Christian Parent, Crazy World

Talking to Your Kids About Sex and Gender Feels Overwhelming? You’re Not Alone—But You’re the Parent God Chose for This Moment.
Every Christian parent knows “the talk” is coming—but what if it’s sooner (and more important) than you think? In today’s hyper-sexualized, ever-confusing culture, silence is not an option. Someone—or something—will shape your child’s understanding of sex and identity. The real question: Will it be you, or the world?
In this courageous episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine sits down with trusted guest Elizabeth Urbanowicz, founder and CEO of Foundation Worldview. A seasoned educator, experienced apologist, and creator of biblically sound resources for families, Elizabeth Urbanowicz knows firsthand how to translate tough, complex topics for young hearts and minds. Her latest book, Helping Your Kids Know God's Good Design: 40 Questions and Answers on Sexuality and Gender, equips parents to start the conversation confidently and biblically—no matter your background.
What You’ll Learn and Why It Matters:
Why Christian Parents Must Go First
Catherine and Elizabeth Urbanowicz make the case that if you’re not the “first voice” your kids hear about sex and gender, you risk becoming just another commentary in a noisy world. The “founder’s effect” means early, honest conversations establish you—not TikTok or the classroom—as the expert in your child’s life

Conversation Starters for Every Age
Nervous about what to say? Take a deep breath. From age-appropriate ways to explain anatomy (“God has given us special body parts to be treated with special care”, to using simple analogies (“Just like we keep some toys special, some parts of our body are to be kept private”), Elizabeth Urbanowicz outlines practical conversation guides for little ones. She provides step-by-step approaches to discussing biological differences, the mechanics of sex, and the beauty of God’s design—without shame or fear.

God’s Good Design: Framing Matters
Instead of starting with “don’t do it,” this episode teaches you to anchor the entire conversation in God’s goodness—how He created sexual intimacy as a precious gift for marriage, reflecting Christ’s relationship with the Church, and as foundational, not shameful, to human identity.

Addressing Parental Wounds and Fears
What if your own story is marked by pain, brokenness, or unmet expectations? Elizabeth Urbanowicz offers heartfelt encouragement for parents who feel disqualified by divorce, loss, abuse, or regrets: “God is working all things together for your good by conforming you more into the image of His Son”. The goal is not a perfect family portrait—it’s pointing your kids to Jesus, no matter the journey.

You Will Not Steal Their Innocence—You Will Protect It
Afraid early conversations will “ruin” your child’s innocence? Elizabeth Urbanowicz gently challenges that notion: real harm comes not from truth, but from leaving kids uninformed and unprepared in a fallen world.

Notable Moments & Quotes:
“Whoever is the first person to talk about a topic naturally becomes the expert in our minds.”

“Sexuality is not something to be embarrassed or ashamed of. It’s a gift God has given to be used within its proper context.”

“Our feelings do not determine what is right or wrong. God’s good design does. And it is for our good.”

About the Guest:
Elizabeth Urbanowicz holds a master’s degree in Education from Northern Illinois University and an MA in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. She’s a former elementary school teacher and now a foremost voice in equipping families, churches, and educators to help kids think biblically and critically. As founder of Foundation Worldview, her resources are used and loved in homes and ministries nationwide.
RESOURCES REFERENCED:
Helping Your Kids Know God’s Good Design: 40 Questions and Answers on Sexuality and Gender (book by Elizabeth Urbanowicz)

Foundation Worldview (foundationworldview.com)

Recommended children’s books: God Made Your Body and How God Made Babies by Jim Burns

Catherine’s free resources, podcasts, and articles for Christian parents available at catherinesegars.com

Contact Catherine: catherine@catherinesegars.com

Why Christian Parents Can’t Sit This One Out:
If you feel afraid, overwhelmed, or like you’re starting late, take heart: God is sovereign, even over our mistakes. Begin where you are, trust God’s leading, and choose to be the voice your child needs.
Discussion Starter for Listeners:
How will you intentionally become the “first voice” for your children on sex, identity, and God’s good design—even if it means facing your own discomfort or starting late? What step will you take this week to begin the conversation?
Tune in and be equipped—because Christian parenting may be crazy, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Wholesome entertainment that deals authentically with real life and honors God can feel almost impossible to find. Where can Christian parents turn for stories that inspire, edify, and wrestle with tough issues—without sacrificing biblical truth?
Catherine welcomes acclaimed author Felicia Ferguson, whose award-winning women’s fiction is making waves for all the right reasons. Felicia, who holds master’s degrees in health care administration and speech language pathology, writes novels featuring strong female characters who face trauma, tragedy, and real-world dilemmas—always anchored by Christian faith and ethical choices.
Together, they discuss how fiction can model kingdom impact, spark empathy, and equip Christians of all ages to handle adversity with faith. Felicia Ferguson reveals the inspiration behind her latest works, including "When Secrets Come Calling" and "The Choices She Made." She shares how her own professional and personal experiences—like navigating the loss of a parent or working with dementia patients—inspire her realistic, hope-filled storylines.
Key Insights & HighlightsWrestling with Trauma through Faith
Felicia's characters don’t avoid pain or gloss over difficult situations—like sexual assault, family secrets, or dementia. Instead, they walk through the challenges, lean into God, and make decisions rooted in biblical principles.
The Power of Redemptive Fiction
As Catherine notes, many Christian entertainment options simply sanitize secular stories without offering real answers or hope. In contrast, Felicia Ferguson’s novels show what it looks like to grieve, heal, and find identity in Christ—even if life doesn’t tie up with a pretty bow.
Identity Beyond Circumstance
A recurring theme in the conversation is pursuing an identity rooted not in career, family roles, or past mistakes—but in being a beloved child of God. In Felicia’s words: "Who I am intrinsically is who God created me to be."
Stories That Heal and Equip
Whether it’s helping readers process trauma or showing how to biblically navigate hard conversations, Felicia Ferguson’s ultimate goal is kingdom impact: “I want my characters to have that same experience because...I don’t see that enough in the Christian market.”
Real-Life Application
Catherine and Felicia discuss how stories—whether on the page or in real life—can prepare us as parents to face giants, support our kids through hardships, and remind us that healing and hope are possible through Christ.
Guest Bio
Felicia Ferguson is an award-winning author with master’s degrees in Health Care Administration and Speech Language Pathology. After a decade in the Florida Panhandle and a career as a speech therapist, Felicia now writes full-time from Colorado. Her passion is crafting women’s fiction featuring strong female leads who confront trauma and tragedy using biblical principles. Felicia’s uniquely encouraging perspective blends professional expertise with a heartfelt desire for kingdom impact, both in fiction and in life.
Episode Resources
Felicia’s Website & Book Links

"When Secrets Come Calling"

"The Choices She Made"

Catherine Segars Resources

Do you and your children have wholesome models for processing trauma, wrestling with identity, and making faith-based decisions? In a culture that defines us by achievements, roles, or wounds, how can you point your family toward finding identity and hope in Christ?
Tune in for encouragement, inspiration, and summer reading that truly makes a difference!
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you laying the right foundation for your child’s mental health? The answer may be more crucial—and more surprising—than you think.
On this episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine sits down with Dr. Bill Senyard, an accomplished author, veteran pastor, and the creator of the acclaimed "Good Enough Parent" curriculum, for a candid, practical, and hope-filled conversation about strengthening our kids' mental health from the inside out.
We live in an age where children are struggling with anxiety, depression, and disconnection more intensely than ever before. As Catherine points out, the mental health crisis is at critical mass—and Christian parents cannot afford to ignore the warning signs.
Connectedness & Enoughness: The Two Pillars of Mental Health
Drawing from the latest neuroscience and attachment theory, Dr. Bill Senyard breaks down the core needs all children have for mental health:
Connectedness: “Does someone really have my back?”

Enoughness: “Am I lovable as I am?”

He unpacks how a child’s sense of security is built or broken—not through logic, lectures, or even discipline alone—but through a parent’s ability to attune to their child’s emotions:
“The process of a parent feeling the child's feeling, absorbing those feelings, and reflecting them back... so the baby knows they've been seen, heard, and understood.”
Attachment Styles: Which One Describes Your Child ... Or You?
Dr. Bill Senyard and Catherine discuss the four primary attachment styles that shape every child’s approach to life and relationships:
Secure: Resilient, optimistic, comfortable in their own skin

Avoidant: Self-reliant but disconnected, often lonely

Anxious: Hungry for attention and affirmation, high-maintenance, struggles to self-soothe

Fearful: Marked by deep wounds, vacillating between withdrawal and outbursts—often in need of professional help

Listeners will learn practical ways to spot these styles in their children (and themselves) and discover how to attune to each type’s specific needs—whether it’s giving space to the avoidant child or consistently pouring words of enoughness into the anxious.
Takeaways for Christian Parents
Attunement—not arguments or advice—lays the foundation for your child’s mental health.

Repairing the inevitable relational breaks starts with genuine humility: “I'm sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me.”

Our ability to connect with our kids flows from how deeply we experience God’s love and grace ourselves.

There is hope and healing available—even for “epic fail” parents and broken kids.

About Dr. Bill Senyard
Host of the "Gospel Rant" podcast and seasoned pastor, Dr. Senyard brings decades of experience in ministry, family life, and counseling. His "Good Enough Parent" program is packed with free, actionable tools rooted in gospel grace, neuroscience, and practical wisdom.
Call to Action
What is your child’s attachment style? Where has connectedness or enoughness broken down—and what small step can you take this week to rebuild the bridge? Visit goodenoughparent.online for free resources, and consider how God’s irrational love for you could transform the way you parent.
Have you experienced the power of humble apology and attunement in your family? Share your story and join the conversation with other Christian parents committed to raising mentally healthy kids in a crazy world!
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mental health challenges among our kids are at an all-time high—and as parents, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in this timely and enlightening episode, Catherine goes straight to the heart of the matter: What are the greatest mental health needs of our children, and what can we actually do about them as Christian parents?
Catherine is joined by Dr. Bill Senyard, an experienced pastor, ministry founder, podcast host, and author of over a dozen books on critical topics like forgiveness and God’s love for the unlovable. Drawing from both neuroscience and biblical wisdom, Dr. Bill Senyard highlights two foundational needs every child (and parent!) has: connectedness and enoughness.
Episode Highlights
Crisis by the Numbers: Suicide and sadness are rising. Social media and shame are fueling a loneliness epidemic.

Attachment Theory & The Gospel: Dr. Bill Senyard shows how both science and Scripture agree: Every child needs unconditional connectedness and the certainty that they are enough, no matter what.

Shame vs. Security: Learn why so many kids (and adults) secretly believe God or their parents are disappointed in them—and how that undermines their mental health and relationship with God.

Attunement in Action: Discover the “drip, drip, drip” strategy—intentional, random affirmation and connection in at least one in three interactions, proven to nurture healthy brains and souls.

A Second Chance in Adolescence: Missed opportunities can be repaired! Dr. Bill Senyard explains how parents can restore connection and belonging, even after difficult seasons.

A Father’s Example: Hear the moving letter Dr. Bill Senyard wrote to his son, modeling how to declare unshakeable love and acceptance, even amid clashes and failures.

“Every child needs at least one adult who is irrationally crazy about him or her.”
— Yuri Bronfenbrenner, as quoted by Dr. Bill Senyard
Guest Bio: Dr. Bill Senyard
Dr. Bill Senyard is a pastor, ministry leader, host of the Gospel Rant podcast, and prolific author on topics like biblical parenting, forgiveness, and God’s love. He holds advanced degrees in theology and brings decades of experience as a spiritual guide, management consultant, and innovator. His work focuses on merging cutting-edge neuroscience—especially attachment theory—with practical, biblical truth that transforms families.
Episode Resources
Catherine’s Free Resources & Newsletter

Good Enough Parent program & Gospel Rant Podcast by Dr. Bill Senyard

Call to Action
Are you helping your child feel deeply connected and truly enough in your eyes—and God’s? This week, make a conscious effort in at least one out of every three interactions to affirm your child’s value and your unwavering love, especially during tough moments. Watch how it strengthens both their mental health and your bond!

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if your family could experience faith that stretches far beyond your front door—all while riding to soccer practice or gathered around the dinner table?
This week on Christian Parent/Crazy World, Catherine invites listeners into a heart-expanding conversation designed to inspire parents and kids alike to join God's great story—as it unfolds across the globe. The mission: to help families connect with the courage, compassion, and steadfast faith of believers worldwide, and to see how their own lives can make a difference right where they are.
Through captivating real-life stories—ranging from kitchens in Kenya to war-torn Ukraine—Catherine and guest Kristy Graham reveal practical ways every family can nurture a global perspective, build spiritual resilience, and become world-changers for Christ.
Meet the Guest
Kristy Graham is the host of On the Ground, a podcast from Samaritan’s Purse that takes listeners straight to the heart of God’s work in the world. A mother of four navigating life at the crossroads of parenting and international ministry, Kristy weaves together firsthand reports from refugee camps, surgery wards, and disaster response teams, making global transformation tangible for every family. With years of service alongside her husband Edward Graham (of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse), she stands as an authentic voice encouraging parents to raise kids with wide-open eyes, anchored in a big, bold faith.
In This Episode
Why stories of sacrifice and courage from places like Sudan, Kenya, and Ukraine can anchor your family’s faith—and how to bring those stories into everyday life

The Amani Ya Juu Project: How women escaping tragedy sew brokenness into celebration and “peace from above”—and how their journey can encourage both parents and kids

Children’s Heart Project: The ripple-effect of transforming lives—how a single surgery can change an entire community

An Unforgettable Testimony: A missionary pilot held hostage whose story of compassion and hope will keep your whole family riveted

Practical ways to model compassion, perspective, and obedience—whether you’re a nurse, a catering manager, or teaching kindness at your kitchen sink

Why every family can be part of the Great Commission—right from home

Notable Quote:
“Even if we aren’t getting what we want, we’re getting what we need. The Lord is with us. His presence is…enough.” — Kristy Graham
Episode Resources:
The Children's Heart Project
Amani Ya Juu (website & online store)
On the Ground with Samaritan's Purse Episodes mentioned:
Brokenness, Transformation, and Celebration: Amani Ja Juu

Plane Hijacked in Africa: The Pilot's Story Part 1

Plane Hijacked in Farica: The Pilot's Story Part 2
Ukrainian Pastor Shares from the Front Lines

Suffering for Christ's Sake (Rebuilding 500 Churches in Sudan)
The Great Commission is for Everyone — On the Ground Podcast

Takeaway for Christian Parents
Let these stories spark new conversations in your home—about gratitude, compassion, and what it truly means to follow Jesus wherever He leads.

How could your family join God’s global story—starting right where you are today?
Listen now and discover the adventures, faith, and joy God wants to unleash in your family—no passport required.
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.