What happens when the parenting season you thought would never end suddenly does? 

Mandy sits down with her husband, Matt Majors, for an honest conversation about becoming empty nesters and the surprising grief that comes when the noise, interruptions, and everyday needs of raising kids disappear.

Looking back over more than two decades of parenting, Mandy and Matt talk candidly about career decisions, finances, marriage, sacrifice, and learning to put their family ahead of personal ambitions. Matt shares how fatherhood gradually shifted his purpose from living for himself to finding joy in serving others, while Mandy reflects on the hard conversations and Biblical priorities that helped create stability in their home.

For parents still in the exhausting years, this episode is an encouragement to keep going. The interruptions won't last forever, and the small choices you're making today to prioritize God, your marriage, and your kids can bear fruit long after they leave home.

Guest Bio:

Matt Majors is Mandy Majors' husband of 27 years and the father of their two young adult children, ages 22 and 19. Unlike Mandy, Matt's professional career has been in the secular business world, but his Christian faith and love of theology have deeply influenced the way he approaches marriage, fatherhood, and family priorities.

In this episode, Matt offers a dad's perspective on the transition into empty nesting and reflects on how more than two decades of parenting changed him. He shares honestly about sacrificing career opportunities and hobbies, learning to prioritize his wife and children, and discovering that some of the moments he once found exhausting are now the ones he misses most.

Resources:

- We Read the Comments on our Viral Parenting Post - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/we-read-the-comments-on-our-viral-parenting-post/

- Avoid Crazy-Parent Mode - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/avoid-crazy-parent-mode/

- Why Kids Stop Talking to their Parents: A Son's Honest Advice - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/why-kids-stop-talking-to-their-parents-a-sons-honest-advice/

- My 18-year-old Son’s Honest Take on My Parenting - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/18-year-old-son-honest-take-parenting/ 

- Marriage Talk: From Fighting to Talking w/Matt and Mandy Majors - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/marriage-talk-from-fighting-to-talking-w-matt-and-mandy-majors/

- 3 things NOT to do if you want to stay married. - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/three-things-not-to-do-if-you-want-to-stay-married/

- How do we talk to our kids about Money? - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/how-do-we-talk-to-our-kids-about-money/

Connect with The nextTalk Parent Podcast:

Website:https://nextTalk.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nextTalk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextTalkorg/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextTalkorg

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Matt Riviere never imagined that one decision would take both of his sons, Andrew and Stephen. At 21 and 19, the brothers purchased what they believed was oxycodone through Snapchat. The pills were counterfeit and contained fentanyl, and both young men died. Matt joins Mandy to share their story and help parents understand how quickly counterfeit pills, social media, and experimentation can become deadly.

Matt also shares what he wishes he had known about fentanyl, the progression he saw from vaping and other substances to greater experimentation, and why parents cannot assume their kids understand the risks of pills purchased outside a legitimate pharmacy. His message is urgent: educate yourself, talk about fentanyl before your child encounters it, and make sure they know that a pill that looks legitimate may not be what it appears to be.

Through unimaginable loss, Matt has turned his pain into advocacy, working alongside other parents to push for greater accountability and protections for kids. His encouragement to parents reflects the heart of nextTalk: rules and technology controls matter, but they cannot replace open communication. Create a relationship where your kids can tell you about their mistakes, questions, and struggles—even when the conversation is uncomfortable.

Guest Bio:

Matt Riviere is a Colorado father and advocate who lost his two sons, Andrew and Stephen, after they unknowingly took counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. Since their deaths, Matt has dedicated himself to educating parents and students about the dangers of fentanyl, counterfeit prescription drugs, substance experimentation, and drug activity facilitated through social media.

Matt has worked with other families on fentanyl-related legislation in Colorado and advocates for greater social media accountability and online protections for children, including work connected to the Kids Online Safety Act. By courageously sharing his family's story, Matt hopes other parents will have conversations he wishes he had known to have with his own sons.

Resources:

• Fentanyl (Special Guest: Tall Cop) - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/fentanyl-special-guest-tall-cop/
• Tall Cop: The Normalization of Alcohol & Marijuana - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/tall-cop-the-normalization-of-alcohol-marijuana/
• Tall Cop: Vaping and Drug Culture - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/tall-cop-vaping-and-drug-culture/
• Phone-Free Schools: Mom on a Mission - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/phone-free-schools-mom-on-a-mission/
• Legislative Work to Keep Kids Safe Online - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/legislative-work-to-keep-kids-safe-online/
• Parents Were Right About Social Media - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/parents-were-right-about-social-media/
• Guardrails to Protect Kids Online - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/guardrails-to-protect-kids-online/
• 16 Year Old’s Suicide from Sextortion. How do we protect our kids? - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/16-year-olds-suicide-from-sextortion-how-do-we-protect-our-kids/
• Brian Montgomery on Walker’s Sextortion Case: Justice, Anger, and Surrender - nextTalk 
• Colorado’s 72-hour social media warrant law takes effect Aug. 12 - Denver Gazette
• DEA “One Pill Can Kill” Campaign:  https://www.dea.gov/onepill
• Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA): https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text
• Colorado Fentanyl Accountability and Prevention Act: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb22-1326

Connect with The nextTalk Parent Podcast:

Website: https://nextTalk.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nextTalk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextTalkorg/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextTalkorg

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What happens when the parenting principles you learned when your kids were little are finally put to the test in the teenage years? 

Mandy welcomes longtime friend and former nextTalk co-host Kim Elerick back to the podcast to talk honestly about what she has learned after stepping away from the organization and focusing more intentionally on her family.

Kim shares how creating margin helped her move from projecting fear onto her kids to being more present with them. Together, Mandy and Kim revisit practical principles that have shaped their families: keeping devices out of bedrooms and bathrooms, telling kids “I love you the same” when they mess up, getting curious instead of immediately lecturing, introducing technology based on readiness rather than age, and reminding kids they can always wake you up. Through mistakes, apologies, hard conversations, and plenty of “crazy parent mode,” they’ve seen how consistently building a safe place can create relationships where kids actually want to come to their parents when something goes wrong.

Guest Bio:

 Kim Elerick helped build nextTalk alongside Mandy Majors from its earliest days as a moms group through its growth into a nonprofit organization. With a background in radio, Kim also helped Mandy learn the world of radio and podcasting while contributing to many of the parenting principles and conversations that became foundational to nextTalk.

After stepping away from her day-to-day role at nextTalk to prioritize her family, Kim gained a new perspective on putting those principles into practice while raising her three children. Now returning as an occasional guest contributor, she brings honest, firsthand insight about parenting teens, navigating technology, creating healthy boundaries, and building the kind of relationship where kids know their parents are a safe place.

Resources:

• Look in the Mirror: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/look-in-the-mirror/ 
• Crazy Parent Mode: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/avoid-crazy-parent-mode/
• Four reasons I kept screens out of my kid’s bedroom and bathroom: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/four-reasons-i-kept-screens-out-of-my-kids-bedroom-and-bathroom/ 
• Walker’s Promise - https://nexttalk.org/walkers-promise/ 
• 16 Year Old’s Suicide from Sextortion.How do we protect our kids? - nextTalk 
• Build a safe place: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/build-a-safe-place/
• Is my kid ready for a phone? - nextTalk
• My child is ready for social media. Where should I start? - nextTalk 
• Influenced: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/influenced/ 
• Questioning Kids Wrap-Up: Understanding my child instead of trying to “fix” them - nextTalk 
• Author Kristen Jenson - nextTalk 
• “Good Pictures, Bad Pictures” book: https://www.defendyoungminds.com/books 

Connect with The nextTalk Parent Podcast:

Website:https://nextTalk.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nextTalk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextTalkorg/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextTalkorg

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After more than three years of waiting, advocacy, prayer, and perseverance, Brian Montgomery returns to the nextTalk Parent Podcast with a major update in the fight for justice for his son, Walker.

In December 2022, Walker became the victim of an online sextortion scheme. An online predator posing as a young girl manipulated Walker into a compromising situation and then threatened to expose him. Within hours, Walker died by suicide.

Since then, Brian and his family have courageously shared Walker’s story to warn other families, advocate for stronger protections for children, and help parents understand how quickly online predators can enter a child’s world.

In this conversation with Mandy, Brian shares the years-long journey that led from local law enforcement to the FBI, an arrest in Nigeria, and ultimately the extradition of the alleged perpetrator to the United States. He also shares the unexpected doors that opened through his advocacy—including a conversation with President Donald Trump—and how Brian believes God was working throughout the years of waiting.

But this episode is about more than justice. Brian reflects on how grief, anger, waiting, and advocacy changed his faith and taught him to surrender an outcome he desperately wanted to control.

Mandy and Brian also bring the conversation back home: What can parents do right now to protect their kids? 

Guest Bio:

Brian Montgomery is a Mississippi father, farmer, agricultural risk-management professional, and nationally recognized advocate for online child safety.

A Greenville native who now lives with his family in the Starkville area, Montgomery earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural pest management and a master’s in forestry (with an emphasis in remote sensing) from Mississippi State University. He is co-founder of Alliance Ag Risk Management and has spent more than a decade helping Mississippi producers navigate crop insurance and farm risk.

In December 2022 his 16-year-old son, Walker—a Starkville Academy student, athlete, and avid outdoorsman—died by suicide after an overnight Instagram sextortion scheme. That loss became the catalyst for Montgomery’s public work. He has spoken to parents, schools, and lawmakers about how quickly social-media platforms can be used to exploit minors, the tactics predators use, and the practical steps families can take.

Montgomery helped advance two Mississippi laws named for his son: legislation that criminalizes sextortion and the Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act, which requires platforms to take reasonable steps to keep harmful content from minors and to give parents greater tools. With the nonprofit nextTalk he launched Walker’s Promise, a simple parental pledge to keep phones and devices out of children’s bedrooms and bathrooms. He has appeared on national and local media, parent-focused podcasts, and school events to share Walker’s story and press for both personal vigilance and platform accountability.

Montgomery speaks from the dual perspective of a parent who lived the worst-case outcome and a professional who understands rural families, technology, and policy. His message is direct: the internet is not a playground, predators operate at industrial scale, and adults—not algorithms—must set the boundaries that keep children safe.

Resources:

• 16 Year Old’s Suicide from Sextortion.How do we protect our kids? - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/16-year-olds-suicide-from-sextortion-how-do-we-protect-our-kids/
• Walker’s Promise: https://nexttalk.org/walkers-promise/
• Talking to Kids about 16yo’s Suicide from Sextortion - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/talking-to-kids-about-16yos-suicide-from-sextortion/ 
• Guardrails to Protect Kids Online - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/guardrails-to-protect-kids-online/
• Parenting through Grief - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/parenting-through-grief/  
• My child was a victim of sextortion. What should I do? - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/my-child-was-a-victim-of-sextortion-what-should-i-do/
• Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA): https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1748/text
• nextTalk Resources: https://nexttalk.org/help/
• Sextortion Awareness: https://nexttalk.org/?s=Sextortion+Awareness&id=6928

Connect with The nextTalk Parent Podcast:
Website: https://nextTalk.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nextTalk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextTalkorg/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextTalkorg

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What should you do if you discover your child has an AI boyfriend or companion?

In this episode, Mandy Majors sits down with nextTalk Operations Manager Merideth Zingelmann to discuss why children are turning to AI for friendship, affirmation, and romantic connection, and how parents can respond without panic or shame.

Instead of dismissing a child’s desire for connection, Mandy and Merideth encourage parents to look beneath the technology and get curious about what their child may be seeking. They explain how AI companions mimic human relationships, provide constant validation, and can gradually earn a child’s trust despite lacking lived experience, genuine love, and spiritual discernment.

Mandy and Merideth also share practical ways to establish healthy boundaries with AI, recognize concerning behavior, and help children understand the difference between artificial validation and authentic relationships. 

Guest Bio:

Merideth Zingelmann is the Operations Manager at nextTalk, where she has helped keep the organization’s work moving forward since 2023. A registered nurse and mother of three young adult children, Merideth brings both professional experience and years of practical parenting wisdom to conversations about technology, faith, and family relationships. Before joining nextTalk, she helped operate a small business and served in numerous volunteer and leadership roles with schools, churches, nonprofit organizations, and boards. As a longtime friend and trusted “heads-up mom” to Mandy Majors, Merideth offers thoughtful, experience-based encouragement that helps parents prepare for what may be coming next.

Resources:

• nextTalk Parent Newsletter Sign-Up: nextTalk 
• Submit a Question to nextTalk: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/6tF2TMSckiBWUXmBqaipig
• Contact nextTalk: admin@nextTalk.org
• AI, Deepfakes & Nudes - nextTalk 
• AI and your Kid - nextTalk 
• How To Help Kids Navigate Risky Friendships - nextTalk 
• Build a Safe Place - nextTalk 
• Support nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/donate/

Connect with The nextTalk Parent Podcast:

Website: https://nextTalk.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nextTalk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextTalkorg/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextTalkorg

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admin@nextTalk.org
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What helps kids keep talking to their parents—even when the subject is awkward, uncomfortable, or potentially alarming?

Mandy welcomes her son Carter back to the podcast just days before he leaves for college. Carter gives parents an honest look at the digital and cultural pressures young people are facing today, including sports gambling, online gaming, sexualized content, locker room culture, explicit music, and the pressure boys feel to hide their emotions in a world with so many competing definitions of what it means to be “masculine.” 

Together, Mandy and Carter reflect on the choices that helped build trust in their relationship—from introducing gaming privileges in stages to listening calmly when Carter brought them something concerning. They also discuss the importance of teaching children to protect their hearts and minds, helping them find a strong Christian community, and guiding them without trying to control every decision.

Parents cannot remove every harmful influence their children will encounter, but they can become a safe place where their children process those experiences.

Connect with The nextTalk Parent Podcast:

• Website: https://nextTalk.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nextTalk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextTalkorg/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextTalkorg

Free Guides Here: For Churches & Christian Families - nextTalk 

Additional Episodes:

• Protect Heart & Mind - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/protect-heart-mind/
• Teach Red Flag Reporting - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/teach-red-flag-reporting/
• Online Gambling and Teens: A Parent Conversation - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/online-gambling-teens/
• Parent Question: I hate my kid’s music. What should I do? - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/parent-question-i-hate-my-kids-music-what-should-i-do/
• 16 Year Old’s Suicide from Sextortion.How do we protect our kids? - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/16-year-olds-suicide-from-sextortion-how-do-we-protect-our-kids/
• Sex Abuse: Boys are Victims Too - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/sex-abuse-boys-are-victims-too/
• Brian Montgomery: A Candid Conversation about Porn - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/brian-montgomery-a-candid-conversation-about-porn/
• Parent Question: This world is so sexualized. How do I approach these conversations with my son? - nextTalk: https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/parent-question-this-world-is-so-sexualized-how-do-i-approach-these-conversations-with-my-son/

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Our kids are growing up in a digital world we can’t completely control, but we can build relationships that keep the conversation open. The nextTalk Parent Podcast is here to help parents navigate tech, faith, and culture together.

#nextTalkParentPodcast #ChristianParenting #DigitalParenting #ParentingTeens #FaithAndFamily

Connect with The nextTalk Parent Podcast:

Website: https://nextTalk.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nextTalk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextTalkorg/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextTalkorg

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What actually helps teens talk openly with their parents? 

In this special episode, Mandy sits down with her 18-year-old son, Carter, before he leaves for college to hear his honest perspective on parenting, communication, phones, boundaries, and growing up in a digital world. 

Together, they reflect on what helped build trust in their relationship, why creating a safe space matters, and how parents can balance rules, accountability, and connection with their kids. 

They also discuss: 
• Why rewarding honesty helped communication early on 
• The downside of overthinking and constantly asking “what if” 
• Why parents apologizing matters more than we realize 
• Phones, social media, and earning trust gradually 
• Why short conversations often work better with teen boys 
• Family traditions, games, and staying connected 
• Why parents should stay curious about their child’s world 

This episode is honest, funny, practical, and encouraging for parents navigating the teen years. 

RESOURCES

What my parents got right … and wrong - nextTalk 

The first nextTalk kid: an interview with Mandy’s 20-year-old daughter - nextTalk 

Teach Red Flag Reporting - nextTalk 

Avoid Crazy-Parent Mode - nextTalk 

Four reasons I kept screens out of my kid’s bedroom and bathroom - nextTalk 

Parent Question: This world is so sexualized. How do I approach these conversations with my son? - nextTalk 

Free Guide: Red Flag Reporting (Faith-Based) - nextTalk 

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What should parents do when a child’s friend starts making unhealthy choices? 

When kids open up about what their friends are watching, saying, or experimenting with, many parents instinctively want to immediately end the friendship. But reacting too quickly can shut down communication and teach a harsh kind of “cutoff culture” instead of wisdom, discernment, and healthy boundaries. 

In this episode, we share five practical ways to help kids navigate risky friendships with both love and truth. We talk about how to respond when friends introduce inappropriate language, pornography, vaping, hookup culture, and other unhealthy influences—and how to help your child process those situations without fear-based parenting. 

You’ll also learn: 

• Why there is no perfect friend  
• How to avoid “level four” reactions to “level one” problems  
• Biblical conflict resolution from Matthew 18  
• The difference between inner-circle and outer-circle friends  
• One-way vs. two-way friendships  
• How your own friendships model relationship habits for your kids  

This episode will give parents practical language and biblical tools to help kids build healthy relationships, set wise boundaries, and navigate friendships in today’s culture. 

RESOURCES

Teach Red Flag Reporting - nextTalk 

Develop Moral Compass and Default to Love - nextTalk 

Look in the Mirror - nextTalk 

Build a Safe Place - nextTalk 

Adopt a No-Secrets Family Policy - nextTalk 

Your family is the most important team you will ever lead. - nextTalk 

Parenting Advice with Pastor Robert Emmitt - nextTalk 

A kid is confiding in me. Do I tell the parent? - nextTalk 

Is this Gossip? - nextTalk 

My kid is telling me everything. Do I speak up? - nextTalk 

FOMO is real. How do I parent it? - nextTalk 

TALK: A Practical Approach to Cyberparenting and Open Communication 

Free Guide: Red Flag Reporting (Faith-Based) - nextTalk 

Free Guide: Family Pact Teen Version (13+) - nextTalk 

Free Guide: nextTalk10 - nextTalk 

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A mom asked a question at one of our live events that sparked a conversation on our team. 

She created a phone contract with her kids that included mutual phone checks—meaning she could look at their phones, and they could look at hers. Then she asked: “Is that ok?” 

In the moment, Mandy said yes—affirming the mom’s desire to build trust and model openness. But afterward, our team kept talking. Should phone rules go both ways? Are there situations where that might not be the best approach? 

In this episode, Mandy and Merideth unpack both perspectives—exploring the balance between trust and leadership. They discuss real-life considerations like privacy, spouse conversations, work-related information, and the kind of content that can unexpectedly show up on a parent’s phone. 

They also zoom out to digital safety—why “deleted” doesn’t always mean gone, the risks tied to sharing images, and how AI is changing the conversation for families. 

You’ll walk away with practical guidance on creating a phone contract,  involving your kids in the process, and adjusting boundaries as they grow. 

Create Guidelines - nextTalk 

Random Phone Checks? - nextTalk 

Free Guide: Phone Contract (Faith-Based) - nextTalk 

Is my kid ready for a phone? - nextTalk 

Free Guide: Family Pact Kid Version (5+) - nextTalk 

Free Guide: Family Pact Teen Version (13+) - nextTalk 

My kid has a phone with no guidelines. How do I go back? - nextTalk 

Something Is Off with My Teen—Now What? - nextTalk 

Build a Safe Place - nextTalk 

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What’s one simple parenting habit that builds trust? 

In this episode, Mandy shares why saying what you mean—and following through—can shape how your kids see you for years to come. When parents are consistent with their words, it builds credibility, respect, and a sense of security in the home. 

She also shares two additional thoughts for parents in the early years, including staying connected in your marriage and staying grounded in your faith. 

This conversation is a reminder that small, everyday moments matter more than we think. 

Look in the Mirror - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/look-in-the-mirror/

We Read the Comments on our Viral Parenting Post - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/we-read-the-comments-on-our-viral-parenting-post/

3 Things Not to Do if you want to Stay Married - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/your-family-is-the-most-important-team-you-will-ever-lead/


Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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Last year, we shared a parenting story that went viral. 

It was a simple moment—but it sparked a wide range of reactions. 

In this episode, we go back and read real comments from that post and respond. 

Some were encouraging. 
Some were critical. 
Some made big assumptions from a single moment. 

We talk through what those responses reveal about parenting, marriage, and communication—and why moments like this matter more than we think. 

At nextTalk, we believe one honest conversation can make a real difference. 

Website Title: We Read the Comments on Our Viral Parenting Post 

Website Description: A parenting moment we shared last year reached millions—and the comment section told a bigger story. 

In this episode, Mandy and Matthew revisit that moment and read real responses from the internet. 

Together, they unpack what people saw, what they assumed, and what it reveals about how families communicate—especially in tense situations. 

This episode offers a thoughtful look at parenting, marriage, and the role each parent plays in helping conversations move forward. 

RESOURCES

Look in the Mirror - nextTalk 

Your family is the most important team you will ever lead. - nextTalk 

Three things NOT to do if you want to stay married. - nextTalk 

Fighting for Our Marriage with Matt and Mandy Majors - nextTalk 

Marriage Advice with Pastor Robert Emmitt - nextTalk 

Parenting Advice with Pastor Robert Emmitt - nextTalk 

Parenting High Schoolers into Young Adults - nextTalk 

Something Is Off with My Teen—Now What? - nextTalk 

Putting Your Life on the Line - nextTalk 

Build a Safe Place - nextTalk 

3 Things Every Kid Needs (From a Youth Pastor) - nextTalk 

Body Changes and Attitude - nextTalk 

When I hijack the moment… - nextTalk 

Free Guide: nextTalk10 - nextTalk 

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com  

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Parents have been raising concerns about social media for years—and now the courts are starting to catch up. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Tori Hirsch, legal counsel at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), to break down two major court cases involving Meta. 

We unpack the New Mexico case, where the company was found liable under consumer protection laws, and the California bellwether trial examining social media addiction through product liability. Along the way, Tori explains why these cases matter, why Section 230 didn’t block them, and how platform design is becoming a key legal battleground. 

We also discuss what came out in court about algorithms, infinite scroll, internal warnings, and the gap between parental control tools and what families can actually use. 

And we address the question parents hear all the time: “Where are the parents?” 
These cases reinforce what many families already know—parents matter, but they were never meant to carry this alone. 

RESOURCES

Legislative Work to Keep Kids Safe Online - nextTalk 

16 Year Old’s Suicide from Sextortion.How do we protect our kids? - nextTalk 

Mason’s Mom Warns of Social Media Challenges - nextTalk 

Cyberbullying - nextTalk 

Talking to your Kid about Grooming - nextTalk 

My child is ready for social media. Where should I start? - nextTalk 

Parenting YouTube - nextTalk 

Walker’s Promise - nextTalk 

CBS Article 

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If you’ve ever relied on a screen to get through a busy moment, you’re not alone—and you’re not a bad parent. 

In this episode, Mandy Majors is joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Kristina M. Fields, MS, LMFT, to talk about the growing “iPad kid” trend and what it means for young children. 

Together, they unpack how early screen habits impact brain development, emotional regulation, and behavior—and why giving kids their own device can quickly turn screens into the default. 

You’ll walk away with practical, realistic strategies you can use right away, including: 

• A simple “activity table” idea that replaces screens in the morning  
• Easy, low-prep activities for home, restaurants, and waiting rooms  
• How to scale back screen time without overwhelming your child  
• Why consistency (even when it’s hard) pays off long-term  
• How your own screen habits influence your kids  

This episode is full of encouragement, not guilt—and offers real help for parents navigating screens in everyday life. 

Breaking the Fast Dopamine Cycle with Kristina Fields

Caller asks, “How do I keep my kids from playing on screens all summer?” - nextTalk 

Four reasons I kept screens out of my kid’s bedroom and bathroom - nextTalk 

Are Screens Changing Your Family Culture? - nextTalk 

“Anxious Generation” Book by Jonathan Haidt - nextTalk 

Teach Red Flag Reporting - nextTalk

Free Guide: Red Flag Reporting (Faith-Based) - nextTalk 

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com  

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Online gambling is growing fast—and it’s reaching kids through their phones, games, and social feeds. 

In this episode, we break down why sports betting has exploded, how gaming mechanics like loot boxes can mimic gambling, and why young men are especially vulnerable. 

We also share practical, preventative conversations to start early, plus clear red flags to watch for if your teen is already struggling. 

You’ll learn: 
• how the 2018 Supreme Court decision changed sports betting 
• the connection between gaming and gambling behavior 
• why prop betting is spreading quickly 
• warning signs like secrecy and chasing losses 
• simple guardrails for money, access, and apps 
• how to approach your teen with empathy and clarity 

We’re learning together how to keep kids safe online—one honest conversation at a time. 

RESOURCES

How a 2018 Supreme Court decision paved the way for meteoric growth in legal sports betting | AP News 

 Commercial Gaming Revenue Hits $78.7 Billion in 2025, Driving Record $18.1 Billion in Gaming Taxes Nationwide - American Gaming Association 

 Dave Ramsey Warns: DraftKings and FanDuel Are ‘Destroying a Generation of Young Men’ - Michael Foust | Crosswalk.com 

 2025 Sports Betting and Debt Survey 

 National Survey Finds Widespread Gambling Participation Before Age 21 Amid Public Concern About Youth Exposure Risk - National Council on Problem Gambling 

 How Loot Boxes In Children’s Video Games Encourage Gambling

My kid is addicted to screens. Help! - nextTalk 

Screen Addiction - nextTalk 

My 12yo is spending all his money on V-Bucks. Should I be concerned? - nextTalk 

Pornography - nextTalk 

Face Your Fears - nextTalk 

Build a Safe Place - nextTalk

Avoid Crazy-Parent Mode - nextTalk

How do we talk to our kids about Money? - nextTalk

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Parent Question: Something Is Off with My Teen—Now What?  

When your teen suddenly seems different, it’s easy for your brain to jump to the worst-case scenario. New clothes, new friends, sharper attitude—and suddenly you’re wondering if something is seriously wrong. 

In this episode, we talk about what to do when something feels off with your teen and how to take that concern seriously without jumping straight to panic. We introduce the “chapter 10 parent vs. chapter 3 kid” framework and share practical ways to stay curious, check devices, and keep kids safe online. 

We discuss: 
• trusting your gut without spiraling into fear 
• separating urgent self-harm risk from normal teen changes 
• understanding how social media algorithms can influence teens 
• asking curious questions instead of accusing or shaming 
• doing random phone checks with clear expectations 
• checking influencer feeds and algorithm recommendations 
• staying calm and engaged when attitude shows up 

If there are signs of self-harm or immediate danger, involve medical or mental health professionals right away. For everything else in the gray zone, this episode will help you respond thoughtfully instead of reacting from fear. 

To support our work helping families navigate the digital world, visit nextTalk.org. 

RESOURCES

Random Phone Checks? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/random-phone-checks/

What would you tell your 9th grade self? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/what-would-you-tell-your-9th-grade-self/

3 Things Every Kid Needs (From a Youth Pastor) - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/3-things-every-kid-needs-from-a-youth-pastor/

Influenced - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/influenced/

How do I get my kids to tell me what they’re seeing online? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/how-do-i-get-my-kids-to-tell-me-what-theyre-seeing-online/

How do I get my kids to talk? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/how-do-i-get-my-kids-to-talk/

Build a Safe Place - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/build-a-safe-place/

It feels like I’m losing my kid. Why is my kid pulling away? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/it-feels-like-im-losing-my-kid-why-is-my-kid-pulling-away/



Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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Kratom and 7-OH are showing up in gas stations across the country, sometimes in energy-drink style bottles teens can easily access. Drug trend expert Jermaine Galloway (“Tall Cop Says Stop”) joins the nextTalk Podcast to explain what parents need to know about kratom, 7-hydroxy, and other hidden gas station drugs.

Parents may assume these products are safe because they are legal or labeled “natural,” but that assumption can be dangerous. Jermaine breaks down how these substances are marketed, why mixing substances increases risk for teens, and how parents can start important conversations at home.

In this episode we discuss:

• What kratom and 7-OH actually are
• Why “natural” does not mean safe
• How these substances are being sold in gas stations
• Why mixing substances increases risk for teens
• Practical talking points for parents

Guest:
Jermaine Galloway (“Tall Cop Says Stop”)
Drug trend educator and national speaker

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Belinda Swan brings front-line insight from NCMEC’s CyberTipline, where reports of sadistic online exploitation (SOE) jumped more than 200%. Unlike traditional sextortion, the goal here isn’t profit or sexual contact—it’s terror. It’s a threat that twists fear into action: hurt yourself, hurt someone else, or we’ll ruin you. We discuss how parents can spot it, stop it, and protect their kids.

Belinda Swan is the Partnerships Program Manager for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Belinda manages NCMEC's programmatic relationships with government and nonprofit organizations across the country. She also implements NCMEC's Community Education Partner Program and delivers NCMEC's child safety programming. Belinda is passionate about bringing communities and organizations together to recognize, address, and prevent safety issues affecting children, especially online exploitation. 

Resources: 

My child was a victim of sextortion. What should I do? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/my-child-was-a-victim-of-sextortion-what-should-i-do/ 

Sextortion: The Hidden Epidemic Killing Teens - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/16-year-olds-suicide-from-sextortion-how-do-we-protect-our-kids/ 

Teach Red Flag Reporting - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/teach-red-flag-reporting/ 

Talking to Kids about Grooming - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/talking-to-your-kid-about-grooming/ 

AI, Deepfakes, and Nudes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvGll8RVkxc 

FREE Guide: Red Flag Alert - https://nexttalk.org/red-flag-alert/ 

K2P Tips2Protect Against Sadistic Online Exploitation for Law Enforcement 

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What if the real win in youth sports isn’t a trophy or scholarship, but a kid who knows who they are? 

In this episode, we sit down with Merideth Zingelmann, Operations Manager at nextTalk and mom of three college athletes, to unpack a practical path for families who love sports but refuse to let it run their lives. From backyard games and rec leagues to varsity pressure and recruiting, we talk about how to build community, protect identity, and keep faith at the center.

RESOURCES

Be A Safe Space - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/build-a-safe-place/

Let Your Kid Struggle - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/let-your-kid-struggle/

Influenced - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/influenced/

4 Reasons to Keep Screens Out of Bedrooms and Bathrooms - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/four-reasons-i-kept-screens-out-of-my-kids-bedroom-and-bathroom/

Phone Free Schools - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/phone-free-schools-mom-on-a-mission/

Boundaries - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/boundaries/

Pornography - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/pornography/

Consent - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/consent/

Good counselors are booked. What can I do while I wait? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/good-counselors-are-booked-what-can-i-do-while-we-wait/

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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A landmark verdict and two powerful medical pivots leave parents asking: how do we love kids well while pressing pause on irreversible decisions?  

RESOURCES
Detransitioner wins $2 million against New York docs who pushed double mastectomy - https://nypost.com/2026/01/31/us-news/detransitioner-wins-2-million-against-new-york-docs-who-pushed-double-mastectomy/

US plastic surgeons group advises delaying gender surgery until age 19 due to insufficient evidence | Reuters - https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-plastic-surgeons-group-advises-delaying-gender-surgery-until-age-19-due-2026-02-03/

Washington Post - https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/02/03/plastic-surgeons-youth-gender-surgeries-guidance/

American Medical Association Says Gender Surgeries For Minors Should Wait - https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2026-02-06/american-medical-association-says-gender-surgeries-for-minors-should-wait

Gender: Hot Take on the President’s Executive Order - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/gender-hot-take-on-the-presidents-executive-order/

Pronouns - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/pronouns/

My kid came home and asked, “Is Jesus Trans?” - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/my-kid-came-home-and-asked-is-jesus-trans/

Mr. Beast’s friend is transitioning. How do I talk with my kid? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/mr-beasts-friend-is-transitioning-how-do-i-talk-with-my-kid/

My kid says I’m a homophobe. Am I? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/my-kid-says-im-a-homophobe-am-i/

How do I respond if my child is questioning their sexuality or gender? - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/how-do-i-respond-if-my-child-is-questioning-their-sexuality-or-gender/

"TALK" by Mandy Majorshttps://a.co/d/1rsMxB9

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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Barna’s latest data reveals a historic shift: women now attend church less than men. But what if the Bible’s most debated words about women actually overflow with dignity and strength? Join author and Bible teacher Jen Oshman as we cut through cultural noise and reclaim a Scripture-first vision of womanhood.

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Outrage is easy. Raising calm, thoughtful kids in a world of viral tragedy is the hard, holy work we unpack today. We start where the internet rarely does—by mourning a human life—and then walk through how to guide teens and tweens when graphic clips and hot takes hit their feeds. Our aim is to lower the temperature at home, foster healthy communication, and teach practical skills for truth-seeking in an algorithmic age.

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Sirens wailed, the power went out, and four boys huddled under the stairs while their mom felt the helpless truth every parent dreads: I can’t cover all of them. The tornado missed their house but tore through their town, and later a small voice asked a big question. Courtney Reissig unpacks how one terrifying day grew into a life-giving conversation about God’s character, suffering, and hope.

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From an actress in War Room to the author of a new teen girl devotional, this heartfelt conversation is a gentle masterclass in presence over platitudes. We get practical about what to do if your child is struggling with their faith, how open hands can quiet rebellion, and why modeling Scripture at home matters more than quoting it. 

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A bedtime question changed everything: “How can I be a better mom?” What came next—“You’re not a good listener”—cracked open a new way of parenting that traded control for connection and turned our home into a place where hard topics could be spoken out loud.

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How did we move from panic to peace when raising kids in a digital world? We share stories of moving from sleepless nights to steady confidence as we discuss the practical plan where the surprising payoff was immediate—less anxiety while scrolling, more teachable moments, and a home filled with a daily rhythm of open conversations.

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The hardest part of digital parenting isn’t picking the right app or filter—it’s building a home where conversation is constant and boundaries make sense. We walk through the simple guardrails that protected our kids and explain how relationship-first parenting can coexist with firm, clear rules that kids actually respect.

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Kids are hearing about explicit content long before they have a phone. We open up about the real shift that changed our homes: moving from protecting everything for our kids to preparing them to protect their own heart and mind. That mindset turns fear into integrity and equips our children for an overexposed world.

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What if your kid isn’t “addicted” to their phone—what if their brain is just wired for fast dopamine now? Licensed therapist Kristina Fields, MS, LMFT, breaks down the science of attention, why phone-free school policies actually work, and how small, consistent changes at home can rewire focus without declaring war on technology. She also gets real about using her own clinical playbook at home with her 3- and 5-year-old children.

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Hard questions deserve better answers than panic or platitudes. We dig into a simple, sturdy framework—build a moral compass and default to love—that helps parents lead honest conversations about sex, technology, and culture without shaming kids or surrendering their values.

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What if the scariest question your kid asks is actually a gift? We explore how a single moment of trust—when a child chooses you over Google—can prevent an algorithm from becoming their teacher. From highly sensitive topics to messy, real-life dilemmas, we unpack a practical, compassionate way to be your child’s safest source in a world that rewards shock over wisdom.

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We break down how a simple guideline – no secrets in our family – turns kids into confident reporters. From team sports to online chats, we walk through a safety scale showing how prevention happens as we trace the grooming playbook from “small” secrets to predatory behavior.

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Some lessons about online safety never show up in an app store. We walk through the practice that changed our home: teaching kids to be their own filter through red flag reporting. Instead of waiting for a device to block danger, we build the habit of honest, early reporting and a parent response that starts with calm praise, not panic.

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A text that changes everything. A nap that becomes a goodbye. And a father who chooses hope, presence, and integrity to lead four girls through a storm they never asked for. Pastor and nonprofit leader Jonathan Pitts shares the story behind sudden loss, the quiet courage of daily faith through single parenting, blending a family, and how a small resource grew into a magazine serving thousands of tween girls and their families. 

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What if your child trusted you more than the internet? We unpack how to become a genuine safe place for kids and lay out the daily choices that keep kids coming back to us with their biggest questions and hardest moments.

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Have you ever looked up from your phone to realize you've missed an important moment? That's exactly what happened to Joey Odom when he missed his five-year-old son's first-ever soccer goal because he was staring at his screen. That painful moment became the catalyst for a life-changing mission.

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What happens when your child discovers something inappropriate online? Your reaction in that instant might be the most important parenting decision you make. Through a powerful personal story, we see how responding with gratitude for honesty and creating positive reinforcement fundamentally changes the parent-child dynamic around technology.

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How do I talk to my children about violence and politics from a faith perspective? If my kid and I disagree on politics, what should I do? How can I prevent my child from being radicalized online? The horrifying execution of Charlie Kirk has forced parents to confront these questions head-on.

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What does a veteran police officer with 15 years of experience know about raising kids in the digital age? Doug Greene brings a unique perspective to parenting that blends his professional training with his faith. Rather than focus solely on technical safeguards, Officer Greene prioritizes developing spiritual discernment in his children, and perhaps most fascinating is how he applies police de-escalation techniques to parenting teenagers.

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What happens when a mother's worst nightmare becomes her life's mission? Maurine Molak never imagined that losing her son would transform her into one of the nation’s most powerful advocates for children's online safety in the US. Yet through unimaginable grief, she found purpose in creating change that could prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies.

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If your kids are on social media or have heard about the viral affair at the Coldplay concert, now is the time to engage in these three important discussions about the sexual culture they’re growing up in.

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Of course we can simply say no screens, but what if we used this as an opportunity to educate, talk about a healthy balance and help our kids zoom out and see a bigger picture – where we focus on more than technology. 

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Why should we keep screens out of our kid’s bedroom and bathroom? Mandy explains four reasons this was a guideline for her own kids and why she continues to recommend it to keep kids safe. 

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School districts and elected leaders across the US have been working to restrict phones in classrooms. Melissa Henson, the VP of Parents Television and Media Council (PTC), joins us to discuss state legislative efforts receiving bipartisan support. What is the biggest pushback? What can parents do? 

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This mom recognized something was wrong, got curious and discovered her son was being groomed. It all started on a school-issued Chromebook. She takes us on her journey and shares how she contacted law enforcement, notified other families and walked through this with her son. 

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Brian Montgomery lost his 16-year-old son, Walker, to a sextortion scheme. He’s now on a mission to raise awareness, and we discuss practical ways we can put up guardrails to keep our kids safe.

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If your child was a victim of sextortion, how do you report this? What is next? We want to walk you through some practical next steps on what to do next.

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Have you ever reacted or responded in a way that you know you totally messed up? The power of an apology is healthy for any relationship to repair and recover. What does this look like with our kids? With our spouse?

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#1 Best Selling Author, Kristen Jenson, has written two children’s books that will help you start the conversation about pornography with your little kids. We discuss the books, why they’re important and the addictive and mental health challenges associated with porn.

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Texas requires pornography websites to verify the age of the user. Porn companies/Free Speech Coalition has challenged this Texas law and in early 2025, the Supreme Court heard this case. We are currently awaiting a decision. Our guest from the National Center on Sexual Exploitation breaks this all down for us and explains the importance of this historical moment.

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Some of us grew up hearing toxic, negative comments about our weight and we may now think, “Don’t ever talk about your kid’s body!” We understand that logic, but we must be careful. We can’t ignore extreme weight loss/gain or any other body changes our kids may be experiencing. We sit down with a licensed professional counselor to discuss body changes, eating disorders, and so much more! 

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What does your school teach about preventing child abuse, trafficking and exploitation? What does your school teach about sex and STDs? Is your state an opt-in or opt-out for their health and wellness curriculum? How can you get involved with this type of prevention education? 

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Gender is a topic we’ve covered previously because we’ve seen the number of kids questioning their gender rise with more use of social media. With the recent Executive Order banning surgeries in minors, how do we talk with our kids about it? 

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Pastor Robert Emmitt is back. He grew a church from 0 to tens of thousands and raised three successful kids while doing it. We sat down with him because we wanted to know – what leadership qualities make successful parents? You do not want to miss the wisdom and practical advice dropped in this podcast!

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Mandy & her daughter recently spoke to a mother/daughter group about social media and online safety. At the end, a mom asked, “What would you tell your 9th grade self?” The reaction to the response is why we did this show! Moms, we recommend you watch first. If you are comfortable with the content we share, we encourage you to let your daughter watch. We pray you can use this show to create healthy conversations and strengthen your mother/daughter relationship.

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Jorge Barrera is a youth pastor who spends a lot of time connecting with high school students. He shares what he’s learning and provides three things every kid needs.

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You’ve determined your kid is ready for a phone. It’s such a big decision, but you’re ready to take the plunge! We’ll give you three suggestions on how to roll it out effectively with your child.

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It’s a big decision to give your child a phone. We provide three questions to ask yourself to help you determine if your child is ready.

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Brian Montgomery lost his 16-year-old son and then was diagnosed with cancer. Each day, he still gets up and keeps going. How does he do it? If you are struggling – we hope this show will be helpful to you.

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Whether you are overwhelmed and stressed from the daily demands of being a parent or if you are walking through a crisis, Pastor Emmitt shares practical and hopeful advice to remind you that … you are not alone.

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Is your son always requesting online gaming gift cards? Is he spending all his money on V-Bucks? If you’re feeling uncomfortable about your kid spending so much money on virtual games, we have some talking points for you. 

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Tori Hirsch, legal counsel for National Center on Sexual Exploitation joins us to discuss the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), image-based sexual abuse, child sexual abuse materials, sextortion and the legal ramifications of sharing nude photos.

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Dr. Ed Newton is the Lead Pastor of Community Bible Church in San Antonio, TX. He is a husband and dad of four who boldly follows Jesus. We discuss the intersection of our faith, politics, and The Church. He brings a theological perspective to this conversation, provides real-life cultural examples, and leaves us with a practical challenge at the end.

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We start with a short intro on a trend we’re noticing in churches and then we’re tackling your questions:

• My 16-year-old has a phone with no guidelines. How do I go back?
• My 5-year-old was exposed to porn at a neighbor’s house. I’m at a loss.

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Join Mandy & Kim for an announcement about our podcast.

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Pastor Robert Emmitt shares practical marriage advice from communication to honesty to finance management. He is the founding pastor of Community Bible Church in San Antonio, TX. Robert and his wife, Julie, have been married for 45 years.

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Many are talking about how AI is leading to deepfakes and misinformation, but how is AI affecting the way we talk to our kids about nudes? AI has shifted the conversation about nude photos. We’ll explain that shift in this show and give you practical ways to parent this evolving situation.

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Mandy sits down with her 20-year-old daughter to discuss: 1) how to respond when your kid is questioning their faith; 2) what she thinks about how Mandy parented phones and social media; and 3) how much she hated “nextTalk teachable moments” as a teen. 

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We review the #1 New York Times Bestseller, “The Anxious Generation" by social psychologist, Jonathan Haidt. He connects the high rates of anxiety and depression with the introduction of the smart phone. Haidt lays out the problem and provides practical ideas for collaborative action to change the "great rewiring of childhood." Mandy and Kim explain how nextTalk principles bridge the gap with parenting a phone and discuss eye-opening observations they made while digging into this book. 

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Brian Montgomery joins the show to give us an update on his health and legislative work to help keep kids safe through Walker’s Law. We also dig into the important role dads play in our homes and community as well as Brian’s poignant challenge for dads.

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Pastor Robert Emmitt was the founding pastor at Community Bible Church in San Antonio, TX. God used him over the years to grow the church and minister to our families. There are so many teachable moments we use from him on our shows and in our nextTalk parenting principles! He has a been a father figure to many of us!

This is the church where our little moms’ group started. Under Pastor Robert’s leadership, the church encouraged us to keep growing our group and eventually form a nonprofit and take it to every church and school that would have us! He is full of parenting wisdom. So many practical nuggets to take from this show.

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At the end of a school year or after a difficult season in life, we often find ourselves crawling across the finish line. Screen time is at an all-time high, bedtimes are off, eating is unbalanced, and we feel like we’re trying to survive. This is the time to take a minute to evaluate your next steps. We'll share practical ideas to get you back on track and RECLAIM YOUR FAMILY. (This podcast was recorded live with listeners asking questions and sharing ideas in real-time)

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With summer on the horizon, we're excited to share with you some upcoming nextTalk events and the reason why FAMILY is a core value here at nextTalk. In the rush of May, and life in general, we want to encourage you with ways to truly cherish your family.

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You feel betrayed and angry because the trust has been broken. Why didn’t your child tell you? Where do you go from here? God can use this for good. We’ll walk you through your next steps and give practical advice to get you and your kid on the same team.

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There are many things we can do to protect our kids from sexual abuse like talk about private parts, boundaries, consent, etc. Yes, we need to do all of it! But, please don’t miss this very practical conversation that we believe also helps prevent sexual abuse. We’ll tackle that topic and share two helpful resources – one for little kids and one for teens.

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