It Takes a Family

About It Takes a Family

Every family has challenges, but sometimes it feels like you're navigating more than your share. How do you find a path to healing and hope? Welcome to It Takes a Family, the podcast that helps parents move from desperation to hope by providing practical guidance and real-world insights. Each week, hosts Andy and Kelly, alongside experts and fellow parents, share stories and lessons from the trenches of difficult family seasons. This season, they’ll break down Eagle Ranch’s proven approach to whole-family healing, from setting healthy boundaries to understanding your child's unique story. This podcast isn't for those who have it all figured out, but for those who need a renewed sense of hope and a reminder that you aren’t alone. Subscribe and follow along as we dive in to bring your family more connection and support.

Publisher

Eagle Ranch

Category

kids & family · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Aug 2025

Latest episode

21 May 2026

Latest episodes

28 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 May 2026

   Cultivating Kingdom Purpose (Part 2): Helping Gen Z Live Out Faith in Everyday Life

   In this season finale of It Takes a Family, Andy and Kelly are joined by Jamie McKnight for Part 2 of their conversation on helping Gen Z cultivate kingdom purpose. As a former coach, teacher, and current leader with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Jamie spends his days walking alongside students, athletes, coaches, and families — helping young people navigate faith, identity, pressure, and purpose in today’s culture. Together, they explore what Gen Z is really searching for, why so many students feel torn between performance and identity, and how parents can create emotional and spiritual security that helps young people flourish. From sports culture and social media to leadership, listening, and everyday parenting moments, this conversation offers practical encouragement for families raising resilient Gen Z students rooted in something bigger than themselves. One of the biggest themes throughout the episode is simple, but powerful: Ask questions. Listen well. Be present. Because purpose is often formed not through lectures or big moments — but through consistent relationship, curiosity, and connection. Whether it’s talking about football, video games, friendships, or faith, Jamie reminds parents that stepping into a young person’s world creates opportunities for trust, growth, and deeper conversations about God. Ultimately, kingdom purpose isn’t about performance, achievement, or finding one perfect path. It’s about learning to walk with Jesus in everyday life. Episode Highlights [03:00] Jamie shares his family story and parenting journey [05:00] How Eagle Ranch shaped Jamie’s perspective on vulnerability and relationships [06:00] Moving from coaching sports to mentoring students through FCA [08:30] What Gen Z students are really asking about Christianity and faith [10:00] Why teenagers want practical guidance for living out their faith [11:30] The tension students feel between faith, sports, school, and social pressure [13:00] How FCA creates opportunities to share the gospel with students [15:00] Why spiritually engaged families often create greater security for Gen Z [17:30] The connection between emotional safety and kingdom purpose [18:30] The role sports can play in shaping identity and faith [20:00] Why performance and identity can easily become confused [21:00] “When sport’s over, Jesus still remains.” [23:30] Jamie’s advice to parents: ask questions and listen [25:00] Why Gen Z responds when parents genuinely engage their hearts [26:30] Parenting lessons Jamie is learning through his own son [27:30] How simple presence creates opportunities for spiritual conversations [29:00] Helping Gen Z discover purpose through their interests and passions [31:00] Why purpose is developed through everyday moments and relationships Resources Mentioned 🏈 Fellowship of Christian Athletes 🏡 Eagle Ranch Don’t Miss Out! This episode wraps up Season 2 of It Takes a Family — a season focused on helping families navigate the Gen Z mental health crisis with resilience, connection, and hope. Throughout this season, we’ve explored topics like technology, anxiety, purpose, parenting rhythms, emotional health, and spiritual formation through conversations with experts, parents, and ministry leaders. If this season encouraged you: Subscribe so you don’t miss the next season Leave a review on Apple or Spotify Share this episode with another parent And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram — we’d love to hear what conversations from this season impacted your family most. You don’t have to navigate modern parenting alone. Let’s move from desperation to hope — together.

2. 

   14 May 2026

   Cultivating Kingdom Purpose (Part 1): Helping Kids Discover Meaning Beyond Happiness

   In this episode of Season 2, Andy and Kelly sit down with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford to explore one of the deepest longings facing Gen Z today: the search for purpose. Drawing from research with the Barna Group, this conversation unpacks why so many young people feel pressure to pursue happiness — yet still feel anxious, empty, or directionless. As Dr. Shackelford explains, happiness was never meant to be the ultimate goal. Purpose is. Together, they explore how purpose grows when we focus outward instead of inward, why serving others builds resilience, and how families can help children discover meaning through everyday rhythms of contribution, responsibility, and faith. From chores around the house to serving at church, hospitality, and caring for neighbors, this episode reminds parents that purpose is often cultivated in ordinary moments — not extraordinary ones. And while building resilient families isn’t always easy or convenient, it’s deeply worthwhile. Because flourishing doesn’t come from comfort alone. It comes from learning to live for something bigger than yourself. Episode Highlights [03:30] Why Gen Z pursues happiness — and why it often falls short [04:30] The connection between purpose, anxiety, and depression [05:30] The difference between happiness and joy [06:30] How social media fuels inward focus and hopelessness [07:30] Why purpose grows through serving others [08:00] Finding meaning through pain and difficult experiences [09:00] Helping teenagers discover their gifts and calling [10:30] Connecting a child’s gifts back to God’s character [12:00] Breaking out of the cycle of chasing happiness [12:30] Creating a culture of service inside the home [15:00] Why serving at church builds resilience and belonging [16:30] The importance of giving kids responsibility and ownership [18:00] Three key ingredients for resilient kids: caring adults, life skills, and leadership opportunities [19:00] Why serving together strengthens families [21:00] Modeling service as parents instead of just talking about it [22:00] Why purpose is bigger than finding one perfect calling [24:00] The importance of intergenerational relationships and grandparents [27:00] Why the best things in parenting are often harder, not easier Resources Mentioned 📊 Gen Z Mental Health & Well-Being Research — Barna Group (https://www.barna.com/mental-health/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 📖 You on Purpose 🏡 Eagle Ranch (https://www.eagleranch.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Don’t Miss Out! This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation on helping kids cultivate purpose, resilience, and meaningful connection in a culture that constantly pulls them inward. Next week, we’ll continue the conversation with a special guest and explore practical ways families can build these rhythms into everyday life. If this episode encouraged you: Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming conversations Leave a review on Apple or Spotify Share this episode with another parent And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram — we’d love to hear how your family is creating rhythms of service, purpose, and connection. You don’t have to navigate modern parenting alone. Let’s move from desperation to hope — together.

3. 

   7 May 2026

   Returning to Faith Roots (Part 2): Creating a Home Where Faith Feels Real

   In this episode of It Takes a Family, Andy and Kelly continue the conversation on faith and Gen Z with returning guest Davon Stack. Building on last week’s discussion with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford, this episode focuses on the practical side of helping kids develop lasting faith in everyday family life. Drawing from years in student ministry, pastoral care, and parenting, Davon shares what he’s seeing firsthand in Gen Z: a deep longing for identity, purpose, connection, and something real to hold onto in a confusing world. Together, they discuss how parents can create safe spaces for honest conversations, why relationships matter more than perfection, and how small spiritual rhythms can shape a child’s faith over time. From responding calmly when kids open up, to modeling authentic faith in the ordinary moments, this episode is filled with encouragement for parents who may feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or spiritually inadequate themselves. Because building faith in your home doesn’t require having all the answers. It starts with showing up, staying present, and trusting that God is working — even in the small moments. Episode Highlights [02:00] Davon’s background in student ministry and pastoral care [04:30] The biggest struggle Gen Z faces [06:00] How beliefs shape thoughts, emotions, and actions [07:00] The impact of comparison and technology on teens [09:00] Why relationships are key to helping kids open up [10:00] How parents can respond well when kids share hard things [11:30] Creating a home environment that nurtures faith [13:00] Simple spiritual rhythms families can practice together [15:00] Why serving helps teenagers connect faith to real life [16:00] Encouragement for parents whose kids resist church or faith [18:00] The importance of community and trusted adults [20:00] Why modeling authentic faith matters more than perfection [22:30] Encouragement for parents who didn’t grow up with faith themselves [27:00] Finding hope when parenting feels overwhelming Resources Mentioned 📊 Gen Z Mental Health & Well-Being Research — Barna Group (https://www.barna.com/mental-health/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 📖 New Morning Mercies by New Morning Mercies 🏡 Eagle Ranch (https://www.eagleranch.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Don’t Miss Out! This episode continues our Season 2 conversation on Gen Z and mental health — exploring how faith, community, and consistent family rhythms can help move families from isolation and fear toward hope and connection. If this episode encouraged you: Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming conversations Leave a review on Apple or Spotify Share this episode with another parent And connect with us on Facebook and Instagram — we’d love to hear how your family is building meaningful rhythms together. You don’t have to navigate modern parenting alone. Let’s move from desperation to hope — together.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

10 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.