The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips

Available Episodes

5 of 65

S5 E11: Raising Leaders: Innovative Education
Episode Summary: In this energizing and visionary episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, Suzanne Phillips is joined by Justin MacDonald, award-winning educator, coach, entrepreneur, global executive, and founder of The Academy at District Church. Justin brings a bold, fresh perspective on what education could be — and what's possible when the Church, families, and innovative thinkers reclaim learning for the next generation With a model that blends individualized learning, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and Christ-centered formation, The Academy is proving that children thrive when they are known, challenged, equipped, and expected to lead. Parents, pastors, educators, innovators — this conversation will inspire you, stretch your imagination, and call you to action. The education system may be broken, but solutions already exist — and Justin is living out one of the most compelling models today. Episode Highlights: ✔️ The story of how a local church stepped out to lead and provide solutions for education in its community. ✔️ Why the next generation of leaders must be trained with a biblical worldview and an entrepreneurial spirit. ✔️ How students learn through 6-week sprints, real projects, and leadership ✔️ Why pastors and parents must reclaim education as discipleship ✔️ Encouragement for parents who feel powerless in today's educational climate 🎧 Listen Now! Featured Resource: The Academy at District Church A bold, Christ-centered K–12 leadership academy helping raise confident, joyful, purpose-driven students. 🔗 Visit → www.districtchristianacademy.com 🔗 Follow → @theacademyatdistrict Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Follow Justin MacDonald & The Academy at District Church: • Instagram: / jmacleads / theacademyatdistrict • Website: https://www.theacademyatdistrict.com/ 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: • / suzannephillips_ • / beacon_parent • Website: https://www.beaconparent.com 📚 Free Resource Hub: Download guides, conversation starters, and digital wellness tools → The Hub: https://community.beaconparent.com/offers/7dFPbYXY/checkout/ ✨ Join the Parent Club (Monthly Membership): Access Christ-centered coaching, community, and exclusive resources for parents → The Parent Club: https://community.beaconparent.com/offers/7dFPbYXY/checkout/ 📥 Thinking About Homeschooling or Hybrid Models? Download The Pod Packet—a complete guide to starting and managing your own homeschool pod with confidence → https://www.beaconparent.com/podpacket/ Identity Truth for the Family: "Leaders aren't born—they're discipled." Families who build a culture of responsibility, curiosity, and biblical identity prepare children to lead with wisdom and courage. Closing CTA: Parents, pastors, and leaders — the future belongs to those willing to build it. Education is not neutral. It's discipleship. If this episode gave you vision or stirred something in you, share it with a pastor, parent, or educator who needs to hear what's possible.
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S5 E10: Vertical Parenting
Episode Summary: In this heartfelt and wisdom-filled episode, Suzanne Phillips sits down with her own pastor, Chuck Ramsey, Lead Pastor of Restoration Church, for a conversation on building strong families through biblical parenting and discipleship. As a father of seven and grandfather of five, Pastor Chuck shares both personal and pastoral insights on what it means to raise children with a "vertical" mindset—anchored in God's Word, guided by His Spirit, and grounded in eternal truth. Together, they discuss the power of a Vertical Church, how its principles build strong families at home, and why now more than ever parents must return to Scripture as their foundation for leadership and love. Whether you're raising little ones or leading grown children, this episode will refresh your faith and refocus your parenting around the One who holds it all together. Episode Highlights: ✔️ What it means to build and lead a Vertical Church ✔️ How the same principles of a vertical church apply to parenting at home ✔️ The 5 pillars that strengthen families and churches alike ✔️ Why parents must root their family life in Scripture—not social media trends ✔️ The importance of discipleship and honoring spiritual fathers and mothers ✔️ Why prayer, community, and men's ministry are vital in today's culture ✔️ How Restoration Church's growth reflects God's hand and healthy leadership ✔️ Encouragement for parents who want to raise their children to follow Christ ✔️ A powerful prayer Pastor Chuck prayed over his children growing up 📖 Featured Resource: Restoration Church Discover the heart behind a Vertical Church—one built on truth, prayer, and discipleship that leads people to Jesus. 👉 Visit: www.restorationchurch.faith 👉 Follow: @restorationchurch.faith 📣 Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Follow Pastor Chuck Ramsey & Restoration Church: Instagram: @restorationchurch.faith Website: www.restorationchurch.faith 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: @suzannephillips_ @beacon_parent Website: www.beaconparent.com 📚 Free Resource Hub: Download guides, conversation starters, and digital wellness tools → The Hub ✨ Join the Parent Club (Monthly Membership): Access Christ-centered coaching, community, and exclusive resources for parents → The Parent Club 📥 Thinking About Homeschooling or Hybrid Models? Download The Pod Packet—a complete guide to starting and managing your own homeschool pod with confidence → www.beaconparent.com/podpacket 📖 Identity Truth for the Family: ✅ Families who look vertically to God find peace, purpose, and power to lead with conviction. ✅ A vertical home reflects a vertical heart—rooted in prayer and truth, producing legacy and fruit. 🔔 Closing Call-to-Action (CTA): Culture changes, but God's design for family does not. Parents, you are called to lead from the Word—not the world. Build vertically, lead intentionally, and pray fervently over your children. If this episode encouraged or challenged you, share it with another parent, small group, or pastor who's passionate about raising strong families in faith.
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S5 E9: Digital Wellness for Your Children
Episode Summary: In this eye-opening and deeply practical episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, Suzanne Phillips is joined by Chris McKenna, founder of Protect Young Eyes—a leading organization helping families, schools, and churches navigate the complex world of technology, internet safety, and digital wellness. Chris's work has reached hundreds of thousands of students and families nationwide and even led him to conversations at the White House about the dangers of AI and child safety online. This episode equips parents to take actionable steps toward creating safer digital environments at home and in schools. From the most dangerous apps to the latest AI threats, this conversation empowers you to protect your children without fear—through awareness, wisdom, and boundaries rooted in truth. ⸻ Episode Highlights: ✔️ How Protect Young Eyes began and the mission behind it ✔️ Why tech is one of the most critical parenting conversations today ✔️ Chris's "10 Before 10" rule and other practical safety habits ✔️ The most dangerous apps parents need to know about—and why ✔️ The truth about Gemini AI, KIK, and other high-risk platforms ✔️ Understanding sextortion and how to protect your children ✔️ The importance of parental involvement in tech at school ✔️ Encouragement for parents feeling overwhelmed by technology ✔️ Hope and confidence for families navigating the digital age ⸻ 💡 Featured Resource: Protect Young Eyes Founded by Chris McKenna, Protect Young Eyes provides families, schools, and churches with the most up-to-date tools and strategies for digital safety and wellness. 👉 Visit → www.ProtectYoungEyes.com 👉 Follow → @protectyoungeyes ⸻ 📣 Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Follow Chris McKenna & Protect Young Eyes: Instagram: @protectyoungeyes Website: www.ProtectYoungEyes.com 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: @suzannephillips_ @beacon_parent Website: www.beaconparent.com 📚 Free Resource Hub: Download guides, conversation starters, and digital wellness tools → The Hub ✨ Join the Parent Club (Monthly Membership): Access Christ-centered coaching, community, and exclusive resources for parents → The Parent Club 📥 Starting a Homeschool Pod? Grab The Pod Packet—a step-by-step guide to building and managing your own pod with confidence → www.beaconparent.com/podpacket ⸻ 📖 Identity Truth for the Family: ✅ Wisdom, not fear, leads families to peace in the digital age. ✅ Parents are the gatekeepers of influence—digital wellness begins with discipleship. ⸻ 🔔 Closing Call-to-Action (CTA): Technology is powerful—but so is your voice as a parent. Don't hand the digital steering wheel to the world. Be intentional, stay informed, and lead your family with conviction and grace. If this episode equipped or encouraged you, share it with another parent, teacher, or youth leader who's navigating these same challenges.
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S5 E8: A Redemption Story: Parenting Forward
Episode Summary: In this powerful and redemptive episode of The InFormed Parent Podcast, Suzanne Phillips sits down with Joshua Broome—a bestselling author, speaker, and former adult film star whose life has been radically transformed by the love and truth of Jesus. Now serving as the Executive Director of Walk Worthy, a division of the American Association of Christian Counselors, Joshua uses his story to educate and inspire families to confront the dangers of pornography, protect their children online, and live out a biblically grounded vision of sexuality and purpose. This conversation dives deep into the realities of hyper-sexualization in our culture, the impact of pornography on children and families, and the hope of redemption and healing that is available through Christ. Episode Highlights: ✔️ Joshua's remarkable story of redemption and transformation ✔️ How he found freedom and purpose through Christ ✔️ The harsh realities and dangers of pornography in our culture ✔️ What parents need to know about how early and easily children are exposed ✔️ How to talk with your kids about pornography in age-appropriate, truth-filled ways ✔️ The connection between pornography, identity, and broken family dynamics ✔️ Encouragement for families navigating hard conversations with grace and hope ✔️ What the Church and Christian counselors are doing to bring healing and restoration 📖 Featured Resource: 7 Lies That Will Ruin Your Life (Book)In his bestselling book, Joshua Broome exposes the seven lies that keep people trapped in shame and brokenness—and reveals how to find freedom, identity, and purpose in Christ. 👉 Get your copy → www.JoshuaBroome.me 📣 Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Follow Joshua Broome: Instagram: @iamjoshuabroome Website: www.JoshuaBroome.me Book: 7 Lies That Will Ruin Your Life Organization: Walk Worthy – A Division of AACC 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: @suzannephillips_ @beacon_parent Website: www.beaconparent.com 📚 Free Resource Hub: Download faith-based parenting tools, identity guides, and discipleship resources → The Hub ✨ Join the Parent Club (Monthly Membership): Access community, coaching, and exclusive resources for intentional parenting → The Parent Club 📥 Starting a Homeschool Pod? Download The Pod Packet—your free step-by-step guide to building a homeschool pod with confidence → www.beaconparent.com/podpacket 📖 Identity Truth for the Family: ✅ Freedom is found in truth. When families bring darkness into the light, healing begins. ✅ God's design for sexuality and purity isn't restrictive—it's redemptive. 🔔 Closing Call-to-Action (CTA):Pornography is one of the most powerful weapons the enemy uses against families—but it's not stronger than redemption. Parents, your awareness and your willingness to talk about hard things can break generational cycles of shame and deception. If Joshua's story inspired you, share this episode with another parent, youth pastor, or friend who needs encouragement and truth today.
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S5 E7: Raising Gender-Confident Kids
Episode Summary: In this powerful and much-needed conversation, Suzanne Phillips sits down with two leading voices in Christian education and child development—Dr. Jeff Myers of Summit Ministries and Dr. Kathy Koch of Celebrate Kids. Together, they unpack the heart behind their upcoming book, Raising Gender-Confident Kids, releasing July 2025. As gender confusion continues to rise at alarming rates among children and teens, this episode offers parents biblical clarity, practical wisdom, and a compassionate approach to talking about gender and identity with their kids. From understanding the cultural root causes to equipping children to stand firm in truth and love, Dr. Jeff and Dr. Kathy offer a hopeful roadmap for parents who want to raise confident, Christ-centered kids in an age of confusion. Episode Highlights: ✔️ What inspired Dr. Jeff and Dr. Kathy to write Raising Gender-Confident Kids ✔️ The definition of gender confidence and why it matters now more than ever ✔️ How social media and peers are fueling confusion ✔️ How parents can use Scripture to build gender confidence in their children ✔️ Common mistakes parents make—and how to avoid them ✔️ What "truth and love" looks like in real family conversations ✔️ The connection between identity formation and gender clarity ✔️ The role of stereotypes in confusion—and a biblical alternative ✔️ Practical ways to begin these conversations at any age ✔️ Encouragement for parents who feel overwhelmed or unsure 🎧 Listen Now 📖 Featured Resource: Raising Gender-Confident Kids (Book) Coming July 2025 from Dr. Jeff Myers and Dr. Kathy Koch, Raising Gender-Confident Kids equips parents with biblical wisdom and practical steps to guide their children toward a clear, confident understanding of who God created them to be. 👉 Stay updated at: www.Summit.org | www.CelebrateKids.com 📣 Call-to-Actions (CTAs): 📲 Follow Dr. Jeff Myers & Summit Ministries: @drjeffmyers Facebook: Dr. Jeff Myers X: @drjeffmyers Truth Changes Everything Podcast Summit Ministries Website Summit Ministries Instagram: @summitmn 📲 Follow Dr. Kathy Koch & Celebrate Kids: @celebratekidsinc Celebrate Kids Podcast Facebook: Celebrate Kids, Inc. Website: Celebrate Kids 📲 Stay Connected with Beacon Parent: @suzannephillips_ @beacon_parent Website: www.beaconparent.com 📚 Free Resource Hub: Download faith-based parenting tools, identity guides, and discipleship resources → The Hub ✨ Join the Parent Club (Monthly Membership): Access community, coaching, and exclusive resources for intentional parenting → The Parent Club 📥 Starting a Homeschool Pod? Download The Pod Packet—your free step-by-step guide to building a homeschool pod with confidence →www.beaconparent.com/podpacket 📖 Identity Truth for the Family: ✅ True gender confidence comes from knowing who God says you are, not what the world says you should be. ✅ Parents are called to be the first voice of truth in shaping their children's identity. 🔔 Closing Call-to-Action (CTA): Culture is loud—but parents can be louder with truth spoken in love. Don't shy away from the hard conversations. You are equipped, you are called, and you are capable of raising gender-confident kids who stand firm in God's design. Share this episode with a friend or small group, subscribe for weekly encouragement, and join us as we continue to equip families to parent with purpose and disciple with direction. 🎧 Listen Now →
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About The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips

Parenting is no joke! Suzanne Phillips has spent years coaching intentional, legacy-minded parents—helping them overcome our increasingly confusing culture and connect the dots between faith, family, freedom and their child's future. Because informed parents make informed decisions. And let's face it, ages 0-25 are called formative years for a reason. Your children are being shaped! What goes in WILL come out. So, tune in to The InFormed Parent, from the THINQ Media Podcast Network, to get the guidance you need to parent with purpose, disciple with direction and leave an intentional legacy.

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