Podcast
Carpool Conversations
Hosted by WinShape Camps · EN
Carpool Conversations is a podcast dedicated to encouraging and equipping parents just like you to have meaningful conversations with your kids. Hosted by two moms, Amy Lowe and Sara Jones have down-to-earth discussions where they share stories, practical examples, and questions to help you better understand and connect with your kids. So listen in the next time you’re going to pick up your kids from school and you might end up with the perfect conversation starter!
26episodes
Episodes
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Helping Kids Process Complicated News
1w ago00:26:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Marissa sit down with Beth Guckenberger – co-founder of Back2Back Ministries, author, speaker, and mom – to talk about a parenting challenge many families face – helping kids process difficult, confusing, and sometimes complicated news. So how do parents talk honestly about hard things without overwhelming or frightening their kids? Drawing from her experience as a missionary, parent, and ministry leader, Beth shares practical, faith-filled wisdom for navigating tough conversations with confidence and compassion. Together, they discuss how to discern what to share (and what not to share), signs your child may be struggling even when they aren’t saying much, simple ways to create safe spaces for emotional processing, and how families can remain rooted in hope when the world feels heavy. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your kids make sense of complicated news while pointing them back to God’s truth, this conversation will equip and encourage you. -- BacktoBack Ministries Trauma Free World Resources Book: Presence Matters by Beth Guckenberger -- Question of the Week: When you hear something bad in the news or in your life, what questions pop into your head? -- Hosts: Amy Lowe and Marissa Ray Guest: Beth Guckenberger Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun -- Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org! Instagram: @WinShapeCamps TikTok: @WinShapeCamps Facebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Finding Peace in the Chaos of Parenting
3w ago00:32:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Carpool Conversations, Amy and Marissa sit down with author, speaker, and podcast host Tara Sun to talk about something every parent feels but rarely escapes—overwhelm. Between packed schedules, constant noise, and the pressure to “do it all,” finding peace can feel out of reach. Drawing from her book Overbooked and Overwhelmed, Tara shares her personal story of hitting a turning point that revealed just how disconnected she had become—from God, from her purpose, and even from the present moments of motherhood. With honesty and encouragement, she reminds parents that peace isn’t found in perfect systems or better time management, but in a deeper awareness of God’s presence in the middle of everyday chaos. Together, they explore what it looks like to shift your mindset, slow down internally (even when life doesn’t), and reconnect with what truly matters. Tara offers practical, grace-filled strategies for navigating overstimulation, cultivating self-awareness, and breaking free from the cycle of constant busyness. If you’re feeling stretched thin, mentally exhausted, or just longing for a little more calm in your parenting journey, this conversation will meet you right where you are—and point you toward lasting peace. Resources: Overbooked & Overwhelmed by Tara Sun Surrender your Story by Tara Sun Podcast: Truth Talks with Tara -- Question of the Week: What makes you feel overwhelmed? What are some things you can do when you feel that way? -- Hosts: Amy Lowe & Marissa Ray Guest: Tara Sun Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun -- Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org! Instagram: @WinShapeCamps TikTok: @WinShapeCamps Facebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Releasing Anger & Growing in Patience as a Parent
Apr 800:31:16Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Amy and Sara sit down with author and mom of four, Amber Lia, to talk honestly about something many parents wrestle with but rarely say out loud—anger. Drawing from her new book, Untriggered: 60 Days of Transformation for Moms Who Struggle with Anger, Amber shares her own story with refreshing vulnerability and offers practical, grace-filled tools for the moments when frustration rises. Together, they explore how anger shows up in parenting, recognizing the difference between righteous anger and destructive frustration, and what it looks like to grow in patience even on the hardest days. Amber also unpacks simple, intentional strategies that help moms pause, reset, and respond with gentleness—reminding every parent that change is possible. Whatever season you are in, this conversation will encourage you to breathe deeply, release shame, and take meaningful steps toward transformation. -- Book: Untriggered: 60 Days of Transformation for Moms Who Struggle with Anger Meet our Guest: Amber Lia Book: Triggers: Exchanging Parents' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses -- Question of the Week: When have you recently noticed that I was angry, and how did it make you feel? -- Hosts: Amy Lowe and Sara Jones Guest: Amber Lia Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun -- Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org! Instagram: @WinShapeCamps TikTok: @WinShapeCamps Facebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Cultivating Creativity & Curiosity in our Kids
Mar 2500:29:08Tap to summarizeFrom big questions to big imaginations, every child has a unique spark of creativity worth noticing and nurturing. In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Emily and Marissa sit down with Travis Hawkins, Manager of the Creative Services team at WinShape Camps to talk about what it looks like to nurture creativity and curiosity in our kids. Together, they explore how creativity reflects the heart of our Creator, how every child may express their creativity differently, and how parents can encourage it in simple, meaningful ways. Whether your child loves to build, imagine, ask questions, make music, or paint, this conversation will encourage you to see creativity as a gift from God worth noticing and nurturing. Plus, Travis shares practical ideas for helping kids grow in curiosity, confidence, and wonder. -- -- Question of the Week: In what ways do you think God made you creative? -- Hosts: Emily Alters & Marissa Ray Guest: Travis Hawkins Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun -- Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org! Instagram: @WinShapeCamps TikTok: @WinShapeCamps Facebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Helping Kids Name & Navigate Their Emotions
Mar 1100:45:58Tap to summarizeKids experience a lot of emotions—and sometimes those feelings can change by the minute. As parents, it can be hard to know how to help our kids understand what they’re feeling and express themselves in healthy ways. In this episode we sit down with author, speaker, and family coach Dr. Josh Straub to talk about why emotional awareness matters and how parents can create space for meaningful conversations about feelings. Josh and his wife, Christi, have dedicated their work to helping families grow in emotional intelligence and healthy relationships. Together, they’ve written a children’s book series designed to help kids name and navigate their emotions. In this conversation, they discuss why helping kids identify their feelings is such an important part of spiritual and emotional growth, how simple tools can help kids express what they're feeling, and how parents can guide their children to invite God into every emotion—from anger and worry to joy and gratitude. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child talk about big emotions—or how to respond with empathy when feelings run high—this episode offers practical encouragement and simple ways to start meaningful, faith-centered conversations at home. -- Meet our guest: Josh Straub Book: What Am I Feeling - by Dr. Josh Straub & Christi Straub Book: What Do I Do With Anger? Book: What Do I Do With Worry? Famous at Home Podcast -- Question of the Week: What is one feeling to describe how you felt today? Why? -- Hosts: Sara Jones & Marissa Ray Guest: Josh Straub Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun -- Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org! Instagram: @WinShapeCamps TikTok: @WinShapeCamps Facebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Mom Guilt & Trusting God with the Pressures of Parenting
Feb 2500:44:48Tap to summarizeFrom the pressure to “get it right” to the constant second-guessing, so many of us carry quiet questions in motherhood: Am I doing enough? Am I messing this up? Am I a good mom? In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Sara and Marissa sit down with author and podcast host Hallie Dye to talk honestly about the weight moms carry—and the freedom found in surrendering that weight to the One who never fails. Hallie shares the heart behind her first book, You’re Still a Good Mom: Motherhood Surrendered to the One Who Never Fails, and unpacks what it really means to be “a good mom” from a biblical perspective. Together, they discuss why our limitations are by design, how surrender reshapes the way we approach our roles, and how to navigate the tension between responsibility and trust in God. Whether you’re in the thick of diapers and sleepless nights or navigating new challenges with older kids, this conversation is a gentle reminder: your worth was never meant to be measured by your performance. You are still a good mom. -- Meet our guest: Hallie Dye Book: You’re Still a Good Mom: Motherhood Surrendered to the One Who Never Fails Podcast: The Saltworks -- Question of the Week: What is something you enjoy and want me to keep doing as your mom/dad? -- Hosts: Sara Jones & Marissa Ray Guest: Hallie Dye Producers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun -- Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org! Instagram: @WinShapeCamps TikTok: @WinShapeCamps Facebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Learning to Slow Down as a Family
Feb 1100:32:23Tap to summarizeIn a culture that celebrates busy schedules and constant hustle, what would it look like to slow down as a family?This week, Sara and Marissa sit down with author and mom of four, Samantha Decker, to talk about unhurried parenting. Drawing from her book Unhurried, Samantha shares how the Lord used a simple call to to reshape her family’s rhythms and perspective on eternity.They discuss margin, the connection between control and hurry, and practical steps for creating a schedule that makes room for what matters most. This episode offers encouragement and hope for anyone feeling stretched thin or stuck in a cycle of hurry.--Meet our guest: Samantha DeckerUnhurried – written by Samantha Decker--Question of the Week: Where in our lives do you think we need to slow down as a family?--Hosts: Sara Jones & Marissa RayGuest: Samantha DeckerProducers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun--Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org!Instagram: @WinShapeCampsTikTok: @WinShapeCampsFacebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Raising Kids with a Heart for the World
Jan 2800:32:13Tap to summarizeHow do we help our kids see beyond themselves—and discover their place in God’s bigger story? In this episode of Carpool Conversations, Sara and Marissa sit down with author, illustrator, and global ministry leader Sarah Nunnally to talk about giving kids a vision for their community and the nations.Drawing from her years serving overseas and her new children’s book series God Everywhere, Sarah shares practical, hope-filled ways parents can nurture compassion, curiosity, and faith in their kids—starting right where they are. You’ll walk away encouraged and equipped to help your children love their neighbors near and far and see how God invites every family into His global story.--Meet our Guest: Sarah NunnallyBooks: God Everywhere Series - written and illustrated by Sarah NunnallyVideos: Beginner Art Tutorials by Sarah Nunnally--Question of the Week: How do you think God has designed you uniquely to serve and love others around the world?--Hosts: Sara Jones & Marissa RayGuest: Sarah NunnallyProducers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun--Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org!Instagram: @WinShapeCampsTikTok: @WinShapeCampsFacebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Helping Kids See Their Worth Through God's Eyes
Jan 1400:29:58Tap to summarizeWhere do our kids learn what they’re worth – and how do we guide them toward the truth that their value comes from God, not achievements or approval? Today, Amy and Marissa are joined by returning guest Margaret Sharpe to talk about how the question of worth shows up at every stage of childhood, from early elementary through high school. Together, they unpack the lies that kids often believe about themselves, how those lies evolve as kids grow, and how Scripture speaks directly to the questions our kids are asking – even when they can't find the words for them. You’ll also get a sneak peek into WinShape Camps’ upcoming theme for summer 2026, ASCEND: Encounters with the Holy God, and walk away with gospel-centered truths to help your kids (and yourself) rest in the worth God has already given.--WinShape Camps 2026 Theme Preview: Ascend--Question of the Week: What do you think that God thinks about you?--Hosts: Amy Lowe & Marissa RayGuest: Margaret SharpeProducers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun--Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org!Instagram: @WinShapeCampsTikTok: @WinShapeCampsFacebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Teaching Life Skills Through Chores
Dec 1700:36:20Tap to summarizeChores. Just hearing the word can bring up a mix of reactions—from sighs to eye rolls to “we should really work on that in our house.” In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that seems simple on the surface but can be surprisingly challenging to put into practice. We’re talking about why chores matter and how everyday responsibilities help prepare our kids for life beyond our homes—while also building important life skills through responsibility and natural consequences.We’re joined by Kim Smelley—mom of three, camp mom, and master of what she calls “somewhat organized chaos.” Kim shares how chores have evolved in her family, what’s worked (and what hasn’t), and practical ways to encourage kids when motivation is low. Whether chores are a strength in your home or a struggle, this conversation will help you see them as an opportunity for growth, teamwork, and meaningful connection with your kids.--Question of the Week: What is your favorite chore to do around the house? What is your least favorite chore?--Hosts: Sara Jones & Amy LoweGuests: Kim SmelleyProducers: Emily Alters & Cody Braun--Learn more about WinShape Camps at WinShapeCamps.org!Instagram: @WinShapeCampsTikTok: @WinShapeCampsFacebook: @WinShapeCamps Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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