In this episode, Jason and Ruth Hensley discuss the importance of purposeful parenting to instill meaningful direction in children. Sharing their experiences and challenges in raising four children, they emphasize the need for individualized strategies tailored to each child's unique personality and learning style. The Hensleys highlight the significance of community and mentorship, and the importance of discussing parenting principles with others. They stress teaching children to serve others as part of God's plan and value the role of boredom in fostering imagination and creativity. Their daily routines include one-on-one time with each child and meaningful conversations during meals. They also emphasize instilling a connection to Israel and the Jewish people in their children. The conversation concludes with a reminder to extend grace to oneself and others throughout the parenting journey.

1. Shaping Spiritual Stones for God’s House: Ruth and Jason Hensley on Building Identity and Purpose in Our Kids

In this episode, hosts Leslie and Lisa engage in a candid conversation with Josiah and Jenny Hewitson, parents of four children aged 15, 13, 11, and 4, about the challenges of parenting in the digital age. The Hewitsons express their concerns about technology and child safety, particularly regarding cell phone usage.They share their approach to introducing cell phones to their children and discuss the tools and strategies they employ for parental control and monitoring of app usage. Leslie explores the delicate balance between monitoring and trusting one's child, while Lisa asks about teaching responsible cell phone use and establishing boundaries. Privacy concerns surrounding children's online activities are also addressed, highlighting the importance of safeguarding their digital footprint. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice from the Hewitsons' experiences, as they navigate the complexities of raising children in an increasingly connected world.

2. Josiah and Jenny Hewitson on Cell Phones and Kids

In this episode Leslie and Lisa talk with John Perks about the complexities of social media and its effects on children and families. From his perspective of teaching media literacy in schools over the past 24 years, John describes the evolution of social platforms and its addictive nature. Leslie and Lisa reference the US Surgeon General's Report findings. They explore the pervasive presence of smartphones among teens, the importance of educating children about online dangers, and the necessity of setting boundaries and establishing screen-free rituals at home. John underscores the importance of nurturing spiritual resilience and mindful discernment in teens for navigating the digital age. The episode ends with a conversation about the challenges of balancing the benefits and risks of technology while prioritizing spiritual growth in daily life.

3. Lest They Drift Away: A Discussion about Children and Social Media with John Perks

In this episode, Leslie and Lisa discuss The Tidings Magazine's initiative "EcclesiaSafe" with Eric Sternad. Eric emphasizes the program's mission: cultivating safe and healthy ecclesias by providing resources to educate and encourage best practices to intervene and prevent abuse effectively. Drawing on his counseling experience he highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing child abuse. Lisa asks Eric about the scope and the effects of child abuse. Eric talks about "power differentials" . Next they discuss some scriptural imperatives to provide care for the vulnerable. Finally Eric describes some proactive measures that can be taken to ensure safety and wellbeing for all ecclesial members. Listeners are encouraged to check out the wide assortment of tutorials, videos, educational websites, policies and resources available at tidings.ecclesiasafe.org.

4. Because the Days are Evil: Erik Sternad on Preventing Child Sexual Abuse in the Ecclesia

In this episode, Leslie and Lisa discuss the topics of online grooming, sexual extortion, and sexting. They emphasize the importance of addressing these issues to protect children and prevent harm. Sexting, the act of sending sexualized images, has become increasingly common among young people and is associated with various negative consequences. The dissemination of sexting material on mainstream pornography platforms and the dark web poses significant risks. Leslie and Lisa explore the issue of online predators. Lisa emphasizes the importance of mitigating risks by delaying access to devices, having open conversations, and implementing rules and parental controls. Building trust and creating a safe environment for children is crucial in preventing exploitation. The conversation turns to the permanence of digital content and the traumatic consequences it can have on individuals. Lisa and Leslie consider the impediment to faith caused by sexual abuse and the need for community efforts to prevent such abuse. They conclude the episode by discussing the dangers of AI manipulated images and the need for vigilance in protecting personal information. 

5. Wise as Serpents, Innocent as Doves: Leslie and Lisa on Sexual Extortion, Sexting, Online Grooming

In this episode, Leslie and Lisa discuss gaming addiction with Jordan Anderson. They explore why gaming is compelling, such as providing escapism and allowing the creation of new identities. The conversation addresses toxic behavior and bullying in online communities and the impact of gaming on mental health and development. Jordan shares his personal experience with gaming addiction, emphasizing the importance of developing other skills and finding purpose. They discuss the desensitization to violence and detachment from reality due to gaming, particularly concerning the community regarding conscientious objection and the implications for young people in a draft. The episode stresses the importance of self-reflection, seeking help, and choosing appropriate games for children. It highlights the need for parental involvement and awareness of online dangers. The discussion concludes by reflecting on the importance of love and support for those struggling with addiction.

6. Eternity Verses Gaming: Jordan Anderson on Gaming Addiction

In this episode, Leslie and Lisa interview Matt Drabenstott about suicide and how to help someone struggling with suicidal thoughts. Matt shares his personal and professional experiences with suicide, including his own loss and his research on youth suicide prevention. They discuss the alarming rise of suicide rates, particularly among young people, and the factors that contribute to it. Matt explains the importance of belongingness and feeling like a burden in understanding suicidal thoughts. They also explore the role of the community in providing support and the significance of open and caring conversations about mental health. They discuss how to support someone who has lost a loved one to suicide, the impact of social media on youth mental health, and how to comfort children who are struggling with a parent figure or older person threatening suicide. Matt emphasizes the importance of being alongside those who are hurting, offering support and resources, and intervening if necessary. He also highlights the complexities of social media, acknowledging both its positive and negative effects. The conversation ends with a prayerful plea for those struggling to stay and a reminder of their worth. 

7. Please Stay: A Discussion on Suicide with Matt Drabenstott

In this episode, hosts Leslie and Lisa chat with Beth Lansing about the profound impact of community on family and children. Beth, a mother of four and grandmother to 14, describes her extensive background in teaching at-risk students. She emphasizes the critical need for community support in challenging circumstances. Leslie, Lisa and Beth touch on themes of love, service and the broader family that extends beyond biological ties. Beth offers valuable insights and practical suggestions for building a resilient and connected community for children's well-being and identity formation. 

8. Commitment to Community & Connection: A Discussion with Beth Lansing

Welcome to the Strong Tower podcast! Leslie and Lisa, with diverse backgrounds, unite in this first season of Strong Tower to address contemporary challenges confronting youth. Leslie's upbringing in a Christadelphian family and Lisa's journey to baptism in 2018 from a mainstream Christian background shape their perspectives. With Lisa’s experience in the field of sexual abuse and exploitation prevention, Leslie explains their collaboration on a webinar series featuring expert Chris McKenna of “Protect Young Minds,” among others, which led to the creation of the Strong Tower podcast. They discuss plans to interview brothers and sisters with expertise in mental health, addiction, parenting, and child welfare. Finally, celebrating God's presence in life's challenges, Leslie and Lisa invite listeners to join them in engaging conversations at Strong Tower where faith intersects with real-world issues.Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

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