Advertise on podcast: Calibrate Conversations w/ Brady Cone

This conversation started with a few comments… and quickly turned into something much bigger. In this episode of Calibrate Conversations, Brady sits down with Amber to unpack one of the most debated topics in the church today—gender roles. They walk through: The difference between egalitarian and complementarian views Why this issue creates so much tension (even among Christians) Amber’s personal journey from supporting women in ministry to rethinking everything How culture—and even the church—has shaped the conversation This isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about finding clarity in what Scripture actually teaches. Join us weekly as we strive help people embrace God's standard for sexuality!  Timestamps: 0:00 — Why This Conversation Matters 0:38 — The Backlash That Started It All 2:17 — Understanding the Three Views 2:54 — What Is Egalitarianism? 3:41 — What Is Complementarianism? 4:41 — Where the Culture Gets It Wrong 9:04 — Amber’s Story Begins 11:48 — Questioning What She Was Taught 16:01 — The Tension Between Culture and Scripture 24:47 — Finding Clarity in a Confused World Other ways to listen: https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations #CalibrateConversations #Complementarian #Egalitarian

Why are so many kids identifying as transgender today—and why are so many parents unprepared for it? In this powerful workshop, Brady breaks down the massive cultural shift happening right now, why identity has become self-defined, and what’s really going on beneath the surface. From the rise in gender dysphoria to the growing number of detransition stories, this conversation tackles one of the most important and difficult issues facing families today. We also explore how parents are being impacted, the role of culture and social influence, and how to respond with both truth and compassion. This is a conversation every parent, leader, and Christian needs to hear. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why This Conversation Matters 02:30 – The Cultural Shift to Transgender Issues 04:00 – Personal Story: “I Would’ve Been Trans Today” 05:45 – What the Bible Says About Gender 08:30 – The 3 Core Lies About Gender Identity 09:15 – Lie #1: Identity Is Self-Determined 10:00 – Lie #2: Feelings Define Gender 11:00 – Lie #3: External Change Brings Wholeness 15:30 – Truth #1: Identity Is Given by God 18:15 – Truth #2: We Are Body and Soul 22:45 – Truth #3: Transformation vs Transition 27:30 – The Effects of the Fall and Gender Dysphoria 30:00 – Why This Issue Is So Complicated 35:20 – Real Story: Transition and Redemption 39:00 – The Impact on Parents 42:30 – Being a “Hospital for the Sick” 45:00 – The Detransition Wave Explained 49:30 – The Arc of Transition and Regret 55:00 – Examining Our Own Identity 58:00 – Speaking Truth and Hope to Others 1:02:00 – Q&A Begins 1:02:30 – Why Are Kids More Susceptible? 1:08:20 – How to Reach a Trans Family Member 1:10:45 – Teachers and Job Risks 1:14:20 – The Pronouns Question 1:21:40 – “Why Did God Make Me This Way?” 1:26:40 – Trans Athletes in Sports 1:31:45 – Setting Boundaries with LGBTQ Loved Ones 1:37:50 – Final Thoughts on Pronouns Join us weekly as we strive help people embrace God's standard for sexuality!  Other ways to listen: https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations #transgender #identity #culture

Many parents assume their kids are fine—but in reality, many teens are quietly questioning, struggling, and even drifting from their faith without their parents knowing. In this episode of Calibrate Conversations, Brady Cone sits down with Peter Kupisz, an apologist and ministry leader who has worked with students and families around the world. Peter shares what he’s seeing globally when it comes to faith, culture, and the growing influence of identity issues on young people—and why so many teens feel forced to choose between being “loving” and believing the Bible. He also introduces Dinner School, a simple, practical tool designed to help parents disciple their kids through short videos and guided conversations—making it easier to build a strong, thoughtful Christian worldview right at home. 👉 Learn more about Dinner School: https://dinnerschool.org 📱 Search “Dinner School” in the app store (Android available, iOS coming soon) If you’re a parent trying to navigate faith, culture, and discipleship in today’s world—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Timestamps: 0:04:51 — Teens Struggling in Silence 0:05:44 — They Don’t Care If It’s True Anymore 0:06:31 — The Two Options Teens Are Given 0:07:24 — The Missing Third Option 0:08:11 — Parents Don’t Know What’s Happening 0:08:58 — Worldviews Are Changing Quietly 0:09:44 — Teens Aren’t Prepared for the Real World 0:10:43 — Why So Many Kids Walk Away 0:12:15 — The Simple System to Disciple Your Kids 0:24:23 — Why Parents Must Lead Discipleship Join us weekly as we strive help people embrace God's standard for sexuality!  Other ways to listen: https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations #Parenting #Kids #Discipleship

What happens when the definition of marriage changes? In this conversation, Katy Faust, founder of Them Before Us, explains how cultural, legal, and technological shifts reshaped marriage and family law — and why she believes those changes have had profound consequences for children. Faust argues that when marriage was redefined primarily around adult desires and fulfillment, the structure that once connected children to their mother and father was fundamentally altered. She explains how developments like no-fault divorce, reproductive technologies, and the legal redefinition of marriage have changed the way society understands parenthood and family. The central question she raises is simple but controversial: What happens to children when marriage stops being organized around their needs? This discussion explores the history of these changes, the legal implications, and the broader cultural debate about marriage, parenthood, and children’s rights. Watch the full conversation to hear Katy Faust’s perspective on one of the most debated issues in modern family policy. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Why Katy Faust Started Them Before Us 02:05 The Cultural Shift Around Marriage 04:00 The First Redefinition of Marriage: No-Fault Divorce 06:30 The Role of Technology in Reshaping Parenthood 08:45 How Children Became Secondary in Family Law 10:50 Why Biology Matters in Parenting 14:05 Adoption vs Reproductive Technologies 17:45 What Obergefell Changed About Parenthood Law 20:20 Are Children Becoming a Commodity? 23:15 The Greater Than Campaign Explained 26:10 How Christians Should Respond to Cultural Change 30:30 Truth, Compassion, and Difficult Conversations RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Them Before Us https://thembeforeus.com/ Greater Than Campaign https://greaterthancampaign.com/ Katy Faust Website https://katyfaust.com/ Book: Them Before Us — Why We Need a Global Children’s Rights Movement https://katyfaust.com/books/ Book: Raising Conservative Kids in a Woke City https://katyfaust.com/books/ Join us weekly as we strive help people embrace God's standard for sexuality!  Other ways to listen: https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations #children #marriage #family

Joshua Inman shares his powerful testimony of growing up struggling with gender confusion, same-sex attraction, shame, and identity. For years he believed lies about God and about himself — including the devastating lie that God hated him. In this honest conversation, Joshua explains how God slowly exposed those lies, brought deep healing, and showed him the truth about identity, grace, and surrender. His story is a powerful reminder that no matter how far someone feels from God, His love is still pursuing them. This episode of Calibrate Conversations explores identity, sanctification, spiritual healing, and the long journey of following Christ through difficult struggles. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:43 Growing Up in a Christian Home 3:44 Bullying and Identity Confusion 6:23 His Father Leaves the Family 7:35 Junior High Was Hell 9:43 Same-Sex Attraction Begins 14:56 Moving to the Philippines as a Missionary 19:17 Discovering Exodus International 28:56 God Reveals the Root of His Pain 1:03:27 Final Reflections on Identity and Faith Join us weekly as we strive help people embrace God's standard for sexuality!  Other ways to listen: https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations #Testimony #LGBTQ #Identity #Christianity

In recent weeks, headlines linked James Dobson’s name to Jeffrey Epstein. Then came the claim that Dobson and Epstein are “on the same team.” That’s a serious accusation. In this episode of Calibrate Conversations, we carefully examine: • What actually happened in the Epstein files • Whether James Dobson was fairly represented • Sheila Wray Gregoire’s response • The role of egalitarian theology in this controversy • Claims about purity culture and abuse • Whether guilt-by-association reasoning is creeping into Christian discourse This conversation isn’t about personalities. It’s about sound theology, intellectual honesty, and how Christians should handle public accusations. We need clarity. We need discernment. And we need to test all things. Timestamps: 0:00 – Why This Matters 2:15 – The Epstein Files & James Dobson 6:30 – What Actually Happened 9:45 – The Media Framing 12:20 – Sheila Wray Gregoire’s Claim 16:10 – Purity Culture & Abuse Accusations 21:30 – The Survey Question Concerns 26:40 – Misusing Research & Data 30:00 – The Deeper Theological Issue 33:45 – Why This Is Bigger Than Dobson 👉 Visit calibrateministries.com for more resources. 👉 Like, comment respectfully, and share if you found this helpful. Join us weekly as we strive help people embrace God's standard for sexuality!  Other ways to listen: https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations #SheilaWrayGregoire #JulieRoys #Epstein #JamesDobson #Scandal

What’s it really like inside today’s public schools? Former teacher Josh Moore joins Calibrate Conversations to share what parents often never hear about—state policies around pronouns, LGBTQ clubs, classroom culture, and the pressure teachers feel between their conscience and district rules. Josh isn’t here to attack teachers. He worked alongside many faithful Christians trying to love students well. But he also saw systems that kept parents in the dark and students searching for identity in all the wrong places. We talk about: What teachers are—and aren’t—allowed to tell parentsHow “intervention time” and clubs can be labeled one thing but function as anotherWhy many students who transition don’t actually thriveHow Christian parents can disciple kids in a confusing culturePractical ways to engage schools without fear or angerHow the local church can support families and teachers This is an honest, compassionate conversation from someone who was on the inside—and ultimately left the classroom to serve students as a youth pastor. ➡ If you’re a parent, teacher, or pastor, this episode will help you navigate these issues with truth and grace. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, sexuality, and culture.  💬 Drop a kind comment and share your thoughts.  ⭐ If you’re listening on Spotify/Apple, a 5-star review helps more families find this.

What happens when the world tries to define your identity — but God invites you to walk a different path? In this powerful episode of Calibrate Conversations, Brady sits down with Jason Mellard to hear his deeply personal story of growing up with same-sex attraction, navigating confusion, trauma, and shame, and ultimately discovering healing and clarity in Christ. Jason shares how cultural labels, childhood wounds, and internal conflict shaped his journey — and why rejecting identity labels didn’t mean denying his experience, but refusing to let it define him. This conversation explores faith, forgiveness, trauma, recovery, identity, and what it looks like to walk with God through confusion rather than trying to escape it. This episode offers hope, honesty, and wisdom for anyone wrestling with identity, sexuality, or finding clarity in a confusing world. Key Themes: -Same-sex attraction without identity labels -Healing from childhood trauma and abuse -Identity in Christ vs cultural labels -Walking with God through confusion -Forgiveness, boundaries, and redemption -Why behavior management isn’t the gospel -Faith, recovery, and emotional healing Timestamps: 0:00:37 — From Confusion to Clarity 0:02:00 — Walking Into the Fog 0:03:39 — “What’s Wrong With Me?” 0:05:01 — When Suppression Breaks 0:07:54 — The Relief of a Label 0:08:49 — “They Told Me I Was Gay” 0:11:17 — Searching for Belonging 0:13:24 — Why Men Felt Mysterious 0:18:42 — The Hidden Wound 0:21:24 — How My View of God Was Formed 0:23:02 — God Walks Into the Fog 0:31:17 — “You’re Gay Because of Your Jacket” 0:34:53 — Don’t Bury Your Life 0:39:41 — Being Fully Known 0:51:10 — “No One Gets to Define Me” Join us weekly as we strive help people embrace God's standard for sexuality!  Other ways to listen: https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations #Identity #Clarity #Healing

In this episode of Calibrate Conversations, Brady Cone sits down with Shannon Ayres, Texas Education Director for Citizens Defending Freedom, to expose what’s really happening inside school and public libraries. Shannon shares her firsthand story of assuming her district was safe—“That’s not happening in Frisco, Texas”—until she started checking the titles in her kids’ school library. What she found shocked her… and launched her into a statewide effort to protect children from graphic, agenda-driven content. We walk through: * How explicit books are ending up in school libraries * Why even small rural towns aren’t immune * How top-down ideology is shaping library culture * Why opt-out policies don’t actually protect kids * The legal fight in Texas—and the strategy other states can use * What every parent MUST do to safeguard their children (even if homeschooling isn’t an option) If you’re a parent, educator, pastor, or Christian concerned about the ideological capture happening in schools, this conversation is essential. 👉 Get resources & learn how to get involved:https://citizensdefendingfreedom.com 👉 More biblical resources for sexuality & discipleship:https://calibrateministries.com Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction & Why Libraries Matter 01:32 – “That’s Not Happening in My Town…” 03:30 – COVID, Losing Her Business & Becoming Activated 07:35 – Parents vs. Massive School Legal Departments 08:36 – The ALA’s Ideological Capture of Libraries 12:21 – Why Opt-Out Policies Don’t Protect Kids 19:03 – School Board Meetings: The Most Empty Important Room 24:55 – Secret Gender Transitions Hidden from Parents 33:08 – Why “Obscene” Isn’t the Right Legal Term 38:54 – How to Audit Your School Library Step-by-Step Join us weekly as we strive help people embrace God's standard for sexuality!  Other ways to listen: https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations #Scandal #Libraries #ProtectingKids #Sexuality

Today’s episode exposes an issue far deeper than most parents realize: what’s actually inside our public and school libraries. The journey began when I opened a copy of Gender Queer in a small-town bookstore and saw a graphic sexual illustration—sitting in plain view for any child to pick up. That moment sent me down a trail that led from local libraries all the way up to the American Library Association. To help us understand the full picture, I interview Bonnie Wallace from Llano County, Texas. Bonnie discovered explicit books containing graphic scenes, sexual content, and online grooming pathways—in the children’s section of her library. When she raised concerns, she and her county were sued for simply moving the books to the adult side. Her legal battle went from the local level, to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court—resulting in a landmark decision affirming the right of libraries to protect kids from inappropriate material. In this conversation, we break down: -How radical ideology has infiltrated the American Library Association and state library associations -Why explicit materials are being pushed toward minors -Why some books are too explicit for prisoners, yet accessible to children -How pornography and graphic content shape a child’s mind -What Christian librarians and Christian parents must do -Practical steps for protecting your kids at home, school, and in your county -Why Christians must run for school boards, library boards, and local office -And why “book banning” is a false narrative—this is about book boundaries, not censorship Parents: your vigilance matters. Shepherd your kids’ hearts. Guard what they see. Engage in your local community. If one woman can take on the library industry and win, imagine what thousands of Christians standing up for righteousness could do. Join us weekly as we strive help people embrace God's standard for sexuality!  Other ways to listen: https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations #Sexuality #Libraries #Scandal

Welcome to 2026. In this episode of Calibrate Conversations, Brady shares the vision for the year ahead—what topics we’ll be covering, why they matter, and how we plan to approach them with biblical clarity, gospel hope, and compassion. As culture grows increasingly divided, many Christians feel overwhelmed, unsure how to respond to issues surrounding sexuality, gender ideology, schools, libraries, and public policy—especially when kids are involved. This year, Calibrate Conversations will intentionally engage those cultural intersections without losing sight of the Gospel. You’ll hear about: * Why we’re addressing cultural and policy issues * What’s happening in libraries and schools—and why parents need to be informed * Gender ideology, so-called “gender-affirming care,” and protecting children * Biblical gender roles and why they matter for sexuality * Testimonies of redemption, restoration, and hope * How Christians can stand firm in truth while extending grace Our goal is simple: to equip the body of Christ to be faithful, courageous, and compassionate in a confusing cultural moment—and to remind you that God is still redeeming and restoring lives. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to 2026 & Vision for the Year 02:05 – Why We’re Addressing Culture Without Outrage 05:12 – The State of Cultural Division Today 08:40 – What’s Happening in Libraries (And Why Parents Should Care) 14:30 – Schools, Gender Ideology, and Parental Rights 20:45 – Why “Gender-Affirming Care” Is a Gospel Issue 27:10 – Protecting Kids While Trusting Christ 32:40 – Biblical Gender Roles & Why This Matters 39:25 – Egalitarianism, Complementarianism, and the Church 45:50 – Stories of Hope, Redemption, and Restoration 52:10 – Final Encouragement & Call to Faithfulness Join us weekly as we strive help people embrace God's standard for sexuality!  Other ways to listen: https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations #2026 #CalibrateConversations #Jesus

Many Christian parents want to protect their kids from sexual confusion, pornography, and cultural pressure—but waiting too long to talk about sexuality may be doing more harm than good. In this episode of Calibrate Conversations, Brady sits down with Elizabeth Urbanowicz, founder of Foundation Worldview, to discuss how parents can teach kids God’s good design for sexuality early, biblically, and without fear or shame. They explore: Why kids are encountering sexual ideas far earlier than most parents realize How to prepare children for pornography and cultural messages before exposure happens Why “the talk” should be replaced with ongoing discipleship conversations How to teach kids biblical sexuality while leading with truth, grace, and the gospel Practical, age-appropriate tools parents can use starting as young as four years old If you’re a parent, pastor, homeschooler, or Christian educator navigating today’s culture, this conversation will equip you to shepherd your children with confidence, clarity, and compassion. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why parents are waiting too long 03:10 – The problem with “the talk” 07:40 – Kids encounter sexual content earlier than you think 12:55 – Teaching kids to think biblically, not fearfully 18:20 – Preparing children for pornography in the culture 26:40 – Age-appropriate conversations starting at 4–6 35:10 – Sexuality as a good gift from God 42:00 – Helping kids process shame and curiosity 49:30 – What to do if parents feel hypocritical 57:45 – Protecting kids from sexual abuse 1:07:10 – Loving family members outside God’s design 1:15:30 – Teaching truth with kindness 1:22:40 – Foundation Worldview resources 1:26:30 – Final encouragement for parents 👉 Get Elizabeth’s resources at Foundation Worldview 🎟 Use code CALIBRATE10 for 10% off Learn more about Elizabeth here: https://foundationworldview.com/ Join us weekly as we strive help people embrace God's standard for sexuality!  Other ways to listen: https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations #Parenting #Christian #BiblicalSexuality

In this powerful episode of Calibrate Conversations, Brady Cone sits down with Matt & Andrea Crum of Genuine Family Ministries for one of the most eye-opening conversations we’ve had on the show. We dive deep into: • How modern culture is shaping your children more than you realize • Why anxiety, autism, creativity, and past trauma make some kids more vulnerable to transgender ideology • The four most common patterns parents miss • How feminism’s “waves” reshaped the family and quietly entered the church • Why so many Christian homes lack discipleship—and how to rebuild • How fathers and mothers uniquely shape a child’s emotional and spiritual security • The worldview war: biblical design vs. postmodern ideology • How parents can lovingly, firmly hold the line on pronouns, clothing, and social transition • Why busyness—not just culture—is destroying Christian families • How Matt & Andrea minister to parents and individuals deeply struggling with gender identity If you’re a parent, pastor, or Christian who wants to understand what’s really happening in this cultural moment—and how to stand firm with love and truth—this episode is essential. Timestamps: 00:00 — The Hidden Crisis Facing Christian Families 03:42 — Why So Many Parents Feel Unprepared Today 08:10 — “Victims vs. Wolves”: Understanding the Real Battle 12:54 — The First Signs Parents Miss in Kids Struggling with Gender 17:30 — The Slippery Slope of Social Transition 24:02 — The Four Traits That Make Kids More Vulnerable 32:11 — The Waves of Feminism & How They Reshaped the Church 41:58 — Rediscovering God’s Design for the Family 49:27 — The Father’s Role: Why Presence Matters More Than Ever 56:45 — How Matt & Andrea Are Discipling Parents Through Crisis Learn more at: 📚 Christ Over Culture: https://a.co/d/cWjUhF3 🌐 GenuineFamilyMinistries.com 🎙️ CalibrateMinistries.com Other ways to listen: https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations #Discipleship #Truth #Family

The holidays bring joy… but they also expose every relational tension we’ve been avoiding. In this episode of Calibrate Conversations, Brady shares 3 essential biblical principles to help you navigate family drama, painful memories, broken relationships, and tough conversations around religion and politics. Before you sit down at the Thanksgiving or Christmas table, take 5 minutes and reset your heart with gospel hope. Your words can bring grace. Your presence can bring peace. And Jesus can bring healing into places that still hurt. If you’re feeling the weight of family conflict, prodigal children, loss, or strained relationships this season—this message is for you. 👉 Put Jesus on display. 👉 Celebrate who is at the table. 👉 Honestly evaluate your own heart. God’s grace is sufficient in both the joy and the pain. Happy Thanksgiving, friends. Timestamps: 00:21 — Holiday kickoff & the joy of Christmas lights 00:46 — Why the holidays can be both joyful and painful 01:10 — Thought #1: Should we talk about religion & politics? 01:32 — How to talk about faith in a way that draws people to Jesus 02:30 — What gospel-centered conversations around the table look like 02:55 — Thought #2: Celebrate those who are there 03:30 — Why mourning can overshadow the present moment 04:20 — Thought #3: Evaluate your own heart in broken relationships 05:12 — The rise of “no contact” culture 06:28 — Why both parents and adult kids need honest heart-examination 07:57 — Navigating grandparents, expectations, and boundaries 09:02 — The verse that changes everything: Ephesians 4:29 10:12 — Final encouragement: God’s grace is sufficient Join us weekly as we strive help people embrace God's standard for sexuality!  Other ways to listen: https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations #ChristianEncouragement #HolidayHope #CalibrateConversations

How should churches respond when someone in a same-sex relationship wants to volunteer? Brady Cone dives into one of the most asked—and most delicate—questions he receives from churches across the country. What role should elders play? What expectations should exist? And how do we hold truth and compassion together? If this helped you, check out more resources at CalibrateMinistries.com. Timestamps: 00:00 — Why This Podcast Exists: Real Questions Need More Than Two Minutes 00:45 — The Most Common Question Brady Gets From Churches 02:13 — When Someone in a Same-Sex Relationship Wants to Serve: First Steps 03:15 — Why Elders Must Handle These Situations (Not Volunteers) 05:28 — What Is the Purpose of a Church Service? Evangelism or Discipleship? 07:55 — Why Healthy, Robust Church Membership Actually Matters 10:33 — How Church Membership Protects Both the Individual and the Body 11:57 — Why Unrepentant Sin Should Feel Uncomfortable in Church 13:23 — Handling Same-Sex Couples: Individual vs. Couple Discipleship 16:26 — Why Discipleship Must Be Individual for Same-Sex Couples Join us weekly as we strive help people embrace God's standard for sexuality!  Other ways to listen: https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations #Church #Leadership #Truth