Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of childhood wounds, emotional trauma, and suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of the Empowered Homes Podcast, hosts Bobby Cooley and Meghan Landi welcome Bible teacher and author Julie Busler to discuss her new book, Hopeful Sorrow: Turning to God in Hope When Childhood Wounds Have You Turning Away. Julie shares her deeply personal story of healing from childhood wounds, grief from her mother's death and her father's suicide.

Julie explains how biblical lament offers a trauma-informed, gospel-centered pathway toward hope. Together, they explore how unaddressed pain can shape our view of God, leadership, and family patterns—and how facing sorrow can lead to deeper intimacy with God and lasting freedom.

This conversation encourages ministry leaders, parents, and caregivers to stop hiding pain, embrace healing, and model hope for the next generation.

Do you feel alone or without hope? We want you to know your life has purpose and you deserve help. Email us at podcast@empowerehomes.org if you need help.

Connect with Julie

Buy Julie's Books:

Hopeful Sorrow

Joyful Sorrow

About Empowered Homes

Empowered Homes exists to connect church and home by equipping parents, grandparents, and ministry leaders to live out gospel truths in the everyday rhythms of life. Through free, gospel-centered, and practical resources, along with in-person training, coaching, and equipping experiences, Empowered Homes helps families disciple the next generation with confidence and hope. Explore free resources, training opportunities, and more at empoweredhomes.org.

Empowered Homes Podcast
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Do you appreciate The Empowered Homes Podcast? Like, subscribe, comment, share. Every bit of your engagement helps us be open-handed in sharing resources to grow strong families, leaders and ministries. Thanks for your help in Empowering Homes for the gospel!

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Questions? Ideas for the Podcast?
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podcast@empoweredhomes.org.
Bobby@empoweredhomes.org
Meghan@empoweredhomes.org

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How do we prepare our children to thoughtfully and confidently engage with today’s rapidly changing culture—without fear, confusion, or compromise? In this episode of The Empowered Homes Podcast, hosts Bobby Cooley and Meghan Landi sit down with Elizabeth Urbanowicz, founder of Foundation Worldview, to explore how parents, churches, and schools can intentionally disciple kids with a strong biblical worldview from an early age.

Elizabeth shares her personal journey and the heart behind creating Foundation Worldview, a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip children to think critically, ask wise questions, and apply God’s truth to real-world cultural challenges. Together, they discuss the biggest cultural issues impacting young kids today, practical ways parents can stay ahead of them, and encouraging hope for families who feel like they may be “late to the game” with older children.

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, ministry leader, or educator, this conversation will equip and encourage you to more intentionally connect faith and everyday life—right where kids are asking the hardest questions. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why worldview training is essential for kids today How Foundation Worldview serves families, schools, and churches (and for what ages) The most pressing cultural challenges facing children—and one practical tip to address them Encouragement for parents who feel behind in shaping a biblical worldview How to access trusted, gospel-centered resources for your home or ministry 🎁

Special Listener Discount: Use code EMPOWEREDHOMES10 to receive $10 off a family license of any Foundation Worldview curriculum at foundationworldview.com.

About Empowered Homes

Empowered Homes exists to connect church and home by equipping parents, grandparents, and ministry leaders to live out gospel truths in the everyday rhythms of life. Through free, gospel-centered, and practical resources, along with in-person training, coaching, and equipping experiences, Empowered Homes helps families disciple the next generation with confidence and hope. Explore free resources, training opportunities, and more at empoweredhomes.org.

Empowered Homes Podcast
Show us some Love!
Do you appreciate The Empowered Homes Podcast? Like, subscribe, comment, share. Every bit of your engagement helps us be open-handed in sharing resources to grow strong families, leaders and ministries. Thanks for your help in Empowering Homes for the gospel!

FB : https://www.facebook.com/EmpoweredHomesResources
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredhomesresources/
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@empoweredhomes9809

Questions? Ideas for the Podcast?
Contact us at
podcast@empoweredhomes.org.
Bobby@empoweredhomes.org
Meghan@empoweredhomes.org

Find Free Resources empoweredhomes.org

Every family has a culture, whether it is intentional or not. In this episode, hosts Bobby Cooley and Meg Landi are joined by Empowered Homes Team Members Kina Cockroft and Shiona Howard for a practical and encouraging conversation about how mission, vision, and values shape the heart of a home.

Together, they invite parents to step room by room through the “house” of family life to explore how everyday rhythms, language, and priorities form a home’s culture. Grounded in biblical wisdom and real life experience, this conversation helps parents identify where their family is today, clarify where they are headed, and name the values that guide daily decisions.

From the living room where habits and tone are formed, to the kitchen table where vision is spoken, to the bedroom where identity and calling are nurtured, listeners will gain a simple framework for building a God honoring foundation that lasts through every season of life.

This episode encourages parents to move from reacting to the chaos of daily life to leading with clarity and confidence. You will discover how to establish meaningful rhythms, call out your children’s unique giftings, and create a shared family mission that reflects who God has made your family to be.

Whether you are just beginning to think intentionally about your family’s direction or looking to realign and refocus, this episode offers grace filled guidance to help you build a home marked by purpose, peace, and faith.

Download the Worksheet

Download the New Year Intentions

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe to our channel!

About Empowered Homes

Empowered Homes exists to connect church and home by equipping parents, grandparents, and ministry leaders to live out gospel truths in the everyday rhythms of life. Through free, gospel-centered, and practical resources, along with in-person training, coaching, and equipping experiences, Empowered Homes helps families disciple the next generation with confidence and hope. Explore free resources, training opportunities, and more at empoweredhomes.org.

Empowered Homes Podcast
Show us some Love!
Do you appreciate The Empowered Homes Podcast? Like, subscribe, comment, share. Every bit of your engagement helps us be open-handed in sharing resources to grow strong families, leaders and ministries. Thanks for your help in Empowering Homes for the gospel!

FB : https://www.facebook.com/EmpoweredHomesResources
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredhomesresources/
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@empoweredhomes9809

Questions? Ideas for the Podcast?
Contact us at
podcast@empoweredhomes.org.
Bobby@empoweredhomes.org
Meghan@empoweredhomes.org

Find Free Resources empoweredhomes.org

In this heartfelt holiday episode, Bobby Cooley and Meg Landi welcome Hannah Bush from Preteen Journey to talk about something deeper than traditions: Family Holiday Habits, and especially the practice of Advent. While the holiday season is packed with traditions, events, and cultural pressure, it’s easy for families to get swept up in the noise and miss the holiness at the center of it all.

Together, we explore how Advent can become a grounding habit that helps families pause, reflect, and intentionally prepare their hearts for Christ’s coming.

Hannah shares:

The true purpose of Advent—what it is, why it matters, and how it reshapes our focus during a busy season.

Practical and grace-filled resources that help families build healthy holiday habits from day one of the season all the way into the new year.

How the meaningful moments we choose to prioritize shape generations, influencing the way our children will one day lead their own families in faith.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, reset, and discover holiday habits that draw your family toward what’s holy, not just what’s expected. Join us for a conversation full of encouragement, intentionality, and a whole lot of hope for the season ahead.

Download your FREE Preteen & Family Holiday Advent Guide

Connect with Hannah from Preteen Journey

Website: https://preteenjourney.org/

Instagram

Find More FREE Advent resources here.

About Empowered Homes

Empowered Homes exists to connect church and home by equipping parents, grandparents, and ministry leaders to live out gospel truths in the everyday rhythms of life. Through free, gospel-centered, and practical resources, along with in-person training, coaching, and equipping experiences, Empowered Homes helps families disciple the next generation with confidence and hope. Explore free resources, training opportunities, and more at empoweredhomes.org.

Empowered Homes Podcast
Show us some Love!
Do you appreciate The Empowered Homes Podcast? Like, subscribe, comment, share. Every bit of your engagement helps us be open-handed in sharing resources to grow strong families, leaders and ministries. Thanks for your help in Empowering Homes for the gospel!

FB : https://www.facebook.com/EmpoweredHomesResources
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredhomesresources/
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@empoweredhomes9809

Questions? Ideas for the Podcast?
Contact us at
podcast@empoweredhomes.org.
Bobby@empoweredhomes.org
Meghan@empoweredhomes.org

Find Free Resources empoweredhomes.org

Bobby and Meghan talk with Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski about how families can keep faith central in the world of youth sports. They discuss what inspired Away Game, how parents can manage emotions and expectations, and practical ways to support kids without sideline coaching. Hear real stories of transformation as parents shift from performance-driven mindsets to gospel-centered parenting that brings spiritual health and joy, both on and off the field.

Get the Book Here.

Download a FREE Parenting Athletes Guide at Empoweredhomes.org.

About the Authors

As two dads who’ve seen both the challenges and beauty of youth sports, Brian and Ed offer relatable wisdom to help parents guide their children spiritually in every season.

Brian Smith is the author of several books, including The Christian Athlete, and has been on staff with Athletes in Action since 2008. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Brian has a master’s degree in Theology and Sports Studies through Baylor University. Brian lives in Lowell, Michigan, with his wife and three kids and writes regularly at the christianathlete.com.

Ed Uszynski is an author, speaker, and sports minister with over three decades’ experience discipling college and professional athletes. He’s written articles, essays, and training manuals at the intersection of faith and sport and is the lead strategist for Content Mercenaries. He has two theological degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a PhD in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University. He and his wife Amy have four children and live in Xenia, Ohio.

About Empowered Homes

Empowered Homes exists to connect church and home by equipping parents, grandparents, and ministry leaders to live out gospel truths in the everyday rhythms of life. Through free, gospel-centered, and practical resources, along with in-person training, coaching, and equipping experiences, Empowered Homes helps families disciple the next generation with confidence and hope. Explore free resources, training opportunities, and more at empoweredhomes.org.

Empowered Homes Podcast
Show us some Love!
Do you appreciate The Empowered Homes Podcast? Like, subscribe, comment, share. Every bit of your engagement helps us be open-handed in sharing resources to grow strong families, leaders and ministries. Thanks for your help in Empowering Homes for the gospel!

FB : https://www.facebook.com/EmpoweredHomesResources
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredhomesresources/
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@empoweredhomes9809

Questions? Ideas for the Podcast?
Contact us at
podcast@empoweredhomes.org.
Bobby@empoweredhomes.org
Meghan@empoweredhomes.org

Find Free Resources empoweredhomes.org

What does it really take to raise mentally healthy kids in today’s world? In this insightful episode, Bobby and Meg welcome Dr. Jessica Peck, a trusted nurse practitioner, author, and mom of four, for a powerful conversation on parenting with purpose, empathy, and intention.

Together, they explore the real mental and emotional challenges kids face today, shaped by generational gaps and cultural pressures. Dr. Peck unpacks the difference between “little t” trauma and “big T” Trauma, and offers practical tools to help parents lead with empathy, resilience, and courage. You’ll also learn how your everyday choices can influence your family’s mental and physical health for generations — and why your own healing journey is essential to prevent your hurt from becoming your child’s.

You’ll leave this episode with renewed hope and practical strategies to strengthen your connection with your kids and raise them with confidence, compassion, and mental wellness at the core.

Get Jessica's Book, Behind Closed Doors

To learn more listen to Dr. Peck on her radio show Dr. Nurse Mama Show

About Dr. Jessica Peck:

Dr. Jessica Peck is a pediatric nurse practitioner, professor, and nationally recognized nursing leader with over 20 years of experience equipping families to raise holistically healthy kids. A passionate advocate for mental health and underserved children, she helps parents navigate tough moments with grace, hope, and courage. Dr. Peck is a clinical professor at Baylor University and former president of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. She’s also an award-winning author, speaker, and mom of four, dedicated to empowering parents to build strong, healthy homes. Find out more about Dr. Peck at https://www.drnursemama.com/resources

About Empowered Homes

Empowered Homes exists to connect church and home by equipping parents, grandparents, and ministry leaders to live out gospel truths in the everyday rhythms of life. Through free, gospel-centered, and practical resources, along with in-person training, coaching, and equipping experiences, Empowered Homes helps families disciple the next generation with confidence and hope. Explore free resources, training opportunities, and more at empoweredhomes.org.

Empowered Homes Podcast
Show us some Love!
Do you appreciate The Empowered Homes Podcast? Like, subscribe, comment, share. Every bit of your engagement helps us be open-handed in sharing resources to grow strong families, leaders and ministries. Thanks for your help in Empowering Homes for the gospel!

FB : https://www.facebook.com/EmpoweredHomesResources
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredhomesresources/
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@empoweredhomes9809

Questions? Ideas for the Podcast?
Contact us at
podcast@empoweredhomes.org.
Bobby@empoweredhomes.org
Meghan@empoweredhomes.org

Find Free Resources empoweredhomes.org

In this episode of the Empowered Homes Podcast, hosts Bobby Cooley and Meghan Landi sit down with pastor and author Shane Pruitt to talk about his latest Bible study, Not My Jesus: Reclaiming the Truth, Rejecting the Idols. Shane shares about his family, ministry, and the heart behind writing this timely study designed to help believers of all ages recognize and reject distorted versions of Jesus shaped by culture and personal preference.

From “Genie Jesus” to “Mascot Jesus” to “Distant Jesus,” Shane walks through a few of the eight counterfeit versions of Christ outlined in the study, revealing the subtle lies they present and the real danger they pose to our faith and families. The conversation also turns practical as Shane offers wisdom for parents on how to disciple their kids through these cultural distortions and anchor them in the truth of who Jesus really is. Plus, we get a glimpse into what family discipleship looks like in the Pruitt home.

If you’re a parent, leader, or anyone looking to strengthen your faith and help others do the same, this episode will challenge and encourage you to rediscover the real Jesus: holy, gracious, and powerfully personal.

Get the book here

About Shane

Shane Pruitt serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB). He and his wife, Kasi, reside in Texas, with their five children. He has been in ministry for over 20 years as a church planter, lead pastor, and student pastor. Shane is also a traveling communicator, evangelist, and Bible teacher. Every year, he speaks to over a hundred thousand people about the good news of Jesus Christ. He is the author of “Not My Jesus, “9 Common Lies Christians Believe: And Why God’s Truth Is Infinitely Better,” “Calling Out the Called: Discipling Those Called to Ministry Leadership,” and “Revival Generation: Awakening to a Movement of God.” He is also one of the hosts of “The Gensend Podcast.” Thanks for tuning in to discover simple ways to grow faith in the everyday!

About Empowered Homes

Empowered Homes exists to connect church and home by equipping parents, grandparents, and ministry leaders to live out gospel truths in the everyday rhythms of life. Through free, gospel-centered, and practical resources, along with in-person training, coaching, and equipping experiences, Empowered Homes helps families disciple the next generation with confidence and hope. Explore free resources, training opportunities, and more at empoweredhomes.org.

Empowered Homes Podcast
Show us some Love!
Do you appreciate The Empowered Homes Podcast? Like, subscribe, comment, share. Every bit of your engagement helps us be open-handed in sharing resources to grow strong families, leaders and ministries. Thanks for your help in Empowering Homes for the gospel!

FB : https://www.facebook.com/EmpoweredHomesResources
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredhomesresources/
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@empoweredhomes9809

Questions? Ideas for the Podcast?
Contact us at
podcast@empoweredhomes.org.
Bobby@empoweredhomes.org
Meghan@empoweredhomes.org

Find Free Resources empoweredhomes.org

In this episode of the Empowered Homes Podcast, Meghan welcomes Valerie Ellis, founder of Our Everyday Parables, children’s author, speaker, and nonprofit consultant. Valerie shares her passion for helping families connect with God in everyday moments, especially through the power of story.

From practical tips for parents during story time to insights behind her books Let’s Go! Bible Adventures and the upcoming Wild Faith Devotional for Kids, Valerie offers encouragement and ideas for nurturing faith in fun, meaningful ways. She also gives us a sneak peek into some of the wild animals featured in her new devotional and how they point kids to God.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or ministry leader, you’ll learn how to use books to spark spiritual conversations—even with reluctant readers.

Plus, don’t miss out on free activity guides, family library resources, and a chance to win Valerie’s books!

Resources & Links Free Guides & Book List:

https://valerieellis.com/books and https://oureverydayparables.com/books

Book Giveaways: For a chance to win Share the Joy or Let's Go Bible Adventures check out social media accounts.

FB : https://www.facebook.com/EmpoweredHomesResources

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

Connect with Valerie

Get Valerie's Newest Book

Thanks for tuning in to discover simple ways to grow faith in the everyday!

About Empowered Homes

Empowered Homes exists to connect church and home by equipping parents, grandparents, and ministry leaders to live out gospel truths in the everyday rhythms of life. Through free, gospel-centered, and practical resources, along with in-person training, coaching, and equipping experiences, Empowered Homes helps families disciple the next generation with confidence and hope. Explore free resources, training opportunities, and more at empoweredhomes.org.

Empowered Homes Podcast
Show us some Love!
Do you appreciate The Empowered Homes Podcast? Like, subscribe, comment, share. Every bit of your engagement helps us be open-handed in sharing resources to grow strong families, leaders and ministries. Thanks for your help in Empowering Homes for the gospel!

FB : https://www.facebook.com/EmpoweredHomesResources
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredhomesresources/
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@empoweredhomes9809

Questions? Ideas for the Podcast?
Contact us at
podcast@empoweredhomes.org.
Bobby@empoweredhomes.org
Meghan@empoweredhomes.org

Find Free Resources empoweredhomes.org