Baffled

More2life

Are you a parent of a teenager, or youth worker, and have a hard time understanding them? Welcome to Baffled where we help you understand your miss understood teen. We talk about the modern topics and lingo that is cultivating in your teenagers world. We want to give you tips on how to navigate within the rough waters of raising a teenager! 

  1. Jun 3

    We Overprotect Kids in the Real World, but Leave Them Defenseless Online. Here’s Why

    Does your teen go completely berserk when you take their phone away? You’re not alone. Welcome back to the Baffled podcast with Jonathan and Jason! In this episode, we dive deep into "The Great Rewiring" of childhood, exploring the dramatic shift from a "play-based childhood" to a "phone-based childhood" that occurred between 2010 and 2015. Using Jonathan Haidt’s groundbreaking book, The Anxious Generation, we unpack exactly why today's Gen Z and Gen Alpha teens are navigating the world so differently than previous generations. We uncover the startling truth about screen addiction: apps are intentionally engineered to hijack our attention. We are seeing kids form literal chemical bonds with their devices through the release of oxytocin and endorphins, making screen withdrawal a very real and painful experience. In this episode, we cover: The 4 Harms of Screen Time: Social deprivation, sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, and addiction.The Parenting Paradox: Why we overprotect our kids in the physical world (like not letting them walk to the park) but severely underprotect them in the dangerous virtual world.Video Games Then vs. Now: How classic video games actually taught critical thinking and resilience, while modern endless-world games are stunting it.Carpenter vs. Gardener Parenting: Are you trying to control and assemble the perfect child, or are you creating a safe environment with clear boundaries for them to flourish?.Actionable Advice: Why letting your kids be "bored" is crucial for their imagination, and how "bricking" a smartphone can help you reclaim your family's focus. The ultimate goal? Give your kids more freedom in the physical world and stronger boundaries in the digital world! 👇 Let us know in the comments: Do you consider yourself a "Carpenter" or a "Gardener" parent? 🔔 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with a parent, teacher, or youth worker who needs to hear this! #ScreenTime #ParentingTips #JonathanHaidt #TeenAnxiety #TheGreatRewiring #BaffledPodcast #DigitalDetox Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Anxious Generation 03:01 - The Great Rewiring of Childhood 05:41 - The Impact of Screen Time on Youth 08:24 - Parenting in the Digital Age 11:11 - The Need for Real-World Experiences 14:07 - Balancing Protection and Freedom 16:52 - The Role of Critical Thinking 19:45 - Addressing the Four Harms of Digital Life 22:38 - Strategies for Healthy Digital Habits 25:16 - Conclusion and Call to Action

    33 min

  2. Apr 1

    The IQ Gap: Why Gen Z is Falling Behind (And How to Bridge It)

    Is Gen Z getting less intelligent? Discover why Gen Z IQ is falling for the first time in 120 years and get practical parenting tips for digital health and cognitive development. For over a century, every generation has been "sharper" than the one before it—until now. In this episode of Baffled, we explore the "biological glitch" that happens when we try to replace human connection with screens. We’re unpacking why technology in schools has decoupled learning from development and how you, as a parent, can become an "Analog Architect" to rebuild your teen’s focus, memory, and wisdom. 📍 Timestamps: 00:00 – The 120-Year Shift: Why Gen Z is falling behind 01:07 – Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath: The data on tech vs. learning 02:04 – Knowledge vs. Wisdom: Why Google isn’t making kids smarter 03:43 – The 2010 Decoupling: What changed in our schools? 05:51 – The Biological Glitch: Why the brain rejects screen-learning 06:38 – The Incarnational Principle: Biblical insights on presence 08:09 – Rebuilding Cognitive Strength: 3 Shifts for Parents 09:12 – The Power of Friction: Why boredom is a "Brain Gym" 10:00 – The 60-Minute Bedtime Brain Hack for better memory 10:30 – Final Thoughts: Choices that affect the future 📌 Don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe to Baffled, and share this video with others who want to grow in their faith! About Us: Can't relate or communicate with your teen? Welcome to Baffled where we help you understand your misunderstood teen. We unpack the challenges teens face and give you practical tools to bridge the gap between confusion and connection. For more inspiration and information, check out our website at M2L.ORG. Feel free to ask questions, call, or email us.

    11 min

  3. Feb 25

    From Struggles to Strength: Pedro's Journey

    In this conversation, Pedro Rodriguez shares his personal journey from a troubled youth to the founder of Urban Youth Justice, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring justice-involved youth. He discusses the challenges he faced growing up, the transformative power of faith, and the importance of community support in breaking the cycle of fatherlessness and crime. The conversation highlights the misconceptions surrounding justice-involved youth and emphasizes the need for mentorship, life skills training, and understanding the impact of environment on youth behavior. Pedro also shares inspiring stories of transformation and encourages listeners to get involved in supporting youth in need. 📖 Takeaways: 📌 Pedro started Urban Youth Justice to address personal challenges he faced as a youth. 📌 He experienced significant transformation through faith and leadership roles. 📌 Urban Youth Justice focuses on mentoring justice-involved youth. 📌 The organization engages with incarcerated youth to provide support and guidance. 📌 COVID-19 presented challenges, but they adapted using technology to connect with youth. 📌 Mentorship is crucial for breaking the cycle of fatherlessness and crime. Pedro wrote the Urban Youth Survival Guide to share his experiences and insights. 📌 Community involvement is essential for youth development and support. Many misconceptions exist about justice-involved youth; they are often products of their environment. 📌Life skills and counseling are vital for helping youth navigate their challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Urban Youth Justice 01:09 Pedro's Personal Journey and Challenges 04:25 Transformation Through Faith and Leadership 06:57 Building a Family and Overcoming Adversity 09:42 Launching Urban Youth Justice 12:57 Adapting to Challenges During COVID-19 17:55 The Importance of Mentorship 20:52 Writing the Urban Youth Survival Guide 27:53 Understanding Gen Z Communication Challenges 28:48 Navigating Teen Independence and Parental Control 30:15 The Importance of Personal Faith in Adolescence 31:10 The Role of Tough Love in Parenting 33:18 Effective Approaches to Youth Mentoring 34:47 Addressing Underlying Issues in Youth Behavior 36:40 The Need for Life Skills Education 39:10 Building Structure and Guidance for At-Risk Youth 40:24 Transformative Stories of Youth Redemption 46:22 Understanding the Psychological Pressures on Youth 50:19 Creating Safe Spaces for Youth 53:23 Misconceptions About Justice-Involved Youth 📌 Don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe to Baffled, and share this video with others who want to grow in their faith! About Us: Can't relate or communicate with your teen? Welcome to Baffled where we help you understand your misunderstood teen. We unpack the challenges teens face and give you practical tools to bridge the gap between confusion and connection. For more inspiration and information, check out our website at M2L.ORG. Feel free to ask questions, call, or email us.

    57 min

  4. Jan 21

    Why Schools Are Quietly Closing Their Doors to Teen Relationship Programs

    Parents today aren’t just trying to understand their teens — they’re trying to understand what’s happening in schools and why trusted programs are suddenly facing resistance. In this episode of Baffled, we sit down with Bill and Angie Kagey of Impact, a ministry that has spent decades serving students in Hillsborough County through public schools, after-school programs, summer camps, and youth mentoring. Together, we unpack: Why access to public schools has changed so dramaticallyHow abstinence education evolved into sexual risk avoidance educationWhat students are actually struggling with right now (beyond sex)Why culture, fear, and misunderstanding are shaping school decisionsHow ministries are being forced to pivot — not quitWhy parents are harder to reach than students (and what might change that) Bill and Angie also share powerful personal stories, practical insight from years in classrooms, and the heart behind the REAL Summit, an event designed to equip parents, youth leaders, and churches to engage teens with wisdom instead of fear. This isn’t a debate episode. It’s a behind-the-scenes conversation about culture, parenting, faith, and resilience — and how adults can better support teens in a divided world. If you’re a parent, educator, youth worker, or mentor who feels overwhelmed or confused by the current landscape, this episode will help you move from confusion to connection. 🔗 Learn more about Impact: https://www.whatisimpact.com 🔗 Learn more about the REAL Summit (Jan 29–30): https://realsummit.net 🔗 Learn more about More2Life: https://www.m2l.org 📌 Baffled is where we help you understand your misunderstood teen.

    38 min

  5. 12/03/2025

    The Influencers Radicalizing Our Teens

    In this episode, Jonathan and Jason discuss the challenges parents face in keeping their teenagers safe online amidst the influence of radicalizing figures and political commentators. They explore the impact of social media, the role of influencers, and the importance of open communication between parents and teens. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to be proactive in guiding their children through the complexities of online content, recognizing signs of radicalization, and fostering critical thinking skills. Ultimately, the goal is to empower teens to discern harmful ideologies while maintaining a strong relationship with their parents.

    44 min

  6. 11/05/2025

    This Worship Leader was conceived in Rape | Steventhen Holland’s Story

    In this heartfelt conversation, Jonathan Reyes interviews Steventhen Holland about his journey from being adopted to becoming an advocate for faith and identity. Steventhen shares his experiences of growing up feeling different, finding strength in his faith, and the powerful impact of his ministry, Broken Not Dead. The discussion touches on themes of resilience, the value of life, and the importance of unconditional love and support.

    44 min

  7. 10/01/2025

    Navigating Teen Outreach: Insights from Pregnancy Solutions w/ Isaak Mayhew

    In this conversation, Isaac Mayhew and Jason discuss their work with Youth Development, focusing on outreach and education for teens. They explore the challenges of engaging youth in discussions about healthy relationships, social media, and sexual risk avoidance. The conversation highlights the importance of authenticity, honesty, and adapting to cultural shifts in order to effectively communicate with today's teenagers. They also emphasize the need for collaboration with schools and community organizations to support youth in making informed choices. 📖 Takeaways: Isaac serves as the outreach and education coordinator for Pregnancy Solutions. Engaging teens requires using relatable language and avoiding taboo terms. Statistics can help guide teens in making informed decisions. Authenticity and honesty are crucial in connecting with youth. Cultural shifts impact how topics like abstinence are received in schools. Building relationships with community organizations enhances outreach efforts. Teens often listen more to their peers than adults. It's important to model the behavior we encourage in teens. Navigating sensitive topics requires careful language and approach. Parents and youth workers should be authentic and honest with teens.  📌  Don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe to Baffled, and share this video with others who want to grow in their faith!  About Us: Can't relate or communicate with your teen? Welcome to Baffled where we help you understand your misunderstood teen. We unpack the challenges teens face and give you practical tools to bridge the gap between confusion and connection. For more inspiration and information, check out our website at M2L.ORG. Feel free to ask questions, call, or email us. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pregnancy Solutions and Outreach 02:50 Engaging Teens: Conversations and Presentations 06:06 Navigating Sensitive Topics in Schools 08:57 Understanding Good Choices for Today's Teens 12:07 Cultural Shifts and Their Impact on Youth 14:55 The Role of Schools and Community in Outreach 17:58 Balancing Guidance and Autonomy for Teens 21:03 Authenticity and Honesty in Youth Engagement 23:59 Final Thoughts on Supporting Teen Decision-Making

    41 min

  8. 09/17/2025

    Predators on Roblox: What Parents Need to Know

    🚨 PARENTS & YOUTH WORKERS: This episode could save a child's life. 🚨 In this crucial episode of Baffled, we dive deep into the shocking RealSchlep controversy that exposed major flaws in how platforms like Roblox handle child safety. When someone gets BANNED for trying to protect kids online, we need to ask serious questions.  🎯 What You'll Learn: ✅ The complete RealSchlep situation and what it reveals about digital safety priorities   ✅ Key insights from Jonathan Haidt's "The Anxious Generation" on why we protect kids in real life but not online   ✅ Practical red flags every parent needs to recognize   ✅ Specific Roblox safety strategies that actually work   ✅ Actionable steps for youth workers and church leaders   ✅ How to have "the conversation" about online predators with your teen   # The Reality Check: - Roblox has 79+ million daily users (mostly under 16) - Online predators are actively targeting kids on gaming platforms - Most parents have NO IDEA what their teens are actually doing online - Current platform safety measures are failing our children 📖 **Featured Research: We break down Jonathan Haidt's groundbreaking research showing how we've made the physical world incredibly safe but given unlimited access to digital danger zones. Learn why experts recommend delaying smartphones until high school and keeping social media away from kids until 16. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: - "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt - Common Sense Media platform reviews - National Center for Missing & Exploited Children resources - Free digital safety presentation materials 📢 For Parents & Youth Workers: If you work with teens or have teenagers at home, this episode is ESSENTIAL listening. We provide specific action steps you can implement immediately to better protect the young people in your care. 🏫 Speaking Engagements: The Baffled team offers digital safety presentations for public schools and parent education events at churches. Contact us for booking information. 📌  Don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe to Baffled, and share this video with others who want to grow in their faith!  About Us: Can't relate or communicate with your teen? Welcome to Baffled where we help you understand your misunderstood teen. We unpack the challenges teens face and give you practical tools to bridge the gap between confusion and connection. For more inspiration and information, check out our website at M2L.ORG. Feel free to ask questions, call, or email us.

    22 min
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About

Are you a parent of a teenager, or youth worker, and have a hard time understanding them? Welcome to Baffled where we help you understand your miss understood teen. We talk about the modern topics and lingo that is cultivating in your teenagers world. We want to give you tips on how to navigate within the rough waters of raising a teenager! 

Information

  • Creator
    More2life
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    64
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 More2life
  • Show Website
    Baffled