Carpool Conversations

Friendships can be one of the greatest joys in a child's life, but they can also be one of the biggest challenges. From playground disagreements to teenage drama, parents often wonder how to help their kids build healthy, meaningful relationships.
In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Sarah sit down with Amanda Mejias, Lifeway Specialist for Girls Ministry and Women in Ministry, to talk about helping kids navigate friendships with confidence. Amanda shares practical ways parents can encourage healthy friendships, help kids work through conflict, and teach them how to communicate with honesty and kindness.
Most importantly, she explains why a strong sense of identity in Christ can change the way kids approach friendships, rejection, and belonging. You'll also hear encouragement for parents who are walking alongside a child experiencing friendship struggles and learn why modeling healthy relationships matters.
Whether your child is making new friends, dealing with conflict, or learning how to be a good friend, this conversation offers biblical wisdom and practical encouragement for every stage.
Resources:
This is Friendship by Amanda Mejias & Corinne Allen
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Question of the Week: Who would you say is your best friend in this season or in your class at school?
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Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones
Guest: Amanda Mejias
Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun
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Learn more about WinShape Camps: winshapecamps.org
Instagram: @winshapecamps
Facebook: @winshapecamps
TikTok: @winshapecamps

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Anxiety and mental health challenges are affecting more teens than ever before, leaving many parents wondering how to help. In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Marissa sit down with Amber Lia and her son, Ollie Lia, co-authors of You Are Seen, for an honest conversation about anxiety, depression, and finding hope in the midst of struggle.

Drawing from Ollie's personal journey and the lessons they share in their book, Amber and Ollie discuss practical strategies for overcoming anxiety, the value of counseling and support, and how faith and mental health resources can work together. They also offer encouragement for parents walking alongside struggling teens, insight into signs that additional help may be needed, and share a powerful reminder that every child is seen, known, and deeply loved by God.

Whether you're currently parenting a teenager or preparing for the years ahead, this conversation offers biblical encouragement, practical tools, and hope for families navigating mental health challenges together.

Resources:

Book: You Are Seen by Amber Lia & Ollie Lia

Meet our Guest: Amber Lia

Meet our Guest: Ollie Lia

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Question of the Week: What in your life right now makes you feel the most anxious?

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Hosts: Amy Lowe & Marissa Ray

Guests: Amber Lia & Ollie Lia

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

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Learn more about WinShape Camps: winshapecamps.org

Instagram: @winshapecamps

Facebook: @winshapecamps

TikTok: @winshapecamps

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How can you raise kids who follow Christ in a world that constantly pulls them in other directions, and what does it look like to parent with grace, wisdom, and a long-term perspective?

In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Sara sit down with Bible teacher and author Jen Wilkin to talk about the challenges and joys of raising kids who are formed by the gospel rather than the culture around them. Drawing from decades of parenting experience, Jen shares practical wisdom for navigating everything from discipline and boundaries to peer pressure and meaningful family conversations.

Together, they discuss the importance of viewing children as image bearers, balancing rules and relationship, and keeping the long view in mind when making everyday parenting decisions. Jen offers encouraging reminders for parents in every stage, helping them trade performance-driven pressure for a deeper trust in God's faithful work in both their children and themselves.

Whether you're in the toddler years, navigating the teen years, or somewhere in between, this conversation will encourage you to take a deep breath, hold on to what matters most, and trust that God's grace is at work in your parenting journey.

Resources:

Raising an Alien Child | Podcast

6 Part Parenting Class | The Village Church

Abide - Bible Study by Jen Wilkin

Sermon on the Mount - Bible Study by Jen Wilkin

James - Bible Study by Jen Wilkin

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Question of the Week: What do you think it looks like to be kind and generous at school—even when it’s hard or when others aren’t?

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Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones

Guests: Jen Wilkin

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

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Learn more about WinShape Camps: winshapecamps.org

Instagram: @winshapecamps

Facebook: @winshapecamps

TikTok: @winshapecamps

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How can something as simple as play help your child grow in their faith, and how can you make play a natural part of your family's everyday rhythms?

In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Sara sit down with Brittany Compton to talk about the powerful purpose behind play. While play often comes naturally to kids, Brittany reminds parents that it is far more than just fun – it's how kids learn, grow, process emotions, build resilience, and connect with the world God made.

Together, they discuss how simple, everyday moments of play can strengthen the parent-child bond, create space for meaningful faith conversations, and remind kids that they are loved, valued, and delighted in. From bath time and dinner games to backyard adventures and board games, this conversation is full of practical encouragement for parents who want to be more present and intentional.

Whether play comes easily to you or feels like something you have to work at, this episode will encourage you to start small, have fun, and never underestimate what God can do through a few intentional moments with your kids.

Resources:

Deuteronomy 6:7

Book: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

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Question of the Week: How can we play together more as a family?

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Hosts: Amy Lowe & Sara Jones

Guests: Brittany Compton

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

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Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org!

Instagram: @WinShapeCamps

TikTok: @WinShapeCamps

Facebook: @WinShapeCamps

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy Lowe and Marissa Ray sit down with Matt Lowe, chaplain and volunteer coordinator at the Real Life Center and father of two, to talk about why serving others is one of the most impactful habits families can build together. 

Matt shares how volunteering not only helps those who are benefiting from your service, but also increases gratitude, joy, and purpose in the lives of those who give their time. From packing "care bags" with preschoolers to empowering teenagers to take ownership of meaningful work, he offers practical ideas for involving kids of every age in serving others. Our conversation also explores how volunteering creates opportunities for connection, leadership, and memorable moments as a family.

Whether your family starts with a one-time project or finds a regular place to serve, this episode will encourage you to discover how serving together can shape your family's values and deepen your relationships.

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Question of the Week: If your family could make someone's day better this week, what could you do?

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Hosts: Amy Lowe & Marissa Ray

Guests: Matt Lowe

Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun

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Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org!

Instagram: @WinShapeCamps

TikTok: @WinShapeCamps

Facebook: @WinShapeCamps

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.