
Raising Boys & Girls
Welcome to the Raising Boys and Girls Podcast with Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan. In each episode of this podcast, we’ll share some of what we’re learning in the work we do with kids and families on a daily basis at Daystar Counseling Ministries. Our goal is to help you care for the kids in your life with a little more understanding, a little more practical help, and a whole lot of hope. So pull up a chair and join us on this journey of raising boys and girls.
Connect with us at raisingboysandgirls.com.
Latest episodes

Jun 10, 2025 • 39min
Episode 280 - Helping Kids Chase Their Dreams with Megan Piphus
Today we are joined by the AMAZING Megan Piphus. Megan is a FOUR TIME Emmy winning producer and artist who has been performing since she was just ten years old. She became nationally recognized as a ventriloquist on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno as well as from America’s Got Talent and is now the first black female puppeteer to perform on Sesame Street. She’s released a children’s album, Spaceships & Dreams, that helped provide recording experience for 60 girls across the country. She is a mom of two boys and is sure to share some incredible insights that you will be able to take with you after listening to this episode!
. . . . .
Listen to A New Cinderella.
Follow Megan on Instagram.
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Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
Grab your tickets today for the Raising Capable Kids Conference with David Thomas, Sissy Goff and special guests!
Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
. . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
NEEDED: Head over to thisisneeded.com and use code RBG for 20% off your first order.
EVERYDAY DOSE: Get 45% off your first subscription order of 30-servings of Coffee+ or Bold+. You’ll also receive a starter kit with over $100 in free gifts including a rechargeable frother and gunmetal serving spoon by going to everydaydose.com/RGB or entering RGB at checkout. You’ll also get FREE gifts throughout the year!
OUR PLACE: Stop cooking with toxic cookware, and upgrade to Our Place today. Visit fromourplace.com/RBG and use code RBG for 10% off sitewide.
HIYA HEALTH: Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/RBG.
THE ROAD TO KAELUMA: Visit jesusfilm.org/kaeluma-RBG to listen, learn more, or access discussion guides and other bonus content!
QUINCE: Give your summer closet an upgrade—with Quince. Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Skip the junk without overspending. Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
ACORNS EARLY: Head to acornsearly.com/ or download the Acorns Early app to help your kids grow their money skills today.
GEVITI: Visit www.gogeviti.com/raisingboysandgirls and use code RBG for the month of June for 20% off your first three months of membership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 5, 2025 • 38min
Episode 279: Waiting with Hope with DawnCheré Wilkerson
Speaker, singer, songwriter, author and local pastor, DawnCheré Wilkerson, LOVES encouraging people of all ages to never give up. While doing SO much amazing work, DawnCheré and her husband Rich are also pastors at Vous Church in Miami, FL. She shares her story of being raised all around music, and her stories of infertility. We absolutely loved this conversation about how to use music when your kids get stuck along with so many other insightful things that could be so helpful to you and your family.
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Follow DawnCheré on Instagram.
Learn more about her brand new book, Slow Burn.
Watch God. Family. Football on Amazon.
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Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
Grab your tickets today for the Raising Capable Kids Conference with David Thomas, Sissy Goff and special guests!
Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
. . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
THE ROAD TO KAELUMA: Visit jesusfilm.org/kaeluma-RBG to listen, learn more, or access discussion guides and other bonus content!
QUINCE: Give your summer closet an upgrade—with Quince. Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Skip the junk without overspending. Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
ACORNS EARLY: Head to acornsearly.com/ or download the Acorns Early app to help your kids grow their money skills today.
GEVITI: Visit www.gogeviti.com/raisingboysandgirls and use code RBG for the month of June for 20% off your first three months of membership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 3, 2025 • 50min
Episode 278: Honesty, Intentionality, & Relinquishing in Parenting with Charles & Cassie Kelley
We have been wanting to get these two on the podcast for SO long and feel so grateful today is finally that day! Charles Kelley is one third of the Grammy award winning Lady A and has also released music as a solo artist, including his album The Driver. He’s also written hit songs not only for Lady A, but other incredible Country artists like Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker and Brett Young. We talk all things music, parenting and what things we can learn from kids with Charles and his delightful, talented and generous wife, Cassie. You will absolutely love this conversation!
. . . . .
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
Grab your tickets today for the Raising Capable Kids Conference with David Thomas, Sissy Goff and special guests!
Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
. . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
DOSE: Save 30% on your first month of subscription by going to dosedaily.co/RBG or entering RBG at checkout.
WAYFAIR: Shop a huge selection of outdoor furniture online. This summer, get outside with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now.
THE ROAD TO KAELUMA: Visit jesusfilm.org/kaeluma-RBG to listen, learn more, or access discussion guides and other bonus content!
QUINCE: Give your summer closet an upgrade—with Quince. Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Skip the junk without overspending. Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
ACORNS EARLY: Head to acornsearly.com/ or download the Acorns Early app to help your kids grow their money skills today.
GEVITI: Visit www.gogeviti.com/raisingboysandgirls and use code RBG for the month of June for 20% off your first three months of membership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 30, 2025 • 2min
Music City Series is Back!
This summer, we’re bringing back one of our favorite series of all time - the Music City Series! Living in Music City, we are surrounded by the most fascinating and incredibly talented people. From Charles Kelley of Lady A, to THE voice of The Little Mermaid, Jodie Bensen, you are sure to hear from people you know and love. You’ll laugh, sing along and you will walk away with so much wisdom on family and the stuff that matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 29, 2025 • 42min
Episode 277: Why Kids Need Scripture in Today's World with Kelly Minter
If you have been around either of us very long, you know how much we both ADORE Kelly Minter! Kelly is not only a dear friend, but she’s one of our most trusted voices when it comes to speaking truth into our lives and the lives of kids. Kelly is the author of 2 books, 9 Bible Studies, 5 Bible Studies for teenagers (and one cookbook!) In this episode, we talk about how desperately kids need Scripture in today’s world and what we can do to help them fall in love with it. It’s an episode you’ll want to listen to…and then hop online and buy your kids and yourself all of her resources! Kelly, we’re so grateful for your wisdom and your dear friendship to us both! We love you!
. . . . .
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
Grab your tickets today for the Raising Capable Kids Conference with David Thomas, Sissy Goff and special guests!
Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
. . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
JOLIE: Jolie will give you your best skin & hair guaranteed. Head to jolieskinco.com/RBG to try it out for yourself with FREE shipping.
QUINCE: Treat your closet to a little summer glow-up with Quince. Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Ready to start 2025 junk-free? Head to Thrive market.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift!
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting FAITHGATEWAY.COM/NIVAB and using promo code RBG
GEVITI: Visit gogeviti.com to learn more and help her start a journey toward lasting vitality. Use code RBG for 20% off your first three months of membership.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 27, 2025 • 51min
Episode 276: Raising Resilient Children with Dr, Robert Brooks
Dr. Robert Brooks is not only a professor at Harvard Medical School, but is one of the world’s leading experts on the topic of resilience. In this episode, we get to listen to and learn from Bob, as he asked us to call him, on this crucial topic for kids today! He has so much wisdom and offers so much help in terms of how we help the kids we love learn that they can do hard things. We can’t wait for you to listen in on this important episode. And would love to hear any of your favorite takeaways in the comments!
. . . . .
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
Grab your tickets today for the Raising Capable Kids Conference with David Thomas, Sissy Goff and special guests!
Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
. . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
WAYFAIR: Shop a huge selection of outdoor furniture online. This summer, get outside with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now.
EVERYDAY DOSE: Get 45% off your first subscription order of 30-servings of Coffee+ or Bold+. You’ll also receive a starter kit with over $100 in free gifts including a rechargeable frother and gunmetal serving spoon by going to everydaydose.com/RGB or entering RGB at checkout. You’ll also get FREE gifts throughout the year!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 22, 2025 • 28min
Episode 275: Building Resilience with Owen, the Labrador Retriever
And now, it’s Owen’s turn! Sissy had so much fun getting to interview our very own David Thomas on why he wrote this wise and wonderful book called Owen Finds He Has What it Takes! Make sure to listen…so many important ideas on helping the kids we love develop resilience! And make sure to grab a copy of Owen, too! We love this book, David Thomas!!!!
. . . . .
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
Grab your tickets today for the Raising Capable Kids Conference with David Thomas, Sissy Goff and special guests!
Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com.
. . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
NEEDED: Head over to thisisneeded.com and use code RBG for 20% off your first order.
DOSE: Save 30% on your first month of subscription by going to dosedaily.co/RBG or entering RBG at checkout.
OUR PLACE: Visit fromourplace.com/RBG and use code RBG for 10% off sitewide.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 20, 2025 • 55min
Episode 274: Freeing the Child Through Anxiety, OCD, and Negative Thinking with Dr. Tamar Chansky
We are SO excited to introduce one of our heroes in the therapeutic world to our Raising Boys and Girls family today! Dr. Tamar Chansky, who you have heard us quote countless times, joins us as we talk about all things anxiety, OCD and negative thinking. There are so many pieces of wisdom in this episode we are sure you are going to want to come back to it many times. Dr. Chansky, we’re so grateful for this conversation and for the impact you have made in our work over the years!
Purchase Dr. Tamar Chansky’s books HERE.
Follow Dr. Tamar Chansky on Instagram.
. . . . .
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Grab your tickets today for the Raising Capable Kids Conference with David Thomas, Sissy Goff and special guests!
Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com.
. . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise with us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order. Go to to hiyahealth.com/RBG and get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults.
Function Health: We highly recommend Function. Learn more and join using our link. The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit www.functionhealth.com/RBG to own your health.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 15, 2025 • 31min
Ep 273: Building Bravery with Lucy, the Havanese
Discover how to nurture bravery in children from a young age! The hosts delve into the emotional power of therapy dogs, sharing heartwarming stories that highlight their impact on mental health. Learn practical strategies like creating a courage ladder and using 'brave beads' to celebrate milestones. The discussions also address anxiety in kids, with tips for managing fear through breathing techniques. Plus, the role of beloved pets in building trust, resilience, and coping skills is beautifully explored.

May 13, 2025 • 35min
Ep 272: What Helps Kids Be Brave with Henry Weber
In this heartwarming conversation, six-year-old Henry Weber, Sissy Goff's adorable nephew, shares his delightful insights on resilience and bravery. He highlights how courage can be practiced daily, using personal stories from kindergarten. With charming reflections on school, his pet dog, and sibling dynamics, Henry discusses the importance of support and friendship in overcoming challenges. Their playful banter includes strategies for emotional routines, making this an entertaining exploration of childhood resilience and the power of connection.