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The holidays are supposed to be joyful. But what happens when life doesn’t look anything like you thought it would? Maybe someone is missing from the table. Your family has changed. A relationship is strained. You’re facing financial stress, a diagnosis, disappointment, or simply a season you never expected. Sometimes the hardest part isn’t only what has changed. It’s the gap between the holiday we pictured and the one we’re actually living.  In this episode of the Care to Change Podcast, Mac Zambrano talks with April Bordeau about finding hope when the holidays don’t feel merry. April shares from her own experience with loss and explores how we can acknowledge what hurts without allowing disappointment to become the whole story. Because hope doesn’t require pretending everything is okay. Sometimes hope begins when we stop fighting what has changed and begin noticing what is still available to us.  In This Episode, We Discuss: The gap between the holiday we expected and the one we’re actually experiencingWhy we can grieve people, relationships, traditions, expectations, and even things that never happenedHow comparing this year to previous holidays can increase our sufferingThe difference between acceptance and approval, and why accepting reality doesn’t mean liking itGiving yourself permission to change traditions when they no longer fitHow “if only” thinking can convince us that peace is somewhere other than the presentWhat may still be available to you, even when circumstances haven’t changedWhy hope is not the same as getting the outcome we wantHow faith can make room for unanswered questions, disappointment, and griefApril also offers a practical question for navigating a changed holiday: “Given what is true, how do I want to move through this season?” Maybe that means changing where you gather, ordering dinner instead of cooking, declining an invitation, inviting someone new, traveling somewhere different, or allowing your children to help create a new tradition. Changing a tradition doesn’t erase what it meant. Sometimes it simply makes room for what comes next.  And when your mind starts saying, If only things were different, then I could be okay, consider another question: What is still available to me right now? Connection? Rest? Beauty? Worship? Laughter? Generosity? A meaningful conversation? Not everything you want may be available, but something still is.  Resources Mentioned April recommends previous Care to Change podcast episodes on grief, along with Why? by Anne Graham Lotz and Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb as resources that have been meaningful in her own seasons of unanswered questions and loss.  If this season feels heavier than something you can simply work through with the support of friends and family, consider reaching out to a counselor with experience and training in grief and loss. Healing sometimes requires more than simply learning how to cope.  You may not get the holiday you imagined. But you can still experience connection, create meaning, notice beauty, receive love, give love, and find hope.

What happens when you've reached the point of burnout, taken time to recover, and returned to the same life that exhausted you in the first place? For many leaders, pastors, caregivers, and helping professionals, burnout isn't simply about working too much. It's about the expectations we carry, the patterns we've developed, and the pressure we place on ourselves to keep going, even when we're running on empty. In this episode of the Care to Change Podcast, therapist and Managing Director April Bordeau welcomes pastor Brandon Shields to discuss his personal journey through burnout after more than 25 years in ministry. Brandon shares how chronic anxiety, leadership pressures, criticism, and the demands of church planting eventually left him physically exhausted, emotionally depleted, and spiritually weary. Together, April and Brandon explore why rest alone isn't always enough to recover from burnout, how our internal beliefs and relational patterns contribute to chronic exhaustion, and what it looks like to rebuild a life that supports lasting emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Through honest conversation and practical wisdom, they discuss the importance of community, healthy boundaries, Sabbath, and creating sustainable rhythms of care. In This Episode, You'll Hear About: Why burnout is more than physical exhaustion and how to recognize emotional and spiritual wearinessThree common signs of burnout: exhaustion, cynicism, and a growing sense of ineffectivenessHow childhood experiences, internal expectations, and negative thought patterns can contribute to recurring burnoutWhy pastors, leaders, and helping professionals can struggle to acknowledge their own limitationsThe importance of vulnerability, meaningful relationships, and asking for supportWhy recovering from burnout often requires changing the structure of your life, not simply taking a vacationPractical rhythms of care, including silence, solitude, prayer, physical health, and communityHow Sabbath can become an opportunity for rest, delight, and trust rather than another religious obligationLearning to separate your identity and worth from your productivity and performanceSmall changes you can begin making today to build a healthier, more sustainable lifeKey Takeaway You cannot build a sustainable life on the same patterns that led you to burnout. Recovery requires more than stepping away from responsibilities temporarily. It means examining the beliefs, expectations, relationships, and habits that shape your everyday life and intentionally creating room for restoration. You don't have to wait until you're completely exhausted to begin making changes. Resources Mentioned The End of Burnout by Jonathan MalesicThe Way of the Heart by Henri NouwenThe practice of Sabbath, silence, solitude, and developing a personal rule of lifeSpiritual direction, counseling, and supportive communityNeed Support? If you're recognizing patterns of burnout, struggling with chronic exhaustion, or finding it difficult to create healthy rhythms in your life, you don't have to navigate the process alone. At Care to Change, our therapists help individuals identify the patterns contributing to emotional exhaustion, work through underlying concerns, and develop practical strategies for lasting change. Visit www.caretochange.org or call 317-790-9396 to connect with our team. About Brandon:  Brandon Shields serves as the Director of Church Formation for Practicing the Way, a ministry that helps churches form lifelong apprentices to Jesus. Brandon has served in pastoral ministry for 25 years, including the last 14 as founding and lead pastor at Soma Midtown in urban Indianapolis. He has also been a contributing author to several books on pastoral ministry, including Perspectives on Family Ministry and Faithful Endurance. He’s written articles and been interviewed for publications like Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, and For the Church.  Brandon holds an undergraduate degree in business, a graduate degree in missiology, and a Ph.D in leadership. He currently lives in Indianapolis with Emily, his wife of 22 years, and his four amazing children. To connect with Brandon or learn more about his ministry, email [email protected]. Instagram: @brandonshields @practicingtheway

What happens when taking a vacation, getting more sleep, or stepping away for a weekend still doesn’t leave you feeling restored? Burnout affects more than your energy. It can impact your physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, ability to think clearly, and even your connection with God. And because burnout doesn’t happen overnight, recovering from it requires more than a quick break. In this episode of the Care to Change Podcast, therapists April Bordeau and Brittany Gipson discuss what it takes to recover from burnout by caring for the whole person. They explore why rest alone isn’t always enough, how to recognize what’s draining you, and the practical changes that lead to lasting restoration. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, pastor, leader, therapist, or someone who has spent too long pouring into others, this conversation offers a path toward healing that doesn’t require abandoning your purpose. In This Episode, You’ll Hear About: Why burnout affects five dimensions of your life: physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritualHow to recognize what your body and emotions are telling youFive practical steps to recovering from burnoutWhy sleep, nutrition, movement, and genuine enjoyment matter in restorationHow toxic influences, including excessive social media use, can interfere with recoveryWhy reconnecting with supportive relationships is essentialHow to establish boundaries, release unrealistic expectations, and say no without guiltWhat it means to reclaim your physical and emotional spacesHow to reconnect with your purpose while changing the way you carry your responsibilitiesWhy recovering from burnout takes time and what you can do to begin todayKey Takeaway Your why may not need to change, but your how might. Recovering from burnout isn’t about returning to the same patterns that left you depleted. It’s about learning to live in a healthier, more sustainable way. You don’t have to change everything at once. Start by identifying one area of your life that feels depleted and schedule one intentional step toward restoration this week. And remember, your worth has never depended on your productivity. You are valuable because of who you are, not simply because of what you do. Resources Mentioned Try SofterPreventing Ministry FailureNecessary EndingsBooks by Ruth Haley Barton on spiritual rhythms, rest, and SabbathCare to Change’s personal burnout assessmentConnect With Care to Change If you’re experiencing burnout and aren’t sure where to begin, you don’t have to navigate recovery alone. Care to Change offers counseling, groups, and intensive therapy options to help you find practical solutions for positive change. Visit www.caretochange.org to learn more, connect with a therapist, or explore available resources. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who may be carrying more than they realize.

What if your exhaustion isn’t just about being tired? What if your body has been trying to tell you something you’ve been too busy to notice? Brain fog, irritability, trouble sleeping, digestive issues, anxiety, and even emotional numbness can all be signs that your nervous system is overwhelmed. When stress becomes a constant part of life, our bodies can remain in survival mode long after the stressful situation has passed. In this episode of the Care to Change Podcast, therapist April Bordeau sits down with therapist Jared Jones to explore how chronic stress affects the nervous system, why we sometimes feel disconnected from our emotions, and what it takes to begin recovering. Together, they discuss the everyday habits that quietly drain our capacity, how to recognize what our bodies are communicating, and practical ways to move from survival mode toward greater emotional and physical well-being. In This Episode, You’ll Hear About: Common signs of an overwhelmed nervous system, including brain fog, irritability, fatigue, and emotional numbnessWhy the body can remain in survival mode even after a stressful experience has endedHow caregiving, perfectionism, grief, difficult relationships, and high-pressure environments contribute to nervous system exhaustionEveryday habits that increase stress, including multitasking, overstimulation, overcommitment, and inadequate restWhy scrolling, watching television, or simply taking time off may not provide the restoration your nervous system needsPractical ways to begin recovering through intentional rest, mindfulness, gratitude, and healthier boundariesHow to reconnect with your emotions when you’ve become numb or disconnected from your bodyWhy safe relationships and professional counseling can play an important role in healingResources Mentioned: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark ComerAtlas of the Heart by Brené BrownTake a Moment to Reflect: What is your body trying to tell you that you’ve been too busy to hear? Pay attention to the tension in your shoulders, the tightness in your jaw, your energy level, or the emotions you’ve been avoiding. These signals may be invitations to slow down and consider what you need. You don’t have to wait until you’re completely exhausted to begin caring for yourself. At Care to Change, we provide practical solutions for positive change through counseling, groups, and intensive therapy services. Learn more at www.caretochange.org. Connect with Care to Change: Website: www.caretochange.org Call: 317-790-9396 Text: 317-979-7133 Next Episode: Recovering from Burnout: Healing the Whole Person

What if you’re getting enough sleep, taking weekends off, maybe even going on vacation, and you’re still exhausted? You may not just be tired. In this episode of the Care to Change Podcast, Mac Zambrano talks with therapist and Care to Change Managing Director April Bordeau about the difference between everyday stress and burnout, why traditional rest sometimes stops working, and how to recognize when exhaustion is telling you that something deeper needs attention. Burnout doesn’t always mean you need another day off. Sometimes you need a different kind of rest. You may be physically rested but mentally overloaded, relationally depleted, emotionally exhausted, spiritually dry, or carrying responsibilities that were never yours to carry. April and Mac explore what happens when caregivers, leaders, parents, pastors, therapists, first responders, and other helpers spend so much time caring for others that they stop noticing their own limits. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The difference between normal stress and burnoutWarning signs that stress may be becoming burnoutWhy sleep, weekends off, and vacations don't always restore usHow burnout can show up as irritability, numbness, resentment, detachment, difficulty concentrating, or loss of motivationThe different kinds of exhaustion we experience: physical, emotional, mental, relational, spiritual, and professionalWhy over-functioning, constant availability, and tying your identity to productivity can contribute to burnoutHow chronic stress can begin showing up in the bodyWhy your current season of life matters when evaluating your capacityThe difference between temporary relief and addressing the root of depletionHow boundaries, delegation, and sustainable rhythms can helpWhat Jesus models about solitude, withdrawal, prayer, and sharing responsibilityWhy burnout can be information rather than evidence that you aren't strong enoughThe goal isn’t simply to get better at recovering from an unsustainable life. The goal is to build a way of living that you don’t have to keep recovering from. If you recognize yourself in this conversation, you don't have to wait until you're completely depleted to make a change. Pay attention to what your exhaustion may be telling you, and consider what kind of support, boundaries, restoration, or deeper healing you need. Care to Change is here to walk alongside you. Other episodes that may help: Worklife BalanceBurnout & Compassion Fatigue

Sometimes the people who care about us most say the wrong thing at exactly the wrong time. “Everything happens for a reason.” “It could be worse.” “You just need to forgive.” “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” The intention may be good, but the impact can still hurt.  In this episode, Jared Jones sits down with therapist April Bordeau to talk about what happens when well-intentioned words land painfully. They explore why people often speak out of their own discomfort, how to acknowledge hurt without assuming the worst about someone’s heart, and what healthy repair can look like when words cause harm.  In this episode, you’ll hear about:  Why people say unhelpful things when they don’t know what to say  The difference between someone’s intent and the impact of their words  How seemingly encouraging statements can actually feel dismissive or invalidating  Why you can validate your hurt without assuming someone meant to hurt you  How to tell someone, with grace, where their words landed  What to do when you realize you’re the one who said the wrong thing  Why a sincere apology matters more than defending your intentions  How forgiveness, humility, and honest conversation can strengthen relationships April and Jared close with two important questions: Who might you need to forgive for words that hurt? And who might need an apology from you for words you never intended to cause pain?  If words have left a deeper wound than you know how to navigate, you don’t have to work through it alone. The team at Care to Change is here to help you find a path toward healing, healthier relationships, and hope.

Pastors and ministry leaders are often invited into people’s hardest moments. They sit with grief, conflict, betrayal, trauma, addiction, family struggles, church hurt, and major life transitions. That work is meaningful, but it can also be incredibly heavy. Sometimes the person helping everyone else find peace is quietly carrying pain of their own.  In this episode, Jared Jones talks with Mac Zambrano, counselor and former pastor, about the unique emotional and relational weight ministry leaders carry and why caring for their own souls is an important part of faithful leadership. You’ll hear about:  The unrealistic expectations pastors can place on themselves and that others can place on them  Why ministry leaders need permission to grieve, hurt, rest, and simply be human  How criticism, conflict, betrayal, and people leaving a church can affect pastors personally  Why forgiveness doesn’t mean ignoring hurt, skipping grief, or eliminating healthy boundaries  The emotional weight of walking alongside people through loss, suicide concerns, marriage struggles, divorce, parenting challenges, and other difficult seasons  Why every leader needs a place where they are not the leader The importance of honest self-check-ins: What am I carrying? Where am I discouraged? What has been life-giving? What do I need to surrender to God?  Why Sabbath, boundaries, safe relationships, and time with God that isn’t connected to producing a sermon or serving others are essential forms of soul care   Practical ways church members can encourage and care for pastors through prayer, notes, encouragement, practical help, and simply allowing them to be human Mac offers an important reminder for ministry leaders: God loves you beyond your role. Your value isn’t dependent on how well you preach, how much you accomplish, or how available you are to everyone around you.  And for those being cared for by pastors and ministry leaders, this episode offers a simple challenge: care for the people who care for you. Send the note. Pray for them. Encourage them. Offer practical help. Let them know their faithfulness is seen. Scripture also reminds us to honor those who lead and care for us spiritually, including 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 and 1 Timothy 5:17.  For additional resources on church hurt, burnout, emotional health, and leadership, visit Care to Change or listen to previous episodes of the Care to Change podcast.

Forgiveness is difficult in any painful relationship. But what does forgiveness look like when the hurt involves abuse? And can you forgive someone while still maintaining boundaries, requiring accountability, and choosing safety? In this episode, April Bordeau is joined by Care to Change coach Sherry Follett and “Lynn,” a mother whose daughter experienced domestic abuse. Lynn shares the impact abuse had not only on her daughter, but on their entire family, and the ongoing struggle of forgiving someone who caused significant harm.  Together, they explore the complexity of abuse, why leaving is rarely as simple as it appears from the outside, and why forgiveness should never be confused with excusing harmful behavior or restoring unsafe relationships.  In this episode, you’ll hear about:  How abuse can be emotional, verbal, psychological, financial, spiritual, sexual, or physical  Why recognizing and naming abuse is an important part of healing  Common barriers that make leaving an abusive relationship difficult  Why forgiveness is often a process rather than a one-time decision  What forgiveness does not mean: forgetting, excusing, trusting again, removing consequences, or minimizing what happened  Why forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same thing  How healthy boundaries and limited access can coexist with forgiveness  The grief that accompanies the loss of trust, safety, relationships, and the future you thought you would have  Why family members may move through forgiveness at very different speeds  How abuse creates a ripple effect throughout an entire family   Resources that can help survivors and their families move toward safety and healing One of the most important reminders from this conversation is that forgiveness does not mean giving someone continued access to you. It does not remove responsibility or consequences. Instead, forgiveness can become a choice to release yourself from remaining emotionally chained to what happened, even when the feelings take much longer to follow.  If you are experiencing abuse or questioning whether a relationship is abusive, you do not have to navigate it alone. Seek support from a qualified professional or domestic violence organization. Safety comes first, and healing is possible.  Resources:  Domestic violence hotline number(s) —  Text 88788 or call 800-799-SAFE, or locally call 317-745-1496.Sheltering Wings - for shelter and resourcesLeslie Vernick — The Emotionally Destructive Marriage and The Emotionally Destructive RelationshipNatalie Hoffman — Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing MarriageLysa TerKeurst — Forgiving What You Can’t ForgetIf you are struggling with forgiveness after being deeply hurt, Care to Change is here to walk alongside you with compassion and competent care.

Hard conversations are part of every meaningful relationship. But when we avoid them, emotions can build until a conversation that could have created understanding instead becomes reactive, overwhelming, or damaging. Done well, difficult conversations can actually leave us feeling more heard, understood, and connected.  In this episode, Jared Jones talks with Brittany Gipson, Director of Clinical Services and counselor at Care to Change, about how to approach difficult conversations in ways that protect relationships rather than burn bridges.  You’ll hear about:  Why avoiding difficult conversations often makes them harder over time  How your family of origin influences the way you handle conflict  Why self-awareness and emotional regulation matter before the conversation even begins  How to identify what the conversation is really about  Why preparation can help you enter a difficult conversation with greater confidence  How to choose the right time and setting  The importance of active listening, validation, and “I” statements  How to recognize your own nonverbal cues and emotional activation  What to do when a conversation becomes emotionally charged  Why taking a break doesn’t mean abandoning the conversation  How to check whether the other person actually heard what you intended to communicate  The importance of repair, follow-up, and reconnecting afterward  Brittany and Jared also offer an important reminder: repair matters more than perfection. The goal of a hard conversation isn’t to convince, control, criticize, or change another person. It’s to communicate honestly while approaching the relationship with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to listen.  When people feel safe, heard, and respected, difficult conversations can become opportunities to strengthen trust rather than destroy it. And like any skill, the more we practice healthy communication, the more natural it becomes.  If difficult conversations or relationship challenges are leaving you feeling stuck, the counselors at Care to Change are here to help. Visit Care to Change to learn more about counseling and resources designed to help you build healthier relationships.

The school year can quickly become a blur of homework, practices, activities, packed schedules, and pressure. But what children often need most isn’t another activity or achievement. They need a home that provides stability, connection, and safety.  In this episode, Mac Zambrano talks with therapist Teresa Haskins about the power of family rhythms and how the routines, relationships, boundaries, and faith practices we build at home can support a child’s emotional and mental health throughout the school year. You’ll hear about:  Why predictability and consistency help children feel safe  Daily, weekly, seasonal, and faith rhythms that strengthen families  Signs your family may be “off tempo” and simply surviving  Why a parent’s own emotional regulation affects the emotional safety of the home  How to validate a child’s emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them  Simple ways busy parents can create meaningful moments of connection  Why sleep, healthy routines, opportunities to de-stress, and celebrations matter  How family rhythms naturally change as children grow  Why modeling faith may be even more important than talking about it  How to recognize when your family’s pace has become too fast or overcommitted  What to do when your family gets “off tempo” Teresa offers an important reminder: every family’s rhythm will look different. Rather than comparing your family to what you see around you, consider what kind of family you want to create and intentionally build rhythms that support that vision.  And when the rhythm gets disrupted, as it inevitably will, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s learning how to find your way back. Your children don’t need a perfect schedule or a perfect parent. They need caring adults who are present, consistent, and willing to keep showing up. Care to Change is here to help, if and when you are ready.

Back-to-school season brings new routines, expectations, friendships, activities, and pressures. Some stress is normal, but how can parents tell when their child is adjusting and when something deeper may be going on?  In this episode, Mac Zambrano talks with Jared Jones about the warning signs parents should pay attention to and four important needs that help kids and teens thrive: structure, engagement, nurture, and challenge. You’ll hear about:  How to tell the difference between normal back-to-school stress and a developing mental health concern  Changes in mood, behavior, sleep, relationships, and daily functioning that may signal a child is struggling  Why predictable routines and expectations help kids feel safe  Better questions to ask instead of simply, “How was school?”  Why timing and genuine presence matter when trying to get kids to open up  How to validate difficult emotions without reinforcing avoidance  Why kids need both nurture and opportunities to do hard things  How parents can help children develop confidence through challenge, failure, and growth  When it may be time to involve a teacher, counselor, mentor, or mental health professional  How faith and trusted community can provide perspective and support during difficult seasons The goal isn’t to eliminate every uncomfortable emotion or difficult experience. It’s to notice changes, stay curious, remain connected, and create a home where kids know they can bring what they’re experiencing. As Mac summarizes: structure communicates safety, engagement communicates “I see you,” nurture communicates love, and challenge communicates “I believe you can do hard things.”  If you’re noticing changes in your child that are lasting, intensifying, or interfering with everyday life, you don’t have to wait for a crisis to reach out. Care to Change is here to help you determine what comes next.

Teachers, coaches, and mentors influence far more than academics or athletic performance. The way they encourage, challenge, correct, and respond to mistakes can shape how kids see themselves for years to come. In this episode, Mac Zambrano talks with John Crane about how trusted adults can build confidence, create healthy expectations, respond well to mistakes, and remind kids that performance matters, but performance does not define them.  You’ll hear about: Why teachers, coaches, and mentors can have such a significant influence on a child’s mental and emotional healthWhy sports can become a “laboratory for life”How to separate a child’s identity from their performanceThe difference between healthy challenge and unhealthy performance pressureWhy consistency and honesty build trust with kids and teensHow favoritism can quietly undermine a team’s cultureWhy encouragement is especially important when correction is necessaryHow an adult’s apology can build rather than diminish credibilityWays parents, teachers, and coaches can work together instead of against one anotherThe value of giving parents and coaches time to cool down before addressing conflictHow adults can help kids set their own goals and navigate the difficult moments involved in reaching them, andWhy the conversations that seem ordinary today may be remembered by a child decades from nowKids may forget the score or assignment, but they rarely forget the adult who saw them, believed in them, and helped them through a difficult season.  Need support for a child, teen, family, or the people you lead? Care to Change is here to help. Visit the Care to Change website to connect with our team, explore resources, or learn more about how we support individuals, families, schools, churches, and organizations.

As a new school year begins, parents often find themselves balancing excitement, stress, and uncertainty. In this episode, April Bordeau sits down with Dr Scott Wyndham, Superintendent of Avon Community School Corporation, to discuss practical ways parents can help children thrive academically, emotionally, and socially throughout the school year. Drawing from his experience as an educator, superintendent, and father, Scott shares thoughtful, encouraging advice that every parent can apply, regardless of their child’s age.  In this episode, you’ll learn: Why routines and consistent structure help children feel safe and prepared to learn.How a strong partnership between parents and teachers positively impacts student success.The importance of coaching older students toward independence instead of solving every problem for them.Warning signs that may indicate a child is struggling with their mental health, and when parents should take a closer look.Practical ways parents can reduce back-to-school anxiety without unintentionally increasing it.How allowing children to experience age-appropriate struggles builds resilience and confidence.Why encouraging teachers and expressing gratitude strengthens the home-school partnership.Key Takeaways Build routines before school starts, especially healthy sleep habits.Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher early instead of waiting until a problem arises.Help older students practice advocating for themselves before stepping in as a parent.Watch for significant changes in behavior or withdrawal across multiple areas of your child’s life.Encourage your child with confidence rather than passing along your own anxiety.Give children opportunities to struggle, problem-solve, and recover from setbacks.Thank your child’s teachers. Small expressions of appreciation make a lasting impact.Slow down and enjoy this season. The days may feel long, but the years truly are short. Resources Mentioned If your child needs professional counseling, Care to Change offers compassionate, evidence-based mental health services for children, teens, and families.Learn more at www.caretochange.org Connect with Care to Change If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to the Care to Change Podcast and share it with another parent, educator, or caregiver preparing for the school year.

In this special episode of the Care to Change Podcast, we hand the microphone to two teenage girls for an honest conversation about what life really feels like today. Instead of adults talking about teens, we listened to them. From the pressure to perform and the impact of social media to friendships, identity, faith, and the importance of feeling understood, this episode offers a refreshing look into the hearts of today’s teenage girls. Alongside therapist Sarah Wheeler, the conversation provides practical insight for parents, mentors, youth leaders, and anyone who wants to better support the next generation.  In this episode, we discuss: What adults often misunderstand about today’s teensWhy many teens “wear a mask” all day at school and why home becomes their safe placeThe hidden pressure of academics, sports, friendships, and managing an overwhelming scheduleThe real impact of social media, including comparison, validation, attention span, and belongingWhy social media isn’t all bad—and why understanding it matters more than simply blaming itWhat helps teens feel emotionally safe enough to open upHow parents can build trust through vulnerability, validation, and curiosityPractical ways adults unintentionally shut teens down—and how to avoid itWhere teen girls often look for identity and why performance can become a trapHow faith, healthy friendships, and supportive adults help teens remember their true worthWhy this generation gives us hope and what adults are doing well that teens deeply appreciate  Takeaway Teen girls aren’t asking adults to have all the answers. They’re asking for presence over perfection. When adults listen without immediately fixing, validate emotions without minimizing them, and create safe spaces for honest conversations, teens are far more likely to open up and thrive. Beneath the pressures they face is a generation hungry for authenticity, meaningful relationships, and lasting hope.  Resources If you or someone you love could benefit from counseling, our team at Care to Change is here to help. Learn more about our therapists, resources, podcasts, and services at www.caretochange.org.

What are young men carrying beneath the surface today, and how can the adults in their lives help them thrive? In this episode of the Care to Change Podcast, Mac Zambrano is joined by therapists Jared Jones and Trevor Williams, along with college student Nathan, for an honest conversation about the unique pressures facing young men today. Together, they explore the emotional, cultural, and spiritual challenges many young men experience, while offering practical encouragement for parents, mentors, coaches, pastors, and anyone investing in the next generation.  You’ll hear about: The pressure young men feel to perform, succeed, and “have it all together.”How comparison, social media, and the fear of falling behind impact confidence and identity.Why many young men struggle to open up about their emotions and what keeps them silent.Practical ways parents and mentors can create safe, trusting relationships that encourage vulnerability.The importance of modeling healthy emotional expression instead of simply telling young men to “be strong.”How biblical masculinity differs from cultural expectations and why Christ provides the healthiest model for identity.Why authentic relationships, purpose, and connection are essential for helping young men flourish.Whether you’re raising a son, mentoring a student, coaching a team, serving in ministry, or simply wanting to better understand the young men in your life, this conversation offers hope, practical wisdom, and encouragement. Resources To learn more about Care to Change Counseling Center or connect with one of our therapists, visit: https://www.caretochange.org If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a parent, mentor, coach, teacher, pastor, or friend who is investing in the next generation.