We plan to dive deeper into each of these components for our summer series - so make sure that you come back to watch/listen to our future podcasts. Also, please like and share these episodes with friends and family who need to hear a Biblical perspective on these cultural issues.

Guest: Erin Williams, PCA US Counselor, Plano campus   If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page.   This is a continuation of our powerful discussion on the book Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren’t Growing Up, which is the 2024 book from Abigail Shrier and came as a result of her revealing book a few years before that called Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters (2021) in which Shrier discovered how damaging and controlling public school counselors could be on this gender ideology. If you didn’t listen to the first week, I would strongly recommend that you go back and listen or watch that episode.   Just to reiterate a point that we both made in the podcast, this examination of Bad Therapy is NOT a recommendation in favor of reading the book or an endorsement of everything that is written in this book. Shrier is not writing from a Biblical worldview, however both Erin Williams and I share much of her concern with the new “therapeutic-infused parenting” that is so popular today and her concerns over what Shrier calls “bad” therapy. There is good, solid, helpful therapy that is happening, but Shrier’s call to parents is to pay attention to the therapy that their children are receiving and be discerning as to the wisdom that is being offered to your children. YOU are the parents and, as such, are God’s ordained stewards of your children…not the therapist, not the school, not the government.