Episodes

  • Ep. 225 — Raising Christ-Following Truth-Tellers: Equipping Girls to Stand Firm with Compassion During Pride Month

    Ep. 225 — Raising Christ-Following Truth-Tellers: Equipping Girls to Stand Firm with Compassion During Pride Month
    Jun 5 2025
    In a world that equates disagreement with hate and silence with complicity, how can we help our daughters respond with both courage and compassion? During Pride Month, our girls are bombarded with bold, affirming messages about identity, love, and truth—many of which conflict with a Biblical Worldview. In this important episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Melissa guide moms through a Gospel-centered approach to helping girls navigate the cultural noise and stand firm in truth, without compromising love. The conversation explores how Jesus modeled both radical love and unshakable truth. He didn’t ignore sin, but neither did He alienate sinners—He welcomed, embraced, and transformed. That’s the same kind of posture we want to equip our girls with: one that listens before speaking, responds with grace, and stands firm in God’s Word. You’ll hear practical guidance for how to initiate meaningful conversations, ask thoughtful questions, and lay a foundation for Biblical identity and understanding in girls of all ages. Featuring a heartfelt Raising Godly Girls Minute from AHG Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, this episode offers wisdom for those gut-punch parenting moments—like when a daughter expresses confusion about her sexuality or hears something challenging at school. Rather than reacting with fear, we’re called to respond with faith, wrapped in compassion and anchored in truth. Whether your daughter is watching YouTube shorts filled with Pride content, engaging in classroom discussions, or hearing cultural messages about “loving without limits,” this episode will equip you to walk with her in both tenderness and truth. Learn how to teach your girl that kindness is not the same as agreement, that truth is rooted in Scripture—not feelings—and that she doesn’t have to have all the answers to be a faithful witness. Raising Godly girls isn’t about winning culture wars. It’s about preparing hearts to follow Jesus with clarity, courage, and compassion. And as Rachael and Melissa remind us—these conversations aren’t one-and-done, but ongoing opportunities to disciple our daughters with grace and wisdom. Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com
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    22 mins
  • Ep. 224 — Truth in Love: What it Means to Love Without Compromising God’s Word

    Ep. 224 — Truth in Love: What it Means to Love Without Compromising God’s Word
    Jun 3 2025
    In a world where “love” is often redefined by culture, how can Christian parents teach their daughters to love others while remaining anchored to God’s unchanging truth? This week on the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Melissa tackle one of the most pressing and sensitive conversations facing families today—how to love without compromise during LGBTQ Pride Month and beyond. Our girls are growing up in an age of loud messages about identity, sexuality, and affirmation—many of which directly contradict the Biblical Worldview. Whether they hear it in school, see it on social media, or experience it within their own friend groups, they’re being asked to choose between “truth” and “love”. But what if they don’t have to? What if, instead, we taught them how to walk in both—just like Jesus did? This episode features insights from AHG Founder and Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, who reminds us that Jesus never separated love from truth. With a Biblical lens from Matthew 5:17 and John 1:14, Rachael and Melissa reflect on the importance of helping our daughters see people first, speak the truth boldly, and love others deeply without affirming sin. They also share personal stories—from late-night questions to identity confusion in the tween years—and offer encouragement for parents navigating similar seasons. You’ll walk away with practical tools to help your girl understand that true love is not silent in the face of sin, nor is it unkind in the name of righteousness. Instead, Biblical love rejoices in the truth and points others to the hope and freedom found in Christ. Whether you're having a conversation around the dinner table or sitting fireside at AHG camp, this episode will equip you to disciple your daughter with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Subscribe now and join the Raising Godly Girls community as we raise daughters who reflect Christ’s love—full of grace and truth. Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com
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    23 mins
  • Ep. 223 — How to Support Your Daughter Through Suicide, Self-Harm, and Mental Health Struggles with Dr. Jessica Peck (Dr. Nurse Mama)

    Ep. 223 — How to Support Your Daughter Through Suicide, Self-Harm, and Mental Health Struggles with Dr. Jessica Peck (Dr. Nurse Mama)
    May 31 2025
    On this special Saturday episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, AHG’s Incoming Executive Director Rachael Culpepper welcomes Dr. Jessica Peck—pediatric nurse practitioner, mom of four, and author of Behind Closed Doors. Known to many as Dr. Nurse Mama, Jessica brings a wealth of experience to the conversation as she shares insight into the mental health crisis affecting today’s girls and what parents can do to support their daughters with Biblical wisdom and practical care. In a culture where anxiety, self-harm, and depression have become far too common, Dr. Peck provides compassionate advice for recognizing warning signs, building trust, and creating safe spaces for difficult conversations. You’ll also hear encouragement for weary moms who may feel overwhelmed, with reminders that God equips and sustains those called to shepherd young hearts through life’s valleys. If you’ve been following this week’s series on mental health and self-harm, this conversation beautifully ties it all together—offering hope, healing, and a call to action for families to walk in truth and grace. For more Christ-centered parenting resources: ➡ Find an American Heritage Girls Troop at americanheritagegirls.org ➡ Download free guides and tools at raisinggodlygirls.com
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    27 mins
  • Ep. 222 — Helping a Family Navigate Self-Harm

    Ep. 222 — Helping a Family Navigate Self-Harm
    May 29 2025
    What do you do when your daughter—or her friend—begins hurting herself to manage emotional pain? What if the scars you see are only the surface of a much deeper spiritual and mental battle? In today’s honest and hope-filled episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Melissa and Natalie open the door to a conversation that’s often kept behind closed doors: adolescent self-harm. As culture and spiritual darkness continue to target the hearts and minds of young girls, we’re leaning in with truth, grace, and practical support for families navigating this heartbreaking reality. Self-harm is a behavior that has tragically become more prevalent among young girls. While many parents feel unsure of how to respond, today’s episode provides biblical wisdom, tangible signs to watch for, and the spiritual insight to approach this issue with both compassion and clarity. You’ll learn about the neurological patterns behind self-inflicted pain, how rumination and secrecy keep girls trapped, and why reaching out for professional help is essential. Most importantly, we’ll remind you that healing is possible—through Christ, through community, and through courageous parenting. You’ll also hear from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director, Patti Garibay, in a special Raising Godly Girls Minute. She helps parents identify the warning signs of self-mutilation and shares God’s heart for restoration. In addition, Melissa and Natalie walk through practical ways to love and guide a girl caught in cycles of emotional distress. Together, they challenge the stigma and encourage listeners to remember this: self-harm is not just a physical issue—it’s a spiritual battle that requires intercession, professional guidance, and a whole lot of God’s grace. This episode is for the mom who is afraid to ask the hard question. It’s for the dad who’s noticed something’s off but doesn’t know what to say. And it’s for the caregiver who longs to see the light return to her girl’s eyes. You’re not alone. You’re not too late. And there is hope. AHG is here to help. We point families toward trusted resources like the Focus on the Family Christian Counselor Network and remind listeners about our Raising Godly Girls free digital guide on Fear & Anxiety. Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com
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    22 mins
  • Ep. 221 — Recognizing Girls’ Mental Health Signals

    Ep. 221 — Recognizing Girls’ Mental Health Signals
    May 27 2025
    In today’s culture of distraction, digital overload, and constant busyness, it’s easy to miss the warning signs that a girl’s mental health may be suffering. This week on the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Melissa and Natalie take a thoughtful, faith-filled look at the subtle—and not-so-subtle—signals girls send when they’re hurting mentally and emotionally. With grace, honesty, and Scripture-based encouragement, this episode equips parents to tune in to their daughter’s deeper needs, even when everything on the surface looks “fine.” From changes in sleep or social habits to sudden shifts in mood or isolation, the signs can be easy to miss—but this episode helps shine a light. Melissa and Natalie also speak candidly about how Christian parents can respond in love, not with fear or silence, but with presence, gentleness, and the pursuit modeled by Christ Himself. You’ll also hear from AHG Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay in a special Raising Godly Girls Minute, addressing the heart behind a girl’s angry outburst—and how it might just be a hidden plea for someone to care. Plus, practical tools to evaluate family dynamics, tech habits, and personal wellness markers in your home. This is a sacred conversation for any mom raising a girl in today’s world. Most importantly, it’s filled with Biblical truth and hope—reminding listeners that God is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and His Spirit empowers us to overflow with peace and joy (Romans 15:13). If you're navigating concerns about your daughter’s emotional or mental well-being, or just want to be better prepared to support her as she grows, don’t miss this vital episode. Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com
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    32 mins
  • Ep. 220 — Raising Daughters to Put Christ First in a “Me First” World with Larry Stephens

    Ep. 220 — Raising Daughters to Put Christ First in a “Me First” World with Larry Stephens
    May 24 2025
    In a culture saturated with self-promotion, curated perfection, and constant affirmation-seeking, today’s girls are told to chase confidence, success, and identity through worldly means. But what happens when those shifting standards leave them feeling empty, rather than empowered? On this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, special weekend host Rachael Culpepper sits down with Larry Stephens of I Am Second to explore how fathers can help their daughters reject the “me first” messages of culture and embrace a Christ-centered identity that endures. Larry brings a wealth of experience from his work in media, sports, and entertainment—industries that deeply shape how girls view themselves. From his global outreach with the Jesus Animation Film Project to his innovative ministry in college gaming spaces, Larry offers a unique perspective on what it takes to connect with the next generation in meaningful, transformative ways. In this heartfelt conversation, he shares how dads can be the steady, truth-speaking voices their daughters desperately need. Whether your daughter is struggling with self-worth, identity, or the social media pressure to be “enough,” this episode is packed with practical encouragement. Larry and Rachael dive into real-world strategies for discipleship within the home, how to speak life over your daughter, and what it means to truly put Christ first as a family. Fathers may feel unequipped or like they've missed the moment—but Larry reminds us it’s never too late to begin the work of intentional, faith-driven parenting. Don't miss this inspiring and convicting conversation that speaks to the heart of every parent raising girls in today’s challenging world. Subscribe to the Raising Godly Girls Podcast and share this episode with the dads and mentors in your life who are called to lead the next generation to live second—because Christ must always come first. Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com
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    21 mins
  • Ep. 219 — Raising a Christ-First Girl

    Ep. 219 — Raising a Christ-First Girl
    May 22 2025
    What does it mean for your daughter to live a Christ-first life in a world that constantly tells her to put herself first? In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Natalie unpack the Biblical and cultural tension of raising a girl who understands that life isn’t all about her—and that’s a good thing. Through honest reflection, cultural insight, and personal stories, this episode challenges the prevailing narrative of self-promotion, entitlement, and individualism. Instead, listeners are guided toward a vision of identity rooted in humility, self-sacrifice, and joyful obedience to Christ. Hear how John the Baptist’s bold declaration, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30), becomes a powerful framework for girls to understand true success—not by chasing fame or self-defined dreams, but by aligning their hearts with God’s Kingdom purposes. You’ll also hear a Raising Godly Girls Minute from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director, Patti Garibay, on selfish ambition and how parents can lovingly guide their daughters from a self-focused drive to a Spirit-led purpose. Rachael and Natalie reflect on the hard truths and beautiful blessings that come when girls learn to let go of personal expectations and trust God’s greater plan—even when it means giving up something they love. This episode offers practical encouragement on how to teach your girl to live a Christ-first life, including opportunities to give her time and resources in meaningful service. You'll be inspired by stories of real girls in American Heritage Girls Troops who are choosing to reflect Christ through service—from knitting hats for cancer patients to volunteering at Operation Christmas Child centers. These acts of faith in motion are beautiful snapshots of a generation learning to live less for themselves and more for Jesus. Whether your daughter is learning the meaning of humility for the first time or wrestling with unanswered prayers and unmet expectations, this episode offers grace-filled truth to help her walk the road of Christ-first identity. Subscribe and listen as we equip you to have heart-shaping conversations that point your daughter to the One who defines her worth. Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com
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    20 mins
  • Ep. 218 — Forming a Girl’s Identity as Part of a Family

    Ep. 218 — Forming a Girl’s Identity as Part of a Family
    May 20 2025
    In today’s culture, identity can feel fluid, fragmented, and often far removed from God’s design. But what if one of the most powerful tools for shaping a girl’s identity is already right in front of her—her family? In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael and Natalie dive deep into the beauty and complexity of family life and how God uses it to build a girl’s understanding of who she is. From funny ancestor stories to meaningful family rhythms, Rachael and Natalie invite moms to consider how both heritage and present-day family dynamics can uniquely shape a girl’s sense of belonging, purpose, and place in the world. With insight drawn from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay’s Raising Godly Girls Minute, listeners are reminded that just as Jesus’s lineage is listed with care and purpose in Matthew 1, our own family histories matter—and can become a sacred backdrop for spiritual growth and identity formation. Whether your daughter is thriving in a close-knit home or navigating more complicated family realities, this episode is full of encouragement that God doesn’t waste any part of her story. Every family, no matter how messy or marvelous, is part of God’s bigger plan for shaping the heart and future of a girl. Rachael and Natalie share personal stories from “Cousin Camps,” family chore charts, and messy kitchen memories that highlight the role of everyday moments in building spiritual and emotional resilience. You’ll also hear ideas for connecting your daughter’s “I am” statements not only to her identity in Christ, but also to her unique role within her family. Phrases like “I am loved by THIS family” and “I am called to care for the people God gave me” are powerful reminders that her home can be a holy ground for learning responsibility, empathy, and grace. The hosts also highlight how the American Heritage Girls Program supports this kind of identity building with purposeful badge programs such as the Ancestor Detector Badge, Identity Badge, and Family Helper Badge. Whether you’re an AHG mom or simply longing to see your daughter flourish within her God-given family unit, this episode will leave you inspired to pause, pray, and intentionally shape how she sees herself in light of her spiritual and familial heritage. Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com
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    28 mins