Welcome to Season 5 of The GoodKind Podcast! In this episode, hosts Clayton, Chris, and Amy discuss the ineffectiveness of New Year's resolutions, particularly in January and February, which they refer to as the 'gray days.' They explore the cultural narratives surrounding these months, emphasizing the importance of preparation rather than resolution.
The conversation delves into biblical reflections on seasons, the significance of waiting and growth, and practical steps for intentional living that align with the natural rhythms of life.
Ultimately, they advocate for a mindset shift towards viewing January and February as a time for reflection and preparation for the renewal that comes with spring.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 The Case Against New Year's Resolutions
02:41 Understanding the Gray Days of January and February
05:28 Cultural Narratives and Seasonal Contextualization
08:26 Biblical Reflections on Seasons and Growth
11:19 Preparation Over Resolution: A New Approach
14:07 Practical Steps for Intentional Living
16:56 Looking Forward: Anticipating Spring and Renewal
New Year's resolutions, January, February, gray days, cultural narratives, biblical reflections, preparation, intentional living, spiritual growth, seasonal change
In this GoodKind Podcast episode, Clayton, Amy, and Chris settle into the space between Christmas and New Year’s and talk about what this in-between season really feels like for families. From Advent rhythms and family traditions to debating the best day of the week for Christmas to land, the conversation unfolds into a thoughtful look at rest, celebration, and the slower pace that often arrives after the big day.
The team reflects on Advent practices in their own homes, including using the Family Guide, graduating kids into new rhythms, and how traditions evolve as children grow. From there, they zoom out to the calendar itself — unpacking how the day Christmas falls on shapes travel, work expectations, school breaks, and the overall emotional tone of the holiday season.
They introduce the idea of “Christmas Tide” (or what they jokingly call “overtime”) — the days between Christmas and New Year — as a gift of unstructured time. This conversation explores why that stretch can be especially meaningful for reflection, rest, and resetting as a family, without rushing straight into resolutions or productivity.
The episode also touches on how January functions differently than we often expect. Rather than a month for immediate habit changes, the team talks about January as a season of reflection, with February becoming a more natural place to begin new rhythms. Along the way, they share honest stories about family schedules, staying home instead of traveling, post-Christmas transitions, and the quiet beauty of not always knowing what day of the week it is.
If you’ve ever felt torn between holding onto Christmas and feeling ready to move forward — or wondered how to create space for reflection without pressure — this episode offers a gentle, grounded way to think about the season between celebration and the year ahead.
Takeaways
The days between Christmas and New Year can be a meaningful season of rest, reflection, and transition for families.
Advent and Christmas traditions naturally evolve as kids grow, and flexibility helps those rhythms stay life-giving.
The day of the week Christmas falls on shapes work, school, and family expectations more than we often realize.
“Christmas Tide” or "Overtime", as the hosts call it, offers space to slow down without rushing into goals or resolutions.
January works best as a reflective month, with new habits forming more naturally later on.
Letting Christmas end — without dragging it out or cutting it short — can help families transition well.
Unstructured time and slower rhythms play an important role in shaping healthy family habits.
Chapters
00:00 Season Five teaser and what’s ahead
02:15 Advent rhythms and family traditions
04:45 Graduating kids into new holiday practices
07:30 What’s the best day of the week for Christmas?
10:40 Work, school breaks, and holiday expectations
13:20 Introducing “Christmas Tide” and overtime
16:10 Staying home, reflecting, and post-Christmas rhythms
18:55 January as reflection, not resolution
22:30 Letting the season end well
24:45 Closing thoughts and encouragement
Keywords
Christmas traditions, Advent practices, Christian family rhythms, Christmas Tide, parenting during holidays, family reflection, January reflection, Christian parenting podcast, holiday habits, seasonal rhythms
In this GoodKind Podcast episode, Clayton, Amy, and Chris explore how artificial intelligence is quietly reshaping everyday life — from school and creativity to productivity and parenting. What begins as a practical conversation about using AI for efficiency quickly turns into a deeper discussion about discernment, formation, and what should (and should not) be offloaded to technology.
The team unpacks what AI does well — summarizing information, organizing ideas, brainstorming, and speeding up tasks — while also naming its limitations, including its tendency to sound confident even when it’s wrong. They discuss why better prompts matter, how AI can short-circuit learning if used too early, and why struggle and effort still play a critical role in creativity, wisdom, and growth.
They also reflect on how parents are already navigating AI in schools, writing assignments, music, and communication — often faster than expected — and why modeling intentional use matters more than setting rigid rules. Throughout the conversation, they return to a central question: Which human is this replacing? — and how that question can guide healthier decisions around technology.
If you’ve ever wondered whether using AI is making things easier at the cost of meaning… or how to integrate helpful tools without letting them become formative forces… this episode offers a thoughtful, grounded framework for using AI with clarity, boundaries, and purpose — especially in family life.
You learn how AI works best as a support tool for information and efficiency, not a replacement for creativity or wisdom.
Clear prompting leads to better results, while vague questions often produce shallow or incorrect output.
AI excels at summarizing, brainstorming, and organizing information — but still requires discernment.
Not everything should be offloaded; relationships, creativity, and formation matter too much.
Overusing AI can weaken creative and learning muscles, especially for kids.
Asking “Which human is this replacing?” helps clarify whether AI use is appropriate.
Modeling intentional AI use shapes how children understand effort, learning, and meaning.
00:00 Introduction to AI and Everyday Life
02:41 What AI Is Good At (and What It’s Not)
05:28 Prompting, Accuracy, and Discernment
08:47 AI, Creativity, and the Cost of Ease
12:11 Parenting, School, and Early AI Exposure
15:36 Which Human Is This Replacing?
18:42 Modeling Healthy Technology Habits
21:10 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
Keywords:
artificial intelligence and families, Christian parenting and technology, AI and creativity, using AI responsibly, parenting in the age of AI, technology and formation, discernment with AI, raising kids with technology, meaningful learning vs convenience
TakeawaysChapters
In this GoodKind Podcast episode, Clayton, Amy, and Chris dive into the confusing world of apologies — especially how kids (and adults) use the words “I’m sorry” to mean very different things. What starts as a lighthearted moment with an accidental speaking-over-one-another jab, quickly moves into a surprisingly rich discussion about forgiveness, empathy, conflict, and how families can model healthy emotional habits.
The team identifies three distinct categories of apology:
Forgiveness Apologies — “I did something wrong. Will you forgive me?”
Empathy Apologies — “I’m sorry that happened to you.”
Excuse-Me Apologies — small, accidental, social-grace moments that don’t require forgiveness.
They explore why kids mix these up, why parents often do too, and how to narrate the difference for your family. They also get honest about patterns in marriage (“Do I need forgiveness or is this a small misstep?”), sibling conflict without true repentance, and how to respond when someone apologizes in a different category than you expect.
If you’ve ever wondered why your child apologizes for bumping into a cabinet… or why you bristle when your spouse says “I forgive you” for something you didn’t think was a big deal… this episode will give you a simple, practical framework for navigating daily conflict with more clarity, grace, and emotional honesty.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Apologies and Forgiveness
02:32 Understanding Different Types of Apologies
05:15 The Complexity of Apologies in Parenting
07:43 Navigating Apologies with Children
10:50 The Role of Empathy in Apologies
13:31 Clarifying Misunderstandings in Apologies
16:22 Teaching Children About Apologies
19:19 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
apology types, family communication, Christian parenting, teaching kids forgiveness, sibling conflict resolution, emotional literacy for kids, Christian family habits, how to apologize well, empathy vs forgiveness
Now that we're officially in the Christmas season, it's time for a festive, music-filled episode of The Goodkind Podcast. Clayton, Chris, and Amy dive headfirst into the holiest of holiday debates: Which Christmas songs are actually good… and which ones should be banned forever?
From Mariah Carey to claymation classics, from nostalgic hymns to deeply questionable novelty tracks (looking at you, Dominick the Donkey), the team drafts their best and worst Christmas songs and explains why music shapes the season so powerfully.
They explore what makes a Christmas song meaningful, singable, memorable, or downright chaotic — and along the way share childhood memories, musical hot takes, and a few moments of friendly Christmas-themed outrage.
Whether you’re blasting the classics the moment Halloween ends or refusing to hit play until December 1, this episode will make you laugh, think, and probably text someone your own list of “songs that should be deleted forever.”
Takeaways
There are only about twelve classic Christmas songs… but apparently unlimited opinions.
Not all Christmas songs are created equal (some need to be retired immediately).
Meaningful lyrics, singability, and nostalgia shape which songs stick with us.
Memories tied to music often matter more than the song itself.
Playfulness and joy in music help anchor us in the season’s meaning.
Christmas music connects generations and believers from many backgrounds.
Find The King Is Coming song on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube!
https://open.spotify.com/album/4Dcg0c7cME2X1Ov6EypkWs?si=xaMlCE3bSsy-RrWhWnwSTQ
Learn more about GoodKind and the products we make at www.goodkind.shop
Like many episodes of The GoodKind Podcast, we're talking about family today... specifically about the furry friends that might (or might not) be considered family, too. Clayton, Amy, and Chris are wading into the wildly opinionated world of pets — from Christmas-card dogs to pet strollers to whether animals have “personalities” or souls. What starts as a silly debate (“Are pets human?”) turns into a surprisingly reflective conversation about companionship, responsibility, family rhythms, and why so many people invest deeply in their animals.
The hosts discuss the fine line between domestication and humanization, why dogs are basically analog antidotes to screen time, and the unexpected ways pets can teach gentleness, care, and even play. They share their own pet histories — from Chicken Alfredo the dog to Lucy the portrait-taking Shih Tzu — and wrap with the real benefits pets can bring to a home when kept in the right perspective.
This episode is equal parts comedy, conviction, and honest parenting conversation. Whether you’re a dog devotee, a reluctant pet parent, or a “hard no” on lizards in Christmas photos…you’ll find something to laugh about (and maybe rethink).
Takeaways
People often treat pets as if they’re human—and that's a genuine cause for concern.
Domestication has historically been functional; “pets as companions” is a modern phenomenon.
There’s a difference between a pet and a replacement for human connection.
Pets can provide non-screen fun, play, and even stress relief.
Caring for an animal can teach kids gentleness, responsibility, and empathy.
Dogs can bring families outdoors, increase activity, and promote healthy rhythms.
Pets introduce joy, consistency, and analog moments in an overly digital world.
Households aren’t just about who shares your last name—they’re about the people who share your life. In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, Clayton, Amy, and Chris dig into the idea of “household” as Andy Crouch describes it: a web of relationships that offers belonging, responsibility, and formation in a world that often feels disconnected.
From college dorm “communes” to hosting friends who become family, the hosts explore what it really means to live deeply with others. They unpack why modern life makes communal living feel strange, how technology has shaped us into isolated “pixels,” and why the Bible presents a much more connected vision of people bound together by trust and consequence.
Whether you're longing for deeper community, curious about living more intentionally with the people around you, or simply wondering if your friend-who’s-basically-an-aunt counts as part of your household, this conversation will help you imagine a richer, more rooted way of life.
Takeaways:
A “household” is more than a family—it’s a group of people who share life, trust, and responsibility.
Technology can flatten our relationships into interactions without consequence.
The Bible describes people as interconnected, like a net—distinct but bound together.
Hospitality is one of the simplest ways to rebuild household-like rhythms.
Deep community doesn’t always require sharing a roof, but it does require shared presence and vulnerability.
You can take small, intentional steps toward creating a modern household right where you are.
Resources & Products Mentioned:
The Life We’re Looking For – Andy Crouch’s exploration of households and human flourishing.
The Gospel Comes With a House Key – Rosaria Butterfield on hospitality and biblical community.
Thanksgiving isn’t just a day—it’s a temporal landmark, a pause in the year that reminds us to celebrate, reflect, and connect with the people around us. In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, Clayton, Amy, and Chris dive into the rhythms, rituals, and traditions that make Thanksgiving such a uniquely meaningful holiday.
From turkey trots to parades to the comfort of food and family, the hosts explore why this one day can feel so different from any other. Along the way, they discuss how holidays serve as anchors for our faith and habits, the science behind creating memorable experiences, and how intentionality can turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, thinking about how to make the holidays more meaningful, or looking for ways to cultivate lasting family traditions, this conversation will inspire you to pause, reflect, and create intentional joy.
Takeaways:
Holidays anchor our perception of time and help us engage with faith and family intentionally.
You can apply these principles to Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, or even personal milestones.
Resources & Products Mentioned:
Building Spiritual Habits in the Home – Explore chapters on timing, environment, and creating intentional habits.
Habits and Holidays Bundle – Tools to help your family cultivate meaningful seasonal traditions.
In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, hosts Clayton Greene, Chris Pappalardo, and Amy Kavanaugh dive into the world of youth sports — the wins, the worries, and what it all means for families. From undefeated soccer seasons to overcommitted schedules, the trio unpacks how competition, comparison, and cultural pressure can shape the way we raise our kids.
They discuss both the pitfalls and the potential of youth sports — teamwork, discipline, leadership, and humility — and how to keep the focus on character formation rather than performance. The conversation also explores the fine line between healthy comparison and envy, and how parents can set better rhythms by remembering their “why.”
Takeaways
Youth sports can teach teamwork, perseverance, and leadership when kept in perspective.
Overcommitment and competition often stem from a cultural obsession with winning.
Parents’ desire to give their kids every opportunity can unintentionally create pressure.
Comparison isn’t always negative — it can lead to growth, gratitude, and humility.
Not every child’s interest has to become a lifelong pursuit.
Asking “Why are we doing this?” helps families set boundaries and keep priorities straight.
Don’t live through your kids — let your kids live.
Chapters
00:00 — Introduction
02:00 — The undefeated season dilemma
05:00 — What’s gone wrong with youth sports?
07:00 — Parents, pressure, and overcommitment
10:00 — The obsession with winning
14:00 — The good side: teamwork, leadership, discipline
18:00 — The idol of potential
22:00 — Comparison vs. growth
28:00 — Competition, humility, and joy
30:00 — Remembering your “why”
32:00 — Final reflections and encouragement
It's time for our last Habits and Holidays episode of the year! We're covering all of November and December, and the many events between now and the end of the year.
Chris, Clayton, and Amy are discussing the importance of fully experiencing the joy and significance of the holiday season, without getting bogged down in the stress of it all. They share how time can feel both fleeting and slow, the value of gratitude, and the concept of feasting versus fasting during the holiday months. The conversation emphasizes creating meaningful moments with family and friends, celebrating endings, and building in rest to enhance the joy of the season.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to The GoodKind Podcast
02:33 - The Perception of Time
05:30 - Experiencing Life Fully
08:17 - Seasons of Celebration
11:00 - Defining the Holiday Season
13:51 - Feasting vs. Fasting
16:20 - Embracing Gratitude
19:09 - Creating Meaningful Moments
21:47 - Conclusion and Reflections
This episode of The GoodKind Podcast is all about talking about sports. If it sounds a little meta, it is. Chris Pappalardo, Clayton Greene, and Amy Kavanaugh are exploring the dynamics of sports conversations, particularly focusing on how gender influences participation and engagement.
They discuss the cultural context of sports in society, the role of sports in shaping identity and community, and the importance of inclusivity in conversations. The conversation highlights the need for thoughtful communication that respects diverse interests and experiences, ultimately aiming to foster a more inclusive dialogue around sports and other topics.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to The GoodKind Podcast
01:41 - The Dynamics of Sports Conversations
05:21 - Gender Perspectives in Sports Discussions
10:47 - Cultural Context of Sports in Society
16:08 - The Role of Sports in Identity and Community
21:32 - Conclusion and Reflections on Inclusivity
Keywords
GoodKind Podcast, sports conversations, gender dynamics, cultural context, identity, community, inclusivity, sports analogies, communication, relationships
In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, hosts Clayton Greene, Amy Kavanaugh, and Chris Pappalardo talk about something every family faces — getting sick. From sniffles to stomach bugs, they explore how illness disrupts routines, work, and family rhythms — and what it reveals about rest, responsibility, and our human limits.
The conversation moves from hilarious sick-day stories to deeper reflections on how the Bible talks about illness, what it means to truly rest, and how to balance care, community, and calling when someone is under the weather. They even debate whether sickness is spiritual, physical, or just part of being human. With a mix of laughter and insight, this episode reminds listeners that slowing down — even when forced to — can be a gift.
Takeaways
The “how sick is too sick” question is universal — and complicated.
Our attitudes about illness often reflect how we view work, identity, and responsibility.
The Bible doesn’t ignore sickness — it connects physical and spiritual wholeness.
True rest sometimes means letting go of control and trusting others to carry on.
Parenting teaches triage — knowing what’s urgent and what can wait.
Caring for a sick child can become a moment of unexpected connection and grace.
It’s okay to actually enjoy a sick day if it helps you rest and recover.
Learning to pause reminds us: we’re not indispensable, and that’s freeing
Resources
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
The Hidden Genius of the Life We’re Looking For by Andy Crouch
Chatter by Ethan Kross
Franz Anton Mesmer (the origin of “mesmerize” — yes, really)
Welcome back to another episode of The GoodKind Podcast, Clayton is starting things off with confession—movie night confessions, specifically. It's a conversation all about movies, and watching movies together as a family. As the conversation unfolds, they explore the evolution of family movie nights as children grow older, emphasizing the importance of movie content and its themes, especially in relation to biblical narratives.
The hosts discuss how movies can reflect deeper truths and resonate with Christian themes, highlighting the need for a savior as a recurring motif in storytelling. They share strategies for creating meaningful movie experiences that foster connection and engagement within families, ultimately reflecting on the power of storytelling in shaping understanding and values.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to The GoodKind Podcast
00:27 - Confessions About Movie Preferences
04:20 - Transitioning Movie Experiences with Kids
06:15 - Exploring Movie Content and Themes
11:23 - The Connection Between Movies and Biblical Themes
16:50 - The Need for a Savior in Storytelling
20:37 - Creating Meaningful Movie Experiences
26:35 - Conclusion and Reflections on Storytelling
Keywords
GoodKind Podcast, movie confessions, family movie night, biblical themes in movies, storytelling, movie experiences, parenting, movie preferences, meaningful moments, movie content
In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, hosts Clayton Greene, Chris Pappalardo, and Amy Kavanaugh explore the complexities of parenting, particularly focusing on discipline and its biblical foundations. They discuss the challenges of navigating sensitive topics, the importance of trust in conversations, and the various phases of parenting.
The conversation delves into biblical references on discipline, the significance of natural consequences, and the overarching goal of character formation in children. The hosts emphasize the need for empathy and understanding in parenting, highlighting that discipline is not just about correction but also about guiding children towards flourishing lives.
Takeaways
Keywords
GoodKind Podcast, parenting, discipline, Bible, Proverbs, conversations, character formation, natural consequences, spiritual growth, family habits
In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, Clayton Greene, Chris Pappalardo, and Amy Kavanaugh explore the meaning and purpose of work.
They unpack what Scripture says about work as both creation and cultivation, and how our modern understanding often drifts toward toil, burnout, or misplaced ambition. The hosts reflect on the balance between work and rest, the danger of idolizing our vocations, and how even the most ordinary jobs can serve as a blessing to others when done with integrity, compassion, and excellence.
They also discuss the blurred lines between work and home in today’s culture and the importance of seeing value beyond monetary measures.
Takeaways
Work is part of God’s design—we create and cultivate because we are made in His image.
The purpose of work is to bless others and glorify God, not just to earn money.
Even “ordinary” jobs can reflect God’s character and contribute to human flourishing.
Burnout often comes from idolizing work or overidentifying with output.
Work and rest are meant to coexist; Sabbath reminds us to stop and trust God.
Value isn’t only found in economic output—homemaking, caregiving, and unseen work matter deeply.
Joy in work can be restorative when approached with the right rhythms and boundaries.
Resources
Playing God by Andy Crouch — on creative vs. corruptive power
GoodKind Advent Blocks — goodkind.shop
We're getting emotional in this episode of The Goodkind Podcast. Chris, Clayton, and Amy are exploring the complexities of emotions, discussing how to identify, communicate, and regulate feelings.
They delve into the importance of emotional awareness, the zones of regulation, and the role of emotions in decision-making. The conversation also touches on how Jesus exemplified a full range of emotions and the significance of self-talk in managing feelings. The hosts emphasize the need for both emotional expression and regulation to navigate life's challenges effectively.
Takeaways
** Listen to our content warning at the beginning this episode, please! While we do not use any explicit language, the topic and discussion in general might not be appropriate for all ages. If you have pre-teens or teenagers though, we think it would be so fruitful for them to listen in! **
In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, the hosts explore the topic of cussing, discussing intentions behind speech, cultural expectations, family conversations, and biblical perspectives.
They delve into the complexity of language, the importance of context, and how to teach children about appropriate language use. The conversation also touches on the relationship between language and emotion, the grace for slip-ups and those who speak differently than you, and the distinction between cursing and blessing in a biblical context.
Takeaways
In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, Clayton, Chris, and Amy discuss the multifaceted impact of screen time on individuals and families. They explore the metrics of screen usage, the different types of screens, and the importance of content. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentionality in screen time, considering both the purpose and the potential for communal engagement. The hosts also reflect on the challenges and benefits of screens in educational settings and family dynamics, ultimately advocating for a balanced approach to technology use.
Takeaways
In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, Clayton Greene, Chris Pappalardo, and Amy Kavanaugh dive into the meaning of friendship and why it matters so deeply for our spiritual and daily lives. From “leftover friends” to “vacation friends,” they explore the categories of connection that shape our relationships and laugh through their own experiences of defining (and sometimes redefining) what true friendship looks like.
They also wrestle with the challenges of building and maintaining close friendships in adulthood and ask whether you can form new, lifelong friendships outside of your college years. The conversation ultimately highlights why friendship is a spiritual gift that brings accountability, joy, and meaning into our lives.
Takeaways
Friendship involves both loving and liking another person.
Different seasons of life bring different types of friendships — from childhood peers to college roommates to neighbors and church friends.
“Vacation friends” and “backdoor friends” illustrate deeper levels of trust, vulnerability, and comfort.
Adult friendship often requires intentionality and risk — inviting others into your unpolished, everyday moments.
Friendship enriches spiritual habits through accountability, encouragement, joy, correction, and meaning.
While many lifelong friends are made between ages 18–28, meaningful friendships can be formed later in life through shared vulnerability and unplanned time together.
Resources
Messy Beautiful Friendship by Christine Hoover https://www.amazon.com/Messy-Beautiful-Friendship-Finding-Through/dp/1433558188
Building Spiritual Habits in the Home by Clayton Greene & Chris Pappalardo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5VBPZZR
Learn more about GoodKind → goodkind.shop
Follow us on Instagram: @goodkind.co
*Audio updated 9/18 at 9:15 am.*
Get ready for some singing! In this lively episode of The GoodKind Podcast, Clayton Greene, Chris Pappalardo, and Amy Kavanaugh share a mix of laughter, personal stories, and meaningful reflections on the power of music in our lives and families. It's all about exploring God's good gift of music, and how it moves our hearts, shapes our memories, and offers both opportunities and challenges when it comes to spiritual formation.
They swap nostalgic tales about Napster days, kid-influenced playlists, and family car ride soundtracks, all while wrestling with how to be intentional about what we—and our kids—are listening to. Rather than seeing music primarily as a “danger” to guard against, they encourage parents to lean into it as an opportunity for joy, connection, and discipleship.
Takeaways
Music reaches the heart quickly.
Lyrics matter. Whether uplifting or questionable, they’re worth talking about with our kids.
Avoiding all “problematic” music isn’t the only option—use it as a springboard for conversation and critical thinking.
Family playlists shape culture. What’s on repeat in your home influences what your kids remember.
Intentional exposure builds formation. Thoughtfully chosen music can plant truth, joy, and faith deep in our hearts.