Podcast
Raising Godly Girls
For over 30 years, American Heritage Girls® has come alongside families and youth ministry leaders in offering Christ-centered, girl-focused character development. Through the Raising Godly Girls® Podcast, presented by American Heritage Girls, listeners get to tap into the advice that seasoned AHG leaders have gleaned over three decades of ministering to girls. Plus, hear from industry experts with solutions to a broad range of issues impacting today's girls. Get Biblically-sound and actionable tips from fellow parents, volunteers, and thought leaders on how to raise up a girl after God's own heart.
- Parenting chart
- #126
- Episodes
- 435
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Typical length
- 27 min
- On air since
- 2023
- Latest episode
- 1 month ago
Episodes
435 episodes, newest first
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45 min
Ep. 428 – Bold & Focused: Raising Girls to Lead with Truth and Courage with Alexandra Gaiser
Season 3, Episode 428
Show notes
What does it look like to raise a girl who is both bold in her convictions and wise in how she uses her voice?
In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Natalie Ambrose sits down with attorney and advocate Alexandra Gaiser of Alliance Defending Freedom for a powerful conversation about raising daughters who are prepared to lead with truth, courage, and grace. In a world where cultural conversations are growing louder and more complex, girls are being called to step into leadership earlier than ever before.
Alexandra shares her personal journey into the legal field and her passion for defending constitutional freedoms, offering insight into how God can use both faith and profession to make a meaningful impact. Together, Natalie and Alexandra explore how parents can guide strong-willed, outspoken girls to channel their boldness in ways that reflect Christ and create lasting influence.
This episode also offers practical encouragement for families raising girls who feel called to leadership, advocacy, or public service. From preparing for careers in law to developing character, wisdom, and discernment at a young age, this conversation highlights the importance of intentional discipleship long before adulthood.
In a culture that often confuses volume with influence, this episode reminds us that true leadership is rooted in truth, shaped by humility, and sustained by faith. When girls are grounded in God's Word, they can step confidently into the roles He has prepared for them—bringing light, clarity, and courage to the world around them.
Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:
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Micah 6:8
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1 Timothy 4:12
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Joshua 1:9
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Proverbs 31:8–9
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Colossians 4:6
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Matthew 5:14–16
To learn more about Alexandra Gaiser and the work of Alliance Defending Freedom, be sure to visit their https://adflegal.org/
Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at https://raisinggodlygirls.com/. To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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29 min
BONUS EP. – Making Peace with What You Can't Control with Lysa Terkeurst Bonus
Season 3
Show notes
What happens when the things we most desperately want to change are the very things we cannot control? For mothers, the desire to protect our daughters, fix what hurts, and help their stories turn out well can easily become an exhausting pursuit of control. But what if true peace doesn't come from finally getting everything under control—it comes from knowing Who is?
On this special bonus episode of Raising Godly Girls, host Rachael Culpepper welcomes bestselling author, Bible teacher, and Proverbs 31 Ministries founder Lysa TerKeurst for a powerful conversation inspired by her new book, Making Peace with What I Can't Control. Lysa draws from her own difficult circumstances and decades of helping women navigate life's hardest moments to unpack why we reach for control, the deeper longings that fuel it, and what it looks like to surrender what we cannot control to a trustworthy God.
For moms, this struggle can become especially personal when it involves a daughter. As girls grow, they make their own choices, face their own challenges, and experience circumstances their mothers cannot always prevent or fix. Rachael and Lysa explore how moms can discern what God has actually entrusted to them—and what they need to release back to Him. They also tackle an important distinction: surrendering control doesn't mean caring less, becoming passive, or stepping away from the God-given role of motherhood. It means learning to trust God more deeply while continuing to love, pray, guide, and faithfully show up.
If you're carrying a circumstance, relationship, fear, or outcome you desperately wish you could change, this conversation offers a gentle invitation to ask: Is this actually mine to carry? Because there will be things we cannot change, choices we cannot make for our daughters, and outcomes we must ultimately place in God's hands. The good news is that we don't have to carry what God never asked us to carry. Tune in to discover how surrender can lead not to resignation, but to freedom, deeper faith, and the peace that comes from trusting the One who loves our daughters even more than we do.
Scriptures Referenced:
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Proverbs 3:5–6
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Philippians 4:6–7
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1 Peter 5:7
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Matthew 6:25–34
To learn more about Lysa's ministry work and to get her new book, visit https://lysaterkeurst.com/. Visit https://raisinggodlygirls.com/ for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.
Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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26 min
Ep. 427 – Consistent Parenting, Taking the Edges Off a Strong-Willed Girl's Personality & Good Leadership
Season 3, Episode 427
Show notes
What do you do when your strong-willed daughter pushes back, challenges your opinion, or seems determined to turn every disagreement into a battle? On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden put consistency under the spotlight and explore how parents can lead strong-willed girls without breaking their spirit—while helping them develop the wisdom, resilience, and leadership skills God can use for His Kingdom.
Parenting a strong-willed girl can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield of opinions, emotions, and potential power struggles. But Biblical parenting isn't about finding a formula that guarantees the right outcome. It's about faithfully seeking the Lord, staying connected to His Word, and depending on the Holy Spirit for wisdom in the moment. Rachael and Melissa unpack the tension between overly rigid approaches and overly permissive parenting, reminding parents that consistent, steady leadership can provide the security a strong-willed girl needs to flourish.
In a Raising Godly Girls Minute, AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay encourages parents to embrace respectful disagreement and remember that their daughters will inevitably develop opinions of their own. Rather than treating every difference of opinion as a battle to win, parents can model the respect, grace, and humility that build lasting relationships. Rachael and Melissa then explore practical ways to parent through conflict, including maintaining a steady response, asking whether an issue is truly a "hill worth dying on," and making genuine prayer together a place where both parent and daughter can seek the Lord's wisdom.
The conversation also highlights an important truth for parents of strong-willed girls: consistency builds trust. When parents respond with gentleness and steadiness rather than allowing a daughter's outbursts to dictate the emotional temperature of the home, they demonstrate what secure leadership looks like. Over time, those repeated moments of respect and consistency can help a girl learn to navigate disagreement with wisdom rather than simply reacting from emotion.
Listeners will also hear how American Heritage Girls provides girls ages 5 to 18 with opportunities to develop Christlike character, serve others, and grow into confident leaders. Through AHG Troops, the Raising Godly Girls parent resource, and resources such as the Social-Emotional Health Emphasis and Embracing Emotions Chat Sessions, families can find encouragement and practical support as they navigate the many challenges of girlhood.
For every parent wondering how to respond when their strong-willed daughter digs in her heels, this episode offers a hopeful reminder: the goal isn't to win every argument. It's to faithfully walk alongside the girl God has entrusted to you, building trust over time and helping her learn to respond to conflict with wisdom, respect, humility, and prayer.
Three Things to Consider:
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Build trust and loyalty over time by consistently respecting your daughter, especially during conflict.
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Not every disagreement is worth the battle—ask whether the issue is truly a "hill worth dying on."
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Make genuine, humble prayer together a place where both you and your daughter can seek God's wisdom and find common ground.
Scriptures Referenced:
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Proverbs 15:1
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Proverbs 26
Visit https://raisinggodlygirls.com/ for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.
Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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27 min
Ep. 426 - Cultural Hot Takes & Guiding Your Opinionated Girl
Season 3, Episode 426
Show notes
What happens when your strong-willed, opinionated girl discovers the world of "hot takes," rage bait, memes, and unpopular opinions? On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden explore why these bite-sized cultural opinions can be so appealing to girls—and how parents can help their daughters develop something far more lasting: Biblical wisdom, character, and integrity.
In a culture where humor, likes, outrage, and social influence can reward the loudest or most provocative opinion, Christian girls need to learn how to discern what is worth embracing and what should be left behind. Rachael and Melissa unpack what it means to live "in the world and not of the world," reminding parents that a Biblical Worldview doesn't mean a girl has to lose her sense of humor or cultural awareness. Rather, it means learning to recognize the dignity of every person as an image-bearer of God and knowing when a trend crosses the line into humiliation, cruelty, or disrespect.
In a Raising Godly Girls Minute, AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay compares today's endless stream of hot takes to "junk food" for the heart and mind. Drawing from Proverbs 2:1-6, she encourages parents to help their daughters develop an appetite for the deeper, timeless wisdom found in God's Word. Rachael and Melissa then offer practical ways to shepherd strong-willed girls through cultural trends: familiarize yourself with what she's talking about, invite her into conversation through questions rather than immediate statements, and connect the conversation back to God's character and wisdom.
The episode also highlights how parents can give strong-willed girls an "on-ramp" into Biblical conversations by respecting their growing agency while still providing a clear framework for wise decision-making. Instead of simply shutting down an unfamiliar opinion or trend, parents can help their daughters slow down, ask questions, examine the consequences, and consider how their choices reflect the character of Christ.
Listeners will also hear how American Heritage Girls equips girls ages 5 to 18 to grow in character, Biblical leadership, and integrity. From the GRIT with Grace Girls Leadership Curriculum to AHG's partnership with AXIS Christian Parenting, families have resources designed to help girls navigate culture with courage, discernment, and a Biblical Worldview.
For parents raising strong-willed girls, this conversation offers encouragement that those big opinions and bold personalities don't have to be a problem to solve. With faithful guidance, they can become strengths that God uses to develop women of conviction, wisdom, courage, and grace.
Three Things to Consider:
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When a hot take or cultural trend lands in your home, take time to understand it before leading your daughter through it.
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Approach strong-willed girls with questions that invite conversation rather than immediately making statements that can shut the conversation down.
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Connect cultural conversations to God's character and help your daughter consider the implications of her choices before giving her room to make the next move.
Scriptures Referenced:
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Proverbs 2:1-6
Visit https://raisinggodlygirls.com/ for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.
Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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40 min
Ep. 425 – Equal in the Gospel: Teaching Girls Unity in a World Obsessed with Racial Division with Krista Bontrager
Season 3, Episode 425
Show notes
In a culture increasingly defined by division, how can Christian parents teach their daughters to think biblically about race, identity, justice, and unity? On this episode of Raising Godly Girls, Patti Garibay welcomes public theologian, author, speaker, and seminary professor Dr. Krista Bontrager for an honest and hope-filled conversation about raising girls who can engage difficult cultural conversations with both truth and grace.
With conversations about race and identity reaching girls at younger ages—and often through frameworks centered on division, group identity, and power—many Christian parents feel unsure about how to respond. Krista helps parents distinguish between race and culture, understand humanity through the lens of Scripture, and recognize how the Gospel reshapes the way Christians understand identity, belonging, and unity. Together, Patti and Krista explore how parents can have age-appropriate conversations about racism and injustice without surrendering Biblical truth or allowing cultural ideologies to become the foundation of their daughters' worldview.
This conversation also equips parents to help their girls navigate tribal thinking, difficult conversations at school and online, and a world that often encourages people to find their deepest identity in group belonging. Rather than retreating from these challenging topics, parents can teach their daughters to engage them with discernment, confidence, compassion, and a firm understanding of who they are in Christ. Krista reminds families that the Gospel is the ultimate equalizer—and that Christian unity is rooted not in cultural agreement, but in the truth that we are one body in Christ.
If you want to raise a daughter who can pursue unity without compromising Biblical truth, this episode offers practical encouragement and Gospel-centered clarity for the journey. Discover how to move beyond cultural talking points and equip your girl to see herself, others, and a divided world through the transforming lens of Scripture.
Scriptures Referenced:
· 1 Corinthians 8:6
· Ephesians 4:4–5
Learn more about Krista Bontrager's work at centerforbiblicalunity.com . Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com. To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.
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26 min
Ep. 424 – The Other Perspective: Common Ground in the Face of Deep Divisions in Your Family & Community
Season 3, Episode 424
Show notes
What does it look like to pursue Biblical unity in a world that seems to reward outrage, polarization, and constant disagreement? And how can Christian parents teach their daughters when to stand firm on essential Biblical truth—and when to graciously let something go?
On this episode of Raising Godly Girls, Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden take a "flip the script" approach to conflict, exploring what it means for Christians to make the Gospel their common ground. From church disagreements and theological debates to friendship conflicts between girls, they unpack the difference between healthy, Scripture-grounded discussion and the kind of strife that slowly pulls believers apart. The goal isn't to avoid every conflict, but to learn how to navigate disagreement with truth, wisdom, humility, and love.
Rachael and Melissa also explore how the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit gives Christians a beautiful picture of what unity can look like among God's people. They challenge parents to help their girls focus first on what unifies them with others rather than immediately spotlighting their differences. Through the Raising Godly Girls Minute, parents will also discover a simple but powerful strategy for helping girls navigate friendship conflict: learning to consider the other person's perspective. Understanding someone else's point of view doesn't mean abandoning Biblical convictions—it can help our girls become wiser, more gracious, and more Christlike in the way they respond.
As Rachael and Melissa bring the conversation into everyday family life, they remind parents that we may not be able to control another person's words, choices, or reactions—but we can take responsibility for our own hearts, words, actions, and responses. With Scripture as our common ground, Christian families can model a different way of handling disagreement and show girls that Biblical unity doesn't require uniformity. It requires a shared commitment to Christ and a willingness to pursue peace "so far as it depends on you." Tune in and discover how your family can help bring Biblical unity into friendships, churches, families, and a divided world.
Three Things to Consider:
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God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit commune as One, so we should too.
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Focus on what unifies us as the Church rather than what divides us.
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As Christians, let the Bible be our common ground.
Scriptures Referenced:
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Deuteronomy 6:4
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1 Corinthians 8:6
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Colossians 4:6
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Romans 12:18
Visit https://raisinggodlygirls.com/ for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools. Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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25 min
Ep. 423 – Why the New Testament Cares a Lot About Your Girl's Unity with Other Christians
Season 3, Episode 423
Show notes
In a culture that rewards outrage, celebrates division, and often encourages people to cancel rather than reconcile, how can Christian families teach girls to pursue Biblical unity? While conflict is inevitable, the Gospel offers a better way—one marked by grace, humility, truth, and the unshakable bond believers share in Christ.
In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden explore what true Christian unity looks like and why it's essential for today's girls. Together, they unpack the difference between standing firm on foundational Biblical truth and holding personal preferences with open hands. They also discuss how parents can model healthy conflict resolution, help daughters navigate difficult friendships, and cultivate hearts that seek peace instead of polarization.
As girls learn to anchor their identity in Christ rather than opinions or social approval, they become women who can extend grace, bear with one another in love, and reflect the character of Jesus in every relationship. This encouraging conversation reminds families that unity doesn't require uniformity—it begins with the Gospel and grows as believers choose humility, forgiveness, and love.
Two Things to Consider:
•
Help your daughter build her identity on the unchanging love of Christ rather than shifting opinions or preferences.
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Encourage an "extra grace required" mindset, reminding your daughter that healthy friendships and Christian community are strengthened through patience, forgiveness, and love.
Scriptures Referenced:
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Romans 8:31–39
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Galatians 6:2
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Romans 12:9–10
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1 Corinthians 1:20–25
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James 1:19
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Galatians 5:22–23
Visit https://raisinggodlygirls.com/ for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools. Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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44 min
Ep. 422 – Gospel in a Shoebox: Raising Girls with a Heart for the World with Izabella McMillon
Season 3, Episode 422
Show notes
What if something as simple as a shoebox could change a life forever?
In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Patti Garibay shares a powerful and inspiring conversation with Izabella McMillon, whose life was transformed after receiving an Operation Christmas Child shoebox as a young girl growing up in Romania. What began as a simple gift became a doorway to the Gospel—and ultimately, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Together, Patti and Izabella explore how God uses even the smallest acts of obedience to accomplish His greater purposes around the world. From limited access to the Gospel in certain countries to the challenges children face in places where Christianity is not widely accepted, this episode helps families better understand the global need—and the incredible opportunity to respond.
You'll also hear how American Heritage Girls is making an impact, with Troops packing over 27,000 shoeboxes in 2025 alone. This conversation offers practical and creative ways for families to participate in Operation Christmas Child, while helping girls develop compassion, generosity, and a heart for missions.
Whether you're packing your first shoebox or continuing a family tradition, this episode will remind you that God sees every act of kindness—and He can use it to change a life for eternity.
Because when we give with love, we're not just sending a gift—we're sharing the hope of the Gospel.
Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:
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Matthew 28:19–20
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Mark 16:15
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2 Corinthians 9:7
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Proverbs 22:9
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Isaiah 6:8
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Romans 10:14–15
To learn watch Izabella's Full Circle Story, click HERE.
To participate in the AHG-OCC Shoebox Challenge, click HERE.
Visit https://raisinggodlygirls.com/ for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.
Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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22 min
Ep. 421 – Infusing Fun in Serving Together as a Family
Season 3, Episode 421
Show notes
Serving others doesn't have to feel like another item on the family to-do list—it can become one of your family's greatest joys. When parents intentionally create opportunities to serve together, they're not only meeting practical needs, they're also building lasting memories, strengthening family bonds, and teaching daughters what it looks like to live with the heart of Christ.
In this episode of Raising Godly Girls, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose explore how families can make service a joyful rhythm of everyday life. From hilarious stories of family service projects to practical ideas for engaging children of every age, this conversation encourages parents to see service not as an obligation, but as an act of worship that brings people together and points others to Jesus.
Together, Rachael and Natalie share simple ways to cultivate a servant-hearted family culture, including beginning every service opportunity with prayer, keeping the focus on loving God and loving others, and embracing laughter along the way. They also discuss the lasting impact that serving side by side can have on a girl's confidence, compassion, and lifelong faith.
Whether your family is volunteering at church, serving neighbors, partnering with a local ministry, or participating in American Heritage Girls' National Day of Service, this episode will inspire you to discover that some of life's sweetest memories are made when your family says "yes" to serving together.
Three Things to Consider:
•
Begin your family's service opportunities with prayer and praise, inviting God to shape your hearts before you begin serving.
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Keep the purpose of every act of service centered on loving God and loving others, even when the work becomes challenging.
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Create joyful memories by making service a shared family adventure where laughter, teamwork, and Christlike love go hand in hand.
Scriptures Referenced:
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Matthew 6:3–4
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Matthew 5:16
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Matthew 22:37–39
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Matthew 25:31–40
Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at https://raisinggodlygirls.com/.
To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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25 min
Ep. 420 – Igniting a Passion in Your Girl for Serving Others
Season 3, Episode 420
Show notes
As girls settle into the rhythms of a new school year, one of the greatest gifts parents can give is a heart that delights in serving others. But a servant's heart doesn't develop by accident—it grows as girls learn to see needs, respond with compassion, and understand that every act of kindness can point others to Christ.
In this episode of Raising Godly Girls, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose explore how parents can cultivate a lifestyle of service in their daughters from the earliest years through the teen years. Together they discuss practical ways to help girls discover their God-given gifts, serve with humility, and understand that true service isn't about earning praise—it's about reflecting the heart of Jesus.
You'll also hear encouragement to make service a natural part of your family's rhythm, why serving alongside others often deepens both faith and friendships, and how American Heritage Girls continues to equip girls to put their faith into action through meaningful service opportunities in communities across the nation.
Whether your daughter loves organizing, creating, encouraging, leading, or quietly helping behind the scenes, God has uniquely designed her to make an eternal impact. This episode will inspire your family to embrace the simple but powerful truth that one willing "yes" to God can change lives.
Three Things to Consider:
•
Every girl has unique God-given gifts that can be used to serve others and glorify Christ.
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Celebrate your daughter's Christlike heart—not just her helpful actions—so she connects service to her identity in Jesus.
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Serving alongside family, church, and Christian community helps girls develop a lifelong love for putting God's love into action.
Scriptures Referenced:
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Mark 12:41–44
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John 6:3–14
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Acts 8:26–39
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Galatians 6:10
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Matthew 5:16
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1 Corinthians 15:57
Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at https://raisinggodlygirls.com/.
To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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32 min
Ep. 419 – Creative Calling: Using God-Given Giftings for His Glory with Katie Guiliano
Season 3, Episode 419
Show notes
Creativity is not accidental—it reflects the very nature of our Creator. But in today's culture, many girls struggle to see how their artistic gifts, entrepreneurial dreams, or creative passions fit into God's bigger story. Is art just a hobby? Can business ownership honor the Lord? And how can young women balance calling, faith, marriage, and motherhood without losing sight of what matters most?
In this inspiring episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Rachael Culpepper sits down with Katie Guiliano, founder of Hosanna Revival, to share her powerful testimony of faith, creativity, and obedience. Katie opens up about her journey from artist to business owner, how the Lord shaped her calling, and what it looks like to build a Christ-centered brand rooted in Scripture and worship.
Together, they encourage Christian parents raising creative daughters to affirm their girls' giftings—whether in art, design, leadership, education, business, or the home—and to help them see their talents as sacred stewardship. Katie also speaks candidly about juggling entrepreneurship, marriage, and motherhood as a Christian woman, offering practical encouragement for living faithfully in every season.
If you're raising a creative girl—or you are one—this conversation will remind you that your gifts are not random. They are entrusted to you by a creative God who delights in beauty, excellence, and purpose.
Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:
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Genesis 1:27
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Exodus 31:1–5
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Colossians 3:23–24
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Matthew 5:16
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1 Peter 4:10
Learn more about Katie's work at https://hosannarevival.com/
Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at https://raisinggodlygirls.com/.
To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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24 min
Ep. 418 – Practical Ways Your Family can Support Your Entrepreneur Christian Girl
Show notes
Every girl has been uniquely created by God with gifts that can bless others and bring Him glory. Whether she's a creative thinker, a natural strategist, or someone who simply loves serving people, parents have the incredible opportunity to nurture those God-given strengths while helping their daughters remember that every talent is ultimately a gift from the Lord.
In this episode of Raising Godly Girls, co-hosts Melissa Bearden and Natalie Ambrose continue their conversation about raising entrepreneurial Christian girls by exploring the role of creativity, imagination, and innovation in God's design. Together, they discuss why childhood is such a valuable season for dreaming, experimenting, and learning through failure—and how parents can encourage girls to develop the confidence and resilience they'll need to faithfully steward their gifts for years to come.
Melissa and Natalie also share practical ideas for helping girls discover how God has uniquely wired them, whether through creative pursuits, strategic leadership, or relationship-building. Along the way, they remind parents that the goal isn't simply raising successful young women—it's raising daughters whose talents point others to Christ and whose identity remains firmly rooted in Him.
Whether your girl is designing handmade creations, organizing family projects, dreaming up new ideas, or simply learning how God has uniquely equipped her, this conversation will encourage you to celebrate her imagination while helping her steward it with wisdom, humility, and purpose.
Three Things to Consider:
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Nurture your daughter's God-given creativity and imagination, giving her space to explore, experiment, and grow.
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Encourage her unique strengths—whether creative, strategic, or relational—and help her see how God can use each one to serve others.
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Keep her identity anchored in Christ so that every talent, opportunity, and success becomes another way to glorify the One who gifted her.
Scriptures Referenced:
•
1 Corinthians 12
•
Luke 14:28
•
Matthew 25:40
Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at https://raisinggodlygirls.com/.
To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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24 min
Ep. 417 – Empowering Your Girl to Pursue Her Passions
Season 3, Episode 417
Show notes
What does it look like to raise a girl who is creative, courageous, resilient, and willing to step into the opportunities God places before her? On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Melissa Bearden and Natalie Ambrose shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurial spirit in Christian girls—and explore how parents can help their daughters discover and steward the gifts, passions, and talents God has uniquely given them.
Entrepreneurship isn't simply about starting a business. For a Christian girl, it can be an opportunity to learn confidence, leadership, problem-solving, perseverance, and faithful stewardship while keeping Christ at the center. Melissa and Natalie discuss the qualities they see in Christian women who blaze new trails, from faith and vision to humility, teachability, diligence, and a willingness to wrestle through the ups and downs of success. They also explore the importance of helping girls pursue God's purpose rather than simply chasing a personal passion.
In a Raising Godly Girls Minute, AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay encourages parents not to hold back young entrepreneurs simply because they are young. Whether a girl loves baking, making jewelry, designing, strategizing, or solving problems, small opportunities can teach her to take healthy risks, learn from failure, and invest her gifts in God's Kingdom. Melissa and Natalie offer practical ways families can give girls room to explore new interests, praise resilience rather than perfection, and keep their identities firmly rooted in Christ rather than in a particular talent or hobby.
The conversation also highlights how American Heritage Girls provides girls ages 5 to 18 with opportunities to explore passions, develop skills, practice Biblical leadership, and grow in resilience. From the Entrepreneurship and Biblical Leadership Badges to the many possibilities within AHG's Badge Frontiers, girls have countless opportunities to discover how God has wired them and consider how their gifts can be used to serve Him and others. Listeners will also hear about Heritage Headlines and the inspiring stories of AHG Alumnae who are following God into new territories.
Whether your daughter is already dreaming up her first business or simply loves creating, solving, leading, or serving, this episode offers encouragement to nurture her gifts while teaching her the most important lesson of all: her identity is not found in what she can accomplish, but in who she is in Christ.
Three Things to Consider:
•
Give your girl space to explore new hobbies, skills, and passions.
•
Praise her resilience and willingness to learn through failure—not just her performance or success.
•
Help her keep her identity rooted in the Lord, because passions may change, but her identity in Christ endures.
Scriptures Referenced:
•
1 Corinthians 12
•
Luke 14:28
•
Matthew 25:40
Visit https://raisinggodlygirls.com/ for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.
Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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39 min
Ep. 416 – Faith in the Small Things: Building Lasting Family Devotional Rhythms with Melissa Kruger
Season 3, Episode 416
Show notes
Family devotionals often begin with the best of intentions—but somewhere between busy schedules, distracted kids, and the pressures of everyday life, they can quickly feel overwhelming or inconsistent.
In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Melissa Bearden sits down with author, Bible teacher, and The Gospel Coalition leader Melissa Kruger to talk about what it really looks like to build lasting, grace-filled devotional rhythms at home. Together, they offer encouragement for parents who long to disciple their daughters in God's Word but feel stretched thin or unsure where to begin.
Melissa shares both personal and practical insight—from her own experiences growing up with family devotionals to leading them in her own home today. This conversation reminds us that spiritual growth doesn't require perfection or polished routines. In fact, some of the most meaningful moments of discipleship happen in the midst of interruptions, questions, and even the occasional "train wreck" devotional.
You'll also hear how to release the pressure to perform, redefine what success looks like in family discipleship, and create simple, sustainable rhythms that point your daughter to Jesus over time. Whether your family is just starting out or trying to reestablish consistency, this episode offers hope that God is faithfully at work through even the smallest efforts.
Because raising Godly girls isn't about doing everything perfectly—it's about faithfully planting seeds of truth and trusting God for the growth.
Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:
•
Deuteronomy 6:6–7
•
Proverbs 22:6
•
Isaiah 55:10–11
•
Galatians 6:9
•
Colossians 3:16
•
Psalm 119:105
To learn more about Melissa Kruger's work at The Gospel Coalition and to explore her books, visit https://melissabkruger.com/
Visit https://raisinggodlygirls.com/ for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.
Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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25 min
Ep. 415 – Discipleship that Grows Up as the Family Does
Season 3, Episode 415
Show notes
Family discipleship doesn't stay the same through every season of parenting—and that's a good thing. As children grow from toddlers to teens and eventually into young adulthood, the way families spend time in God's Word naturally changes. The mission, however, never does.
In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose encourage parents to embrace the changing rhythms of family devotions without losing sight of the lifelong calling to disciple their children. From busy schedules and multiple age stages to launching young adults into the world, they explore practical ways to keep Christ at the center of everyday family life.
Together, they discuss how to adapt your approach as your children mature, why discipleship should never fall to just one parent, and how thoughtful, age-appropriate questions can cultivate genuine faith rather than simply checking off religious boxes. You'll also hear encouragement to stay faithful when family devotions feel messy, remembering that it is ultimately the Holy Spirit Who grows the seeds of faith planted through everyday conversations and consistent time in God's Word.
Whether your family includes toddlers, teenagers, or newly launched young adults, this conversation will remind you that faithful discipleship isn't about perfection—it's about consistently pointing your children to Jesus in every season.
Three Things to Consider:
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Family discipleship should grow and adapt as your children mature, while remaining centered on God's unchanging truth.
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When both parents participate in spiritual leadership, children gain a richer picture of God's design for family discipleship.
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Meaningful, age-appropriate questions help girls develop a personal, resilient faith that continues to deepen throughout every stage of life.
Scriptures Referenced:
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Deuteronomy 6:4–9
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Psalm 78:6–7
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Philippians 2:12
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1 Corinthians 13:11
Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at https://raisinggodlygirls.com/.
To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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29 min
Ep. 414 – The Real Reason Why Devo Time with Your Girl Feels Tough
Season 3, Episode 414
Show notes
Family devotions often sound wonderful in theory—but in real life, they can feel messy, inconsistent, and anything but peaceful. If you've ever wondered whether you're "doing it right," take heart: God isn't looking for perfection. He's inviting families to faithfully open His Word together, one small step at a time.
In this episode of Raising Godly Girls, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose encourage parents to rethink what successful family discipleship really looks like. From adapting devotions to fit your children's unique learning styles to choosing Gospel-centered resources that point girls to Jesus rather than simple behavior modification, this conversation offers practical wisdom for every stage of family life.
Together, Rachael and Natalie discuss the growing influence of technology and algorithms on today's children, why parents cannot outsource discipleship, and how small adjustments—like hands-on activities, age-appropriate conversations, and modeling authentic faith—can transform family devotional time from a source of frustration into an opportunity for connection and spiritual growth. Patti Garibay's Raising Godly Girls Minute also reminds families that sometimes the best learning happens when little hands stay busy while hearts remain engaged with God's Word.
Whether you're just beginning family devotions, looking to rebuild consistency, or searching for fresh resources to strengthen your family's faith, this episode will encourage you to keep your eyes fixed on the true goal—not raising "good kids," but raising daughters whose hearts are transformed by the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Three Things to Consider:
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Choose devotional resources that are centered on the Gospel, helping your daughter understand that lasting heart transformation comes through Jesus—not simply good behavior.
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Meet your children where they are by using age-appropriate, engaging approaches that encourage them to interact with God's Word.
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Remember that your example is one of your greatest discipleship tools. As your daughter watches you live out your faith with humility and repentance, she'll see the Gospel at work in everyday life.
Scriptures Referenced:
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Matthew 19:14
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Psalm 119:10-11
Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at https://raisinggodlygirls.com/.
To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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45 min
Ep. 413 – Raising Fierce-Hearted Middle School Girls: Faith, Courage, & Identity in Christ with Kaitlyn Cey
Season 3, Episode 413
Show notes
In today's culture, girls are constantly being told who they should be, what success looks like, and how they should define strength. But God offers a very different vision for womanhood—one rooted not in comparison or cultural pressure, but in courage, compassion, wisdom, and faith.
In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, Patti Garibay welcomes author, coach, and speaker Kaitlyn Cey for a meaningful conversation about raising girls who are confident in their identity in Christ and bold in their faith. Drawing from her book The Five Ways of a Fierce-Hearted Woman, Kaitlyn shares what it means for middle school girls to develop a "fierce-hearted" faith—one that reflects the character of Christ and equips them to live with purpose in today's world.
Together, Patti and Kaitlyn explore the cultural pressures girls face today and how parents can help their daughters resist the pull of comparison, insecurity, and shifting definitions of strength. Instead, they discuss how families can intentionally cultivate courage, compassion, spiritual wisdom, and servant leadership in their girls through daily discipleship and Gospel-centered conversations.
This encouraging episode also highlights the vital role of parents, mentors, and Christian community in shaping girls who stand firm in their faith. When girls understand who they are in Christ, they are better equipped to navigate peer pressure, cultural expectations, and the challenges of growing up in a rapidly changing world.
If you're raising a daughter and longing to see her grow into a confident young woman who loves the Lord and leads with courage and grace, this conversation will leave you encouraged and equipped.
Scriptures Referenced in This Episode:
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Joshua 1:9
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Psalm 139:13–14
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Proverbs 31:25
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Micah 6:8
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2 Timothy 1:7
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Matthew 5:16
To learn more about Kaitlyn Cey, visit http://www.kaitlyncey.com/
Visit https://raisinggodlygirls.com/ for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.
Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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24 min
Ep. 412 – How the Family Adapts in the Middle School Years
Season 3, Episode 412
Show notes
The middle school years are filled with change—and not just for your daughter. As her emotions, body, friendships, and independence begin to shift, the entire family is learning how to navigate a brand-new season together. How can parents shepherd their girls with grace while helping siblings, dads, and the whole family understand what's happening?
In this episode of Raising Godly Girls, co-hosts Natalie Ambrose and Melissa Bearden explore the unique challenges—and incredible opportunities—of parenting a middle school girl through a Biblical lens. From navigating puberty conversations without awkwardness to creating meaningful "eyes-forward" moments of connection, this conversation offers practical encouragement for families who want to reflect God's love during one of the most formative stages of a girl's life.
Together, Natalie and Melissa discuss the emotional highs and lows of early adolescence, healthy conversations about body changes, growing appetites, expanding friendships, and the importance of creating a home where girls feel safe, seen, and deeply loved. Along the way, Patti Garibay's Raising Godly Girls Minute shares a simple but powerful parenting practice that can open the door to some of your most meaningful conversations with your daughter.
Whether you're already parenting a middle schooler or preparing for the years ahead, this episode will encourage you to embrace this season not with fear, but with confidence—trusting that the God who created your daughter will faithfully guide her through every stage of growing up.
Three Things to Consider:
•
Create intentional spaces for connection—even simple "eyes-forward" conversations can become treasured opportunities for discipleship.
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Celebrate your daughter's changing body as part of God's good design, helping her care for it with gratitude rather than shame.
•
As your daughter's world expands through friendships and new experiences, continually point her back to her identity in Christ and the security of home.
Scriptures Referenced:
•
Jeremiah 33:3
•
James 1:17
For culturally relevant Christian parenting resources, visit https://axis.org/
Visit https://raisinggodlygirls.com/ for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.
Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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32 min
Ep. 411 – The Sacred Stage: Your Girl's Middle School Years
Season 3, Episode 411
Show notes
Why do the middle school years feel so hard—for girls and for the parents raising them?
Friendship drama. Puberty. Growing independence. Big emotions. Endless questions. The middle school years can feel like a whirlwind for both girls and the adults who love them. Yet beneath all the change is a beautiful opportunity for parents to become a steady, Christ-centered presence during one of the most formative seasons of a daughter's life.
In this back-to-school episode, Natalie Ambrose and Melissa Bearden explore what makes the middle school years so unique. From the rapid development of abstract thinking to the increasing influence of friendships, technology, and social pressures, they unpack why girls between the ages of 11 and 14 need more intentional discipleship—not less. Rather than allowing devices or culture to shape a daughter's worldview, parents are encouraged to remain actively engaged, guiding their girls with wisdom, grace, and Biblical truth.
Listeners will also hear a heartfelt Raising Godly Girls Minute from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, reminding parents that middle school girls need steadfast, present adults who are willing to listen, pray, and faithfully walk beside them through every joy and every tear. Rachael and Melissa build on that encouragement by discussing practical ways to help girls develop trust in God's unchanging character, navigate friendships with confidence, embrace failure as part of growth, and find security in the loving guidance of their parents.
Whether your daughter is just entering middle school or you're already deep in the adventure, this episode offers Biblical encouragement to embrace these years with confidence. While everything around your girl may seem to be changing, the God who loves her remains faithful—and your consistent presence can become one of His greatest gifts in her life.
Three Things to Consider:
•
Help your daughter build her confidence on God's unchanging character. As her world changes, remind her that the Lord remains faithful and trustworthy.
•
Stay in the role of a loving parent. Your steady guidance, wisdom, and presence provide security that friendship alone cannot.
•
Create a home where it's safe to fail. Mistakes become opportunities for growth when girls know they are deeply loved and supported.
Scriptures Referenced:
•
Romans 12:15
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James 1:5
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James 1:17
•
Proverbs 3:5–6
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Deuteronomy 6:6–7
•
Isaiah 41:10
For culturally relevant Christian parenting resources, visit Axis.org
Visit https://raisinggodlygirls.com/ for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.
Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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48 min
Ep. 410 – Beyond the Hurt: Understanding & Responding to the New Era of Bullying with Brooks Gibbs
Season 3, Episode 410
Show notes
Bullying today looks very different than it did just a generation ago—and parents of girls are feeling the weight of navigating it all. In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Natalie Ambrose welcomes back researcher, speaker, and author Brooks Gibbs for an honest and eye-opening conversation about bullying in all its modern forms.
Together, they explore the science behind childhood aggression and unpack what families need to know about in-person bullying, relational aggression, cyberbullying, sextortion, and emerging threats like AI deepfake harassment. Brooks shares research-based insight into why bullying happens, how it uniquely affects adolescent girls, and what parents can do to respond with wisdom rather than fear.
This episode also equips Christian families with practical tools to help girls build resilience, navigate peer pressure, and ground their identity in Christ—even when social dynamics feel cruel or overwhelming. Parents will gain confidence to address digital risks, guide healthy boundaries, and foster empathy and courage rooted in Biblical truth.
If you're raising a daughter in today's complex social and digital world, this conversation offers clarity, hope, and actionable guidance to help her thrive with faith and confidence.
Scriptures Referenced in this Episode:
•
Luke 6:31
•
Matthew 7:12
•
Ephesians 4:31-32
•
Colossians 3:12-14
For more information on Brooks Gibbs' work, visit https://www.brooksgibbs.com/
Visit https://raisinggodlygirls.com/ for more encouragement and faith-based parenting tools.
Learn how to find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at https://americanheritagegirls.org/.
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