Best Matagora Podcasts (2026)

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Navigating mental health with faith and community with Erin Kerry 27:50

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7d ago27:50

27:50

Hey friends, You know those conversations you know are important, but they still feel a little intimidating to start? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. In this episode, I’m joined by Erin Kerry who’s bravely sharing her story and helping us hold space for the hard things, especially when it comes to mental health in our homes. As parents…

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How to navigate culture with a Biblical worldview with Connor Jones and Micah Tomasella 35:33

14d ago35:33

35:33

Hey friends, If you’ve ever looked at the world and thought, “This is too much, I don’t even know where to start,” you are not alone. Culture is moving at warp speed, and as Christian parents, it can feel impossible to keep up, let alone know how to guide our kids through it all with clarity, calm, and conviction. In today’s episode, I’m joined by …

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A Christmas reflection for parents 9:59

21d ago9:59

9:59

Hey Friends! I’ve never done a solo episode before, but Christmas felt like the right time to try. In the middle of a season that can feel loud, full, emotional, and a little overwhelming, this episode is an invitation to take just ten minutes to pause and breathe and remember the gift that never fades. Whether your home feels busy and chaotic or q…

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Unwrapping the truth about Christmas with Lee Strobel 33:59

28d ago33:59

33:59

Let’s talk about Christmas. Not just the cozy traditions or the sparkling lights, but the actual story of what happened in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. This week on the podcast, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Lee Strobel and together we explore the deeper truths of the nativity story, why the details matter, and how we can share t…

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When Christmas doesn’t go as planned with Sheila Walsh 29:01

1M ago29:01

29:01

The lights are twinkling, the carols are playing, and everything should feel magical... but sometimes, it just doesn’t. Whether your kids are navigating big feelings of disappointment or you're trying to balance joy and weariness in your own heart, this conversation is for you. This week I’m joined by author and speaker Sheila Walsh, and we’re talk…

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Parenting was never meant to be done alone with Elisa Morgan 30:45

1M ago30:45

30:45

Let’s be honest, parenting can feel incredibly isolating at times. Whether you're in a full house or navigating solo moments between the chaos, it’s easy to feel like no one really sees what you're carrying. But here’s the good news: you were never meant to do this alone. This week’s conversation is a beautiful reminder of that truth. I had the joy…

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Healing Through Storytelling: A Journey Within with Dave Gibbons 43:33

2M ago43:33

43:33

In this episode of the AACC Podcast, our host, Ray Chang, continues his conversation with Pastor Dave Gibbons of Newsong Church in Southern California. Pastor Gibbons explores the profound impact of storytelling on healing and self-discovery. He shares insights on how personal narratives can resonate with readers, providing them with the words to e…

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Finding faith in unanswered prayers with Kara Stout 29:01

2M ago29:01

29:01

Hey friend, We all know the ache of unanswered prayer, the kind that keeps us up at 2 a.m., whispering desperate prayers into the dark. This week on the podcast, I sat down with Kara Stout, who knows that ache all too well. From infertility and adoption to financial stress and deep grief, Kara’s story is one of wrestling with disappointment, surren…

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Holding on to hope while you wait with Alice Matagora 27:55

2M ago27:55

27:55

This week’s conversation is tender, powerful, and one that so many carry quietly: the journey of waiting for a child. I’m joined by Alice Matagora and she shares her story of infertility with such grace and vulnerability, offering encouragement for anyone walking through a season of waiting or supporting someone who is. Whether you’ve walked this r…

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The Favor on Asian Americans: A Cultural Shift with Dave Gibbons 42:38

2M ago42:38

42:38

In this episode of the AACC Podcast, our host, Ray Chang engages with Pastor Dave Gibbons and they explore the unique position of Asian-Americans in society today, highlighting the cultural adaptability of AAPI and the opportunities available for them to leverage their experiences and voices in addressing societal challenges. Pastor Gibbons emphasi…

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Living in the tension of overwhelmed and grateful as a parent with Jillian Benfield 26:11

2M ago26:11

26:11

Have you ever felt pulled between being deeply grateful and totally overwhelmed? You’re not alone, and today’s conversation will meet you right in that tension. I’m joined by author and TV journalist Jillian Benfield, who shares her powerful story of navigating unexpected challenges and discovering a deeper, more honest relationship with God along …

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How to start your mornings with God (even if you’re not a morning person) with Tara Beth Leach 31:17

2M ago31:17

31:17

If your mornings feel more like survival mode than sacred space, this week’s episode is for you. I’m joined by Tara Beth Leach, she's pastor, author, and mom, and we’re talking all about how to make mornings with God doable and deeply meaningful, even in the busiest seasons of parenting. Tara Beth shares how a personal valley led her to create a si…

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Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World: Interview with Book Creators Helen Lee and Shin Maeng 50:01

2M ago50:01

50:01

In this episode of the AACC podcast, host Ray Chang engages in a rich conversation with Helen Lee and Shin Maeng about their collaborative children's book 'Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World.' They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the evolution of its themes, particularly around prayer, and the importance of cultural identity in sto…

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The power of a shoebox & how one gift can change a life with Izabella McMillon 38:14

3M ago38:14

38:14

Hey friends, Have you ever packed an Operation Christmas Child shoebox and wondered where it might end up? Or what kind of impact something so small could really make? This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Izabella McMillon, who received one of those shoeboxes as a child growing up in Romania. Her story is deeply moving, a real glimpse into how G…

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Living out loud with kindness with Jimmy Darts 31:28

3M ago31:28

31:28

This week’s episode is one you’re going to want to listen to with your kids! I’m talking with Jimmy Darts, yes, that Jimmy Darts from social media, whose videos of undercover kindness and radical generosity have touched millions. But what you might not know is the incredible faith journey behind it all. Jimmy’s story is a beautiful reminder that ev…

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Motherhood isn’t your only identity with Vicki Courtney 33:48

3M ago33:48

33:48

This week’s conversation is such a refreshing encouragement for every stage of motherhood. I’m joined by author, speaker, and seasoned mom Vicki Courtney, and she brings so much wisdom and honesty about the changing roles we face as moms. From the early years of raising little ones to navigating an empty nest, Vicki reminds us that while motherhood…

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Raising kids rooted in God's truth with Hosanna Wong 35:57

3M ago35:57

35:57

This week’s episode of the Christian Parenting Podcast is such a life-giving conversation, one that will fill your heart and equip you with fresh encouragement for the days ahead. I got to sit down with Hosanna Wong, who is a powerhouse of wisdom and truth. She’s a spoken word artist, pastor, and author, and she joined me to talk about raising kids…

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Listening to truth in a world full of lies with Brendt Blanks 30:24

3M ago30:24

30:24

In this week’s episode Brendt Blanks shares how so many of us, especially moms, wrestle with thoughts that aren’t true. And if we’re not careful, those thoughts become beliefs. Brendt helps us learn how to pause, notice, and replace those lies with God’s truth, and her insight is incredibly freeing. Here are a few things we talk about: • How to rec…

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Raising emotionally healthy kids with Debra Fileta 30:09

4M ago30:09

30:09

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to help your kids navigate their big feelings, or if you’re still figuring out your own emotional landscape, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Debra Fileta, and she’s bringing a fresh perspective from her brand-new children’s book, Any Day Emotions. We talk about raising emotionally healthy families, what i…

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When we can’t fix our kids’ hurt with Vanessa Siso 31:36

4M ago31:36

31:36

This episode is for every parent who has ever felt helpless watching their child go through something hard. You know that ache, that deep desire to step in and fix it all? Today’s guest is Vanessa Siso, a registered psychologist and author, and she brings such a gentle, wise, and hope-filled perspective. She reminds us that while we can’t always pr…

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How to embrace adventure as a family with Dan and Sam Matthews 38:00

4M ago38:00

38:00

Welcome back to the Christian Parenting Podcast! I hope you’re ready for a really fun, really doable conversation that might just spark your next memory-making moment. This week, I’m chatting with Dan and Sam Matthews. They are parents, content creators, and big believers in family adventures. You might know them from their videos online, but today…

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BONUS: Praying for your kids this school year 13:32

4M ago13:32

13:32

Hey friends, today we’ve got something special for you: a bonus episode straight from the Pardon the Mess podcast! Every Monday, host Courtney DeFeo shares a short prayer to help you lift up your kids. This year’s series follows Christian Parenting’s brand new prayer journal, A Great Cloud of Witnesses. Each week highlights a biblical hero of the f…

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Helping our kids find their identity in Christ with Emma Mae McDaniel 34:09

4M ago34:09

34:09

This week’s episode is one that speaks straight to the heart especially for those of us raising kids in a digital world. I’m joined by joy-filled Emma Mae McDaniel, a speaker and writer who shares her powerful story of navigating cyberbullying and learning to root her identity in Christ rather than the words of others. Her story is raw, redemptive,…

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Making room for what matters with Kari Kampakis 32:08

5M ago32:08

32:08

In a world that constantly pushes us to hustle harder and do more, this week’s conversation is a breath of fresh air. I sat down with the wise and grace-filled Kari Kampakis, and she reminded us of something so important: sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is make peace with accomplishing less in a day. As parents, it's easy to feel like w…

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Building a strong, grace-filled family with Jessica Smartt 30:54

5M ago30:54

30:54

Hey Friends, What does it really mean to build a strong family? Not a perfect one, but one grounded in love, grace, and connection? That’s exactly what we’re digging into this week on the podcast. I’m joined by the wonderful Jessica Smartt, and this conversation is the cozy encouragement every parent needs right now. From navigating sibling squabbl…

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Raising Justice-Minded Kids with Elisa Johnston 35:40

5M ago35:40

35:40

Have you ever wondered how to talk to your kids about justice in a way that’s rooted in Scripture and lived out with compassion? This week’s conversation is one that will both equip and encourage you. I’m joined by Elisa Johnston and we’re talking all about raising kids who care deeply about others and live out their faith in practical ways. This e…

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The power of wonder and outdoor living with Ginny Yurich 34:36

5M ago34:36

34:36

Have you ever felt like your kids are too bored… or maybe like you’re the only one swimming upstream when it comes to slowing down family life? This episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. I’m joined by Ginny Yurich, homeschooling mom of five and founder of the Thousand Hours Outside movement and she brings the most encouraging reminder that …

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Reintegrating Evangelism and Justice in the Church with Soong-Chan Rah 42:22

6M ago42:22

42:22

Today's episode explores the intersection of Asian American Christianity and justice, discussing the historical context of justice within Christianity, the separation of evangelism and justice, and the impact of Western individualism on Asian American faith. Our host, Raymond Chang, together with Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, emphasize the need to recov…

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Faith over fame in youth sports with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith 36:33

6M ago36:33

36:33

If you’re navigating the world of youth sports with your kids, this episode is for you. I sat down with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith, two seasoned sports dads with decades of experience in athletics and ministry to talk about one of the biggest parenting pressures today: how do we raise kids who love sports without losing sight of their faith, value…

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You’re not underqualified, you’re just underestimated with Mary Marantz 34:46

6M ago34:46

34:46

Have you ever felt like you were faking it in life or parenting? Like God may have something more for you, but you're unsure if you’re ready or even worthy? You are so not alone. This week I’m joined by Mary Marantz, and wow, what a conversation. Mary shares her journey from deep-rooted self-doubt to walking confidently in God’s calling. Her words …

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Giving Language to Our Experiences: A Conversation with Daniel D. Lee 50:14

6M ago50:14

50:14

In this episode, AACC President, Ray Chang, and Professor Daniel D. Lee explore the complexities of Asian American Christianity, discussing the integration of theology and identity, the challenges faced by the community, and the importance of contextualized ministry. They emphasize the need for nuanced understanding and language to articulate the A…

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When faith feels fragile, a conversation on deconstruction with Nicholas McDonald 36:02

6M ago36:02

36:02

Have you or your kids ever wrestled with hard questions about faith? If so, you're not alone and you’re definitely in the right place today. This week, I’m talking with Nicholas McDonald about his personal journey through disillusionment, deconstruction, and ultimately a deep renewal of his hope in Jesus. His honesty, wisdom, and compassion are suc…

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Letting go, leaning in, and raising brave kids with Katie Davis Majors 27:11

6M ago27:11

27:11

What do we do when God’s calling for our child’s life looks nothing like we expected? This week’s episode is such a gift. I’m joined by Katie Davis Majors, a mom, missionary, and founder of Amazima Ministries who shares her journey from a planned gap year to a lifelong mission in Uganda. Her story will stretch your perspective on calling, parenting…

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When the school plan changes - our online school story with Brittaney Devane 33:04

7M ago33:04

33:04

We’ve reached the final week of our school choice series, and I’m so excited for you to hear this conversation. Today, I’m chatting with my friend, Brittaney Devane about what it looks like to choose online school even when it wasn’t the original plan. Her family made a big pivot, and what followed was growth, flexibility, and a deeper sense of pur…

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Faithfully navigating public school with Ashley Grutzmacher 40:31

7M ago40:31

40:31

We’re continuing our school choice series, and today’s episode is such a thoughtful one. I’m joined by Ashley Grutzmacher—a public school teacher, mom, and passionate advocate for loving your neighbor and showing up well in your community. Ashley offers such a grounded and honest look into the public school experience, and I think this conversation…

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Is Homeschooling for Us? 39:16

7M ago39:16

39:16

We’re continuing our special series on school choices today, and I’m so excited to share this conversation with Leigh Nguyen, a mom who never planned to homeschool but followed God’s nudge and hasn’t looked back. Her story is honest, inspiring, and full of practical insight for anyone wondering if homeschooling could actually work for their family.…

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Is private Christian school right for your family with Katelyn Freitas? 38:20

7M ago38:20

38:20

We’re continuing our special series all about school options, and today we’re diving into private Christian education. This is a conversation that I think will really help if you’re trying to figure out what role faith can (and should) play in your child’s school life. I'm joined by Katelyn Freitas, the middle school principal at my kids’ school, a…

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Choosing a school - our story & why it’s okay to pivot with Trevor Thurling 28:13

7M ago28:13

28:13

We’re kicking off a brand-new series all about school choices because let’s be honest, it’s something many of us didn’t realize would be such a big parenting decision. Over the next five weeks we will be covering the pros and cons of multiple different school options: public school, private school, homeschool, and online school. In this first episo…

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Learning from the Margins: The Future of Asian American Christianity with Abraham Cho 50:02

8M ago50:02

50:02

On this episode of the AACC Podcast, Ray Chang and Reverend Dr. Abraham Cho explore the complexities of Asian American Christian leadership, the journey into ministry, and the cultural identity that shapes their experiences. They discuss the challenges of navigating predominantly white evangelical spaces, the diverging paths of career choices among…

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Choosing joy and peace in parenting with Tauren Wells 32:26

8M ago32:26

32:26

This week we’re diving into something every family longs for...Joy. I’m joined by Tauren Wells, and we’re talking about how to create a home filled with lasting joy, not just fleeting happiness. We unpack what it looks like to live out the beatitudes, how our identity shapes our parenting, and why emotional health matters so much in our homes. Here…

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Breaking free from the screen time trap with Clare Morell 42:27

8M ago42:27

42:27

Today’s conversation is so timely and practical. I’m joined by Clare Morell, author of the upcoming book The Tech Exit, and we’re talking all about how digital technology is shaping our kids—and what we can do about it. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by screen time, smartphone battles, or social media pressure, this episode will leave you feeling …

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The Importance of True Belonging and Taking Up Space With Alice Matagora 40:47

8M ago40:47

40:47

On this episode of the AACC Podcast, Ray Chang interviews Alice Matagora and discusses the journey of finding belonging and embracing her identity as an Asian American woman within white evangelical spaces. Alice emphasizes the need for communities that embrace and value the full expression of God's kingdom, where individuals can be their authentic…

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Faith, apologetics, and the supernatural with Lee Strobel 34:11

8M ago34:11

34:11

Hello Friends, This week’s episode is incredibly special to me. I’m joined by Lee Strobel, whose book The Case for Christ played a huge role in reigniting my faith back in college. Getting to sit down with him felt like a full-circle moment—and I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation. Lee shares his personal journey from atheism to belief, a…

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Building emotionally resilient kids with Sissy Goff and David Thomas 31:03

8M ago31:03

31:03

I’m so excited about this week’s episode because I’m joined by two of my favorite guests Sissy Goff and David Thomas from the Raising Boys and Girls podcast! They’re sharing incredible insights from their counseling practice and offering encouragement for every parent navigating the emotional ups and downs of raising kids today. Here are four key t…

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The Relationship Between Ethnic Loneliness and Belonging with Prasanta Verma 43:37

9M ago43:37

43:37

In this episode of the AACC podcast, Ray Chang interviews Prasanta Verma about her book on ethnic loneliness and her personal journey of growing up as an Indian immigrant in predominantly white spaces. She dives deeper into the loneliness and identity conflicts she experienced while also navigating different forms of racism and marginalization that…

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Rethinking kids’ spiritual growth and role in the church with Pastor Brian Suter 31:27

9M ago31:27

31:27

This week’s episode is special because I’m sitting down with my friend and pastor, Brian Suter. Brian and his wife Courtney, planted Branch Church here in Minnesota about four years ago, and my family has been part of it since the beginning. We’re talking all about how our church approaches kids’ ministry, and it’s a little different than what you …

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Answering kids' hard questions - faith, science, and suffering with Justin Brierley 40:03

9M ago40:03

40:03

Today’s episode is such a fascinating and encouraging conversation. I’m joined by Justin Brierley, journalist, author, and Christian apologist—and we’re diving into how we as parents can guide our kids through some of life’s biggest questions about faith, doubt, and belief. Here’s what you’ll hear in today's conversation: Helping kids ask honest qu…

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Embracing Your Culture and Your Faith with Simi John 40:49

9M ago40:49

40:49

On this episode of the AACC Podcast, Raymond Chang sits down with the dynamic author and speaker, Simi John, for a powerful conversation about identity, faith, and culture. Simi shares her journey of navigating life as both an Indian and a Christian woman—two identities that often felt at odds. Through raw insights and personal stories, she reveals…

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God’s faithfulness in the midst of grief with Lori Apon 28:08

9M ago28:08

28:08

Today’s episode is powerful, tender, and full of hope. I’m joined by Lori Apon, a widow, a single mom of eight, and now a grandmother to twenty! Lori shares her deeply personal story of walking through grief and the chaos of early widowhood, and how God’s promises sustained her through it all. Here’s what you’ll hear in today's conversation: Even i…

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Helping your kids understand their identity in Christ with Kyle Worley 34:14

9M ago34:14

34:14

Today I’m joined by Kyle Worley, and we’re breaking down what it actually means to have union with Christ and anchor our children’s identity in God in the middle of a world full of noise, confusion, and competing worldviews. Here’s what you’ll hear in today's conversation: Understanding our connection to God through Jesus gives kids a steady anchor…