Port City Parent Network Podcast: Recent Episodes
Port City Community Church
In this episode we recap a recent Port City Kids TOPICS gathering where a panel discusses how we can teach our kids to navigate diversity and inclusion. Pamela Dixon joins us to share lots of great insight.
In this episode the Parent Ministry team at Port City talks about being parents and helping other parents connect at church and lead their kids and teens in the faith. Jennifer Gillis, Allison Mason, and Katie Robinson offer great encouragement and insight and know that they are here to help you.
In this episode we talk to Don and Diane Harty after they shared at our latest Hopeful Parents gathering. Don and Diane have three adult children and have a lot of wisdom to share as they continue to lead their kids.
In this episode Sass and Karin talk to Perry and Mia Green about leading and influencing your adult children. Perry is the Pastor of Care at Port City and he and Mia have four adult sons. They share some great insight about how to relate with and still influence their children.
In this episode Sass and Karin interview mom and author Monica Swanson about being a mom of boys and her book "Raising Amazing."
In this episode Katie Robinson interviews Rich and Sue Biagini as they recap our recent TOPICS class about how to navigate technology in our families.
In this episode we introduce our new group called Hopeful Parents and we talk with professor and parent Lisa Scribner about how we as parents can understand the different sub-cultures that our adult children live in and how to navigate that space.
In an exciting episode Rich Biagini and Katie Robinson talk about a new resource from Port City Kids called "The Fourth Grade Plan."
In this recap of our recent Port City Kids TOPICS class we hear from Shawn and Meredith Knowles about how they have helped their kids develop a growing independence over the years.
In this episode we talk with Sarah Prince who shared at our recent Parent Network event "Anchored Love." Sarah talks about staying anchored to God through the storms of life (and parenting).
In this episode Katie Robinson chats with Chris and Karin Sasser as we talk about our latest Port City Kids TOPICS class and how to help our kids navigate friendships.
In our second "conversation from camp" of 2023, we talk to Josh Griffin about how parenting happens fast and what we can do to maintain relationships and have influence.
In this "Conversation From Camp" with talk with our friend and ministry leader Stuart Hall about how the upcoming generations are deconstructing their faith and how we as parents can engage in the process with them.
In this episode Katie Robinson interviews Javi and Lauren Mendoza who shared at our recent Port City Kids TOPICS Class about how to lead your family to be others oriented.
In this episode we hear clips form an interview with counselors Troy Peverall and Lori Cochard about leading and parenting teens today.
In this episode Sass, Erica Svab, and Brett Eddy share the content of a recent Parent Conversation where we offer thoughts, ideas, and resources on helping our kids navigate the world of technology and pornography. This is such an important topic for us to be aware of and be having appropriate conversations with our kids and teens.
In this episode Katie Robinson and Lindsay Connolly talk about the recent TOPICS class about leading your kids in prayer. We talk about both how to pray as a parent and how to teach our kids how to pray.
In this episode Lindsay Connolly and Katie Robinson share a recap of our latest Port City Kids Topics class where they talk about how to help your kids learn and display honesty and how to create a culture of trust in your home.
In this episode we hear a recap of a recent Topics class where Lindsay Connolly and Katie Robinson talked to parents about how to step more into teaching scripture to our kids.
In this episode of the Parent Network Podcast Erica Svab and Geoff Banks talk about how parents can navigate the world of substance abuse in teens.
In this episode Sass and Erica ask Dr. Chinwe Williams some follow-up questions from our Parent Network event on September 19th. It's some great bonus content!
In this episode, Sass and Karin talk to our friend Stuart Hall about how to influence our adults and college-age children.
In this conversation with Ashley Bohinc, we talk a little about our middle school summer camp and what we are seeing in teenage culture. We do a deep dive into the way teens are interacting with technology and what we can do as parents to help.
In episode 086 Sass talks with Nancy Kotz from "Be The Adult" and we discuss ways we as parents can grow ourselves in order to better help our kids.
In this episode we hear from Port City friend and Parent Gilbert D'Meza (better known as "D") about his parenting philosophy and a system that works in their home.
In episode 084 we interview pastor and author Will Hutcherson about his new book, SEEN. Will co-authored the book with Dr. Chinwe Williams and they share a great picture of how we can help our kids and teens in their anxiety and despair. There is a real power in connection, and Will talks about a few practical ways we can connect with our kids lead them well.
The next episode of our Parent Network Podcast will have you laughing (and crying) for sure as you hear Annalee Thomason share her family's story and how God has been working in their lives over the past several years. As a wife, parent of toddlers, an author, and entrepreneur, and so much more, Annalee has a great story to share and lots of nuggets of wisdom.
In this episode Sass and Karin look back at parenting in 2021, talk about intentionally stepping into 2022, and give you some tools, resources, and upcoming events to help you as a parent.
In this episode we interview our friend and fellow pastor Jamie Mackey from First Baptist Church in Huntsville, AL and we talk about strategies to lead and disciple out kids.
On this episode we hear another of our Port City Kids "Parent Tips" where Molly Swander interviews Julie Ashcraft.
In this episode we listen to one of our recent "Parent Tips" from Port City Kids where Katie Robinson interviews Javi and Lauren Mendoza on how they lead their family to live intentionally and on mission.
In episode 078 we talk with Crystal Sutherland, founder of Journey to Heal Ministries. Journey to Heal endeavors to help survivors heal from past sexual trauma by leading them to hope in Jesus Christ, through support, education, and community. Crystal shares her story and gives us as parents some great insight into how we can help lead and protect our kids in a hyper-sexualized world.
In this episode we talk to Stuart Hall just after our most recent Parent Network event on "Helping Our Kids Navigate Anxiety and Stress." We recap the night and dig a little deeper into the topic.
Episode 076 of the Parent Network Podcast features our friends Clay and Jessica Sheets. They have an amazing story of how God has worked in their lives and family and they share some great insight on being intentional as parents. Listen, subscribe, and share on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Sound Cloud, and Anchor.
In episode 075 we have our second "conversation from camp" as we interview our speaker from our high school FUSE. Samer Massad is a pastor and parent of two young girls, and he works a lot with the next generation in both his church and around the country. He has a lot of great insight in both raising his girls and seeing and discerning a lot about the next generation. He shares both personal experience and ministry insight on how we as parents can help our kids grow in their life and faith.
In episode 074 we have our first of two "interviews from camp" where chat with one the speakers from FUSE '21. Shane Sanchez is a pastor and a parent who has a lot of great insight for all of us as we raise our kids.
In this episode Karin and Sass talk about our latest sermon series called "Travel Light." We talk about the performance and identity baggage that our kids might be packing and how we can help them "lighten the load" as they grow up.
In this episode we follow along with our series at church called "Travel Light" where we are looking at things that hinder us in our faith and how to rid ourselves of these things. Sass talks about the concept, where it came from, and how it can impact our parenting.
In this episode we hear from Clay and Courtney Everett in the first ever "Parent Tips" from Port City Kids. Parent Tips is a part of the Summer Extravaganza and offers some great insight on building trust with your kids.
In episode 070 Sass and Karin look at weeks three and four of DTR through the lens of parenting and we talk about how we can offer our kids grace and forgiveness as they continue to grow into who they will become. It all takes lots of patience, and we we talk about that!
Sass and Karin dive into our new series at church, DTR (Define The Relationship) and we talk about having empathy as a parent, embracing and sharing God's love, and connecting with our kids.
In episode 068 we wrap up our conversation about our "Enough is Enough" series talking about struggling in the right direction. We have a great conversation with Ben and Katie Robinson who share about what they have learned in parenting their three kids and the perfectionist tendencies we all have.
In episode 067 Sass and Karin welcome Kyle and Shelly Kinder and we spend time talking about our “inner critic” and how we can parent with more grace as we deal with our kids (and ourselves).
In this second part of talking about our series "Enough is Enough" Sass and Karin welcome Nick and Erica Svab to talk through the pain of giving up control as a parent. We talk about a few scriptures and ideas on how to fully trust God and give up control with our kids, even when it's hard.
In this episode Sass and Karin start a series following along with our series "Enough is Enough" where we talk about perfectionism and parenting.
We really hope you listen to episode 064 with Mike Ashcraft the week between Christmas and New Years 2020. We talk about taking time as a parent to do our church's personal retreat, possibly leading your kids through it, and picking words. Set aside a few minutes ASAP to give this episode a listen. It will help you finish 2020 in a great way.
In episode 063 we hear from Pastor Mike Ashcraft and we talk about how to focus on and infuse joy into your parenting and family this Christmas season. With lots of craziness, struggles, and disappointments, how can we as parents experience and model the joy that comes from Jesus?
In episode 062 we hear from Todd and Tara McCrary and we learn how God has moved in their family over the past few years. Todd was recently baptized and has grown in his faith in so many ways. Todd and Tara share how this shift has impacted their two girls, their marriage, and life overall. It's a great story!
In episode 061 Branch and Misti Smith share their story of deciding to own the discipleship of their children. It's a great story!
In episode 060 we hear from our very own Geoff Banks and his dad James about their family's story of coming through an incredibly difficult number of years and finding redemption and strength on the other side. Their story is detailed in a new book called "Hope Lies Ahead: Encouragements for Parents of Prodigals From a Family That's Been There." Give the podcast a listen, share it with a friend, and buy their book! James also has another great book for parents called "Prayers for Prodigals" that is a great practical resource for praying parents.
In episode 059 Domonique and Pam Dixon share about their family, which is blended in more ways than one. They talk about how they are attempting to live a life of love as they navigate so many layers. Their focus on sharing the love of Christ through their actions is inspiring. Definitely share this one with a friend!
In episode 058 we address the issue a lot of parents are facing right now and we talk about how to navigate home based learning. We hosted a conversation with parents and recorded a panel sharing some great tips from some homeschool parents. We fielded some questions and had a great discussion. This episode has parenting nuggets for all of us and is a great resource to share with friends.
In episode 057 of the Parent Network Podcast we spend some time with Jason and Kayla Black. They have a 16 month old son and they have both worked with teenagers and families in variety of ways over the years. They have some great insight on trusting God through parenting, navigating a pandemic, and living in a multi-ethnic family.
Episode 056 is super fun as Chris and Karin Sasser welcome Jordan and Alex Sasser to a fun and rich conversation. Jordan (Sass' nephew) and Alex have two kids, five and two. We talk about everything from parenting together to staying consistent. You'll get a ton out of this episode, especially if you have younger kids (but listen if you have olders too!). Also, if you stay until the end you'll hear an extra treat
Episode 055 is a GREAT conversation with our friends Stuart and Kellee Hall where we dig into so many parenting and family issues. If you don't know their recent story, listen to Port City's July 5th Sunday service to hear about their difficult and incredible journey. In this conversation, we talk about how to lead your kids through crisis and so much more. This is going to be an episode you'll want to share with your friends!
In episode 054 we hear from Don and Buffy Brown on how they parent kids in several phases. The Browns have been intentionally parenting their kids in so many ways and they have some great insight for us all. You also hear about how the podcast got it's new co-host.
In episode 053 of the Parent Network Podcast we interview Gina Fimbel on "How to Talk to Your Kids (and Yourself) About Racism." As parents, we are obviously in a unique position to lead our kids in a healthy way, but some of us need to do a little internal work ourselves. If you are a white parent, we hope this conversation will continue to open your eyes to a world we all need to see. If you are a parent of color, we hope this conversation lets you know how much we are in this with you!
We also might have found a new co-host for the podcast! :)
In episode 052 Sass talks to Shelly Kinder and Erica Svab about some really practical parenting ideas as our time of quarantine continues. They offer some simple suggestions and share about real moments from their family life in this season. They also share about a family challenge you can participate in.
In episode 051 of the Parent Network Podcast we step into talking about how parents of college students can lead their kids during this season. We have a conversation with Clay Everett and Kailyn Johnston from the college ministry at Port City and we learn what they are hearing and observing from college students. We then interview the Griffin family who have a college student back at home for this season. In both sections there is some great insight for those of you in this boat.
In episode 050 we welcome back a familiar voice of the podcast to celebrate a big milestone. We also hear from Mike Ashcraft in the midst of the current crisis and we get some great insight and encouragement in how to lead our kids during this season of life.
In episode 049 of the Parent Network Podcast Sass, Shelly Kinder, Erica Svab, and Michelle Hufham talk about practical ways to help your family while under a “stay at home” order. We talk about everything from school to meals to good ole family fun. We’re all in the same boat and we hopefully give you some practical ideas to help your family navigate these strange times.
In Episode 048 we have a few great conversations about parenting through the coronavirus including an interview with Evans and Natalie Baggs. Sass, Rich Biagini, and Brett Eddy also talk about what our church is offering for kids, students, and parents in this season.
In episode 047 Sass talks to Lead Pastor Mike Ashcraft about our world's current situation with COVID-19, our church's response, and how we as parents can lead our families through times such as these. Share this with a friend!
In Episode 046 our friend Kyle VanZandt shares great insight from several perspectives. Kyle and his wife Lorin are the parents of two daughters, and Kyle served for several years in the student ministry at PC3. Kyle gives us some great parenting ideas and wisdom that will help you with your kids. Make sure to like and share this episode and any episodes that help you as a parent.
As we head into Daddy-Daughter Dance week, we decided to get some wisdom from a dad of daughters. In episode 045 we hear from Taylor Swander about a few things you can do as the dad of daughters to build and keep a deeper connection. Taylor has some great ideas as a dad as well as insight from what he sees in his role in student ministry at PC3. Share this episode with any dad you know with daughters!
In episode 044 we start the new year talking to Javi and Lauren Mendoza about what it means to live as a family on mission. There are so many great layers and nuggets to this conversation so give it a listen and share it with your friends!
In episode 043 we hear from a group of students about what they need from their parents to help them grow in their faith. Sass and Rich Biagini discuss what we heard from these students and offer some insights and encouragements for us all.
In episode 042 we talk to Mike Ashcraft about the current series at PC3 called "No Ordinary Family." We've been talking about a new way to look at the family and its purpose in God's kingdom. This episode will give you a lot of great things to think about and discern how to implement in your family, whatever it may look like.
In Episode 41 we have a great conversation with our friend Ashley Bohinc about the pressure and stress we put on our kids when it comes to sports, school, and performance. This one gives us as parents a lot to think about!
In Episode 040 we continue our "Interviews from Camp" and talk with Ashley Bohinc. Ashley has served in family ministry for a long time and currently works for Orange. We talk about how partnering with parents goes both ways and Ashley gives us some practical advice on connecting our family to voices in the church.
In Episode 039 we continue our "Interviews from camp" and talk with one of the founding fathers of Christian podcasting, Josh Griffin. Josh is a leader, author, speaker, and youth pastor at heart. He has great insight on practical ways we can interact with our kids and lead them in life and faith.
Episode 038 is our first of several "interviews from camp" where we talk to some top notch folks about different parenting topics. While we were at FUSE this past summer, we interviewed our camp speakers who work with kids, teens, and parents every day. They all had great insight on different areas of parenting. In this episode you will hear from Dan Scott from Orange. Dan is a speaker, author, and parent himself and we talk about technology and the "age of acceleration" that our kids are growing up in.
In episode 037 Marcy chats with Rusty and Rachel Knowles about marriage, raising a child with special needs, and so much more. Lots of great insight and encouragement here.
In episode 036 we interview PC3 attender and mom Joscelyn Wiggs. She shares about how she has relied on her faith and relationship with God through some difficult circumstances and single parenting.
In Episode 035 Marcy interviews her friend Lauren Grijalva who’s family is on quite the adventure. They chat about tiny living, life on the road with kids, finding a faith community, and much more. It’s a fun interview as we continue to talk to parents who aren’t quite living the “normal” life.
In Episode 034 we talk to our friends Eric and Amanda Ross on raising three boys and how to navigate family life with a dad who travels. They give us lots of great insight and encouragement.
In episode 033 Sass and Marcy talk about Father's Day, review a great resource encouraging dads, and talk through some practical advice for dads.
In Episode 031 we talk to our friend Courtney Everett about how to help our kids navigate the growing anxiety that exists in our world today. She gives some great insight on how we can help our kids process their thoughts and emotions in healthy ways.
In Episode 030 we interview Troy Peverall from Agape Counseling Associates fresh off our recent "Redemptive Parenting" seminar. Troy has some great insight for us as we all seek to take what we've experienced in our past and use it in a healthy way in our parenting.
In Episode 029 we hear part 2 of Marcy's interview with Millie Holloman and Emily Klinefelter about fostering and The Foster Pantry. Also, leave us a review to help get the PN Podcast in front of more parents.
In Episode 028 we chat with Millie Holloman and Emily Klinefelter and hear their stories of fostering and adopting children. These two are doing great ministry and have a lot to say to encourage us all. Marcy and Sass also talk about upcoming spring events in the network
In Episode 027 we talk with our friend Phil Bell about his perspective on Real Parenting. Phil is the Executive Director of Family Ministries at Hope Community Church in Raleigh, NC. Phil has some great insight and challenges for us as parents.
Episode 026 is a continuation of our conversation with Tom Shefchunas (a.k.a. @coachshef). We talk a little about navigating technology and social media and a lot about how to create and maintain a safe home where our kids will be willing to step into the hard conversations.
Episode 025 is a great interview with Tom Shefchunas (or "Shef") where we jump into talking about "Real Parenting" in a big way. It's part one of a two-part discussion and you'll want to listen for sure. Marcy and Sass also talk about a few upcoming events and opportunities in the Parent Network.
In Episode 024 we kick off the new year with a great interview with Stuart Hall talking about teens, what issues they are facing, and how to lead them well. We also give a few details on upcoming events in the Parent Network.
In Episode 023 Sass and Marcy talk about Christmas stress, personal retreats, My One Word, and 2019. Enjoy, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
In Episode 022 of the Parent Network Podcast we have part two of our interview with Troy Peverall of Agape Counseling AssociatesIf you missed part one, go back and listen to Episode 021.
In Episode 021 of the Parent Network Podcast we talk to Troy Peverall of Agape Counseling Associates about how to strengthen our marriage and we get some overall great parenting advice. It's part one of two and its great!
In Episode 020 we welcome Bruxy Cavey ... pastor, author, parent, and friend. Bruxy leads The Meeting House outside of Toronto, Canada and he was with us at Port City in October. We talk with Bruxy about his ideas around parenting and overall family discipleship. We also reveal a little info about an upcoming Parent Network event. Good stuff!
In Episode 019 we talk a little about the craziness of Fall and we hear from our friend Jim Gratton about his journey of parenting through difficult situations. Jim has several young adult children and he talks about how to lead them as well as parenting mistakes he made along the way. His story is powerful and one you definitely want to hear!
In Episode 018, Sass and Marcy give an update on what's happening in the Parent Network for the rest of the year in light of the impact of Hurricane Florence. So many people have been impacted in so many ways and we talk about how the church has responded and some great opportunities we have for parents to simply get together in November.
On this special episode we talk to our friend and counselor Pat Nolan about how to lead your kids through a disaster or crisis situation. In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, we want to help parents help their kids process all that has happened during this event.
In Episode 016 we wrap up our year of talking about "Intentional Parenting" by chatting with Scott and MJ West. They do an incredible job of having a lot of intentional fun with their kids and in this interview we hear about their heart for doing this as well as some practical suggestions.
In episode 15 of the Parent Network Podcast we have a great conversation with Stuart Hall. This one is a little different as we interviewed Stuart on a porch with a live audience at our student ministry summer camp. We talk about things going on with this generation and we answer a few questions from parents who are listening in. It's a fun one!
Mike Ashcraft joins us as we talk about how to look at summer and the disruptions to our "normal" patterns in a different way. We talk about how to help our family use this season well and see the new things God is doing.
Our friend and psychologist Jason Black shares his perspective on issues that kids are facing today and how we as parents can navigate these choppy waters.
We're excited about our latest Parent Network Podcast where we take a different slant and interview a child instead of a parent. Now, he's not a "child" but he does have parents. Geoff Banks leads the high school ministry at PC3 and has a powerful story of how his parents helped him to navigate a tough time in his life. You'll get several great tips for how you can help your kids as they travel on their journey.
In Episode 11 we interview licensed counselor and PC3 attender Pat Nolan on how to create a healthy family system through managing conflict and anger. Pat shares some REALLY good stuff! We also talk about a few upcoming Parent Network events.
On Episode 010 we interview Rick and Liz Shafer and hear about how they parented their two sons through all of the phases into adulthood. They offer lots of great wisdom so give it a listen. Make sure to subscribe in order to listen to all of our episodes.
In episode 009 we talk to Rich Biagini about how we as parents can better navigate technology and social media.
In this episode we interview Danny Rogers from our New Bern Campus and tackle a few questions from parents.
In Episode 007 we interview Mike and Julie Ashcraft just after our recent Parent Network event. They'll share a little more about how to create a healthy family culture and answer a few questions from the night. We also talk about upcoming Parent Network events. Enjoy!
In Episode 06 we interview our potential new co-host Marcy Bolick (if she does well :). We talk about her involvement in the Parent Network, our Phase One Mom’s Group, and some random Christmas tips. It’s a fun listen!
On this episode of the podcast we interview Pat Nolan, licensed family counselor, and we talk about how we can build a healthy family system through better listening and communication.
In our fourth episode we interview Michelle Starbuck, our volunteer Director of the Parent Network, on intentional parenting over the years.
An interview with Mike Ashcraft about how he has intentionally parented over the years.
In this episode we launch the Parent Network with a great interview with our friend and partner Stuart Hall. This interview is just after our first ever Parent Network event and we talk about why this initiative is so important to us as a church.