The nextTalkParent Podcast with Mandy Majors

nextTalk
  • 4.8 (77)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

The nextTalk Podcast with Mandy Majors helps parents navigate technology, cultural pressures, and difficult conversations with their children. Through practical guidance, honest stories, and faith-centered encouragement, parents learn how to replace fear and reaction with open communication, biblical wisdom, and stronger family relationships.Join award-winning author Mandy Majors (TALK and Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World) for honest, practical conversations at the intersection of technology, culture, and faith.There are plenty of tools to control technology — but at nextTalk, we go deeper. We help parents build the kind of trusting relationship where kids actually come to them when something goes wrong.nextTalk is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to keeping kids safe by fostering a culture of open communication in families, churches, and schools.

  1. May 19

    18-Year-Old Son’s Honest Take on My Parenting

    Send us Fan Mail What actually helps teens talk openly with their parents?  In this special episode, Mandy sits down with her 18-year-old son, Carter, before he leaves for college to hear his honest perspective on parenting, communication, phones, boundaries, and growing up in a digital world.  Together, they reflect on what helped build trust in their relationship, why creating a safe space matters, and how parents can balance rules, accountability, and connection with their kids.  They also discuss:  • Why rewarding honesty helped communication early on  • The downside of overthinking and constantly asking “what if”  • Why parents apologizing matters more than we realize  • Phones, social media, and earning trust gradually  • Why short conversations often work better with teen boys  • Family traditions, games, and staying connected  • Why parents should stay curious about their child’s world  This episode is honest, funny, practical, and encouraging for parents navigating the teen years.  RESOURCES What my parents got right … and wrong - nextTalk  The first nextTalk kid: an interview with Mandy’s 20-year-old daughter - nextTalk  Teach Red Flag Reporting - nextTalk  Avoid Crazy-Parent Mode - nextTalk  Four reasons I kept screens out of my kid’s bedroom and bathroom - nextTalk  Parent Question: This world is so sexualized. How do I approach these conversations with my son? - nextTalk  Free Guide: Red Flag Reporting (Faith-Based) - nextTalk  Support the show KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE Connect with us... www.nextTalk.org Facebook Instagram Contact Us... admin@nextTalk.org P.O. BOX 160111 San Antonio, TX 78280

  2. May 12

    How To Help Kids Navigate Risky Friendships

    Send us Fan Mail What should parents do when a child’s friend starts making unhealthy choices?  When kids open up about what their friends are watching, saying, or experimenting with, many parents instinctively want to immediately end the friendship. But reacting too quickly can shut down communication and teach a harsh kind of “cutoff culture” instead of wisdom, discernment, and healthy boundaries.  In this episode, we share five practical ways to help kids navigate risky friendships with both love and truth. We talk about how to respond when friends introduce inappropriate language, pornography, vaping, hookup culture, and other unhealthy influences—and how to help your child process those situations without fear-based parenting.  You’ll also learn:  Why there is no perfect friend  How to avoid “level four” reactions to “level one” problems  Biblical conflict resolution from Matthew 18  The difference between inner-circle and outer-circle friends  One-way vs. two-way friendships  How your own friendships model relationship habits for your kids  This episode will give parents practical language and biblical tools to help kids build healthy relationships, set wise boundaries, and navigate friendships in today’s culture.  RESOURCES Teach Red Flag Reporting - nextTalk  Develop Moral Compass and Default to Love - nextTalk  Look in the Mirror - nextTalk  Build a Safe Place - nextTalk  Adopt a No-Secrets Family Policy - nextTalk  Your family is the most important team you will ever lead. - nextTalk  Parenting Advice with Pastor Robert Emmitt - nextTalk  A kid is confiding in me. Do I tell the parent? - nextTalk  Is this Gossip? - nextTalk  My kid is telling me everything. Do I speak up? - nextTalk  FOMO is real. How do I parent it? - nextTalk  TALK: A Practical Approach to Cyberparenting and Open Communication  Free Guide: Red Flag Reporting (Faith-Based) - nextTalk  Free Guide: Family Pact Teen Version (13+) - nextTalk  Free Guide: nextTalk10 - nextTalk  Support the show KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE Connect with us... www.nextTalk.org Facebook Instagram Contact Us... admin@nextTalk.org P.O. BOX 160111 San Antonio, TX 78280

  3. May 5

    A Mom Put This in Her Phone Contract—Was It a Good Idea?

    Send us Fan Mail A mom asked a question at one of our live events that sparked a conversation on our team.  She created a phone contract with her kids that included mutual phone checks—meaning she could look at their phones, and they could look at hers. Then she asked: “Is that ok?”  In the moment, Mandy said yes—affirming the mom’s desire to build trust and model openness. But afterward, our team kept talking. Should phone rules go both ways? Are there situations where that might not be the best approach?  In this episode, Mandy and Merideth unpack both perspectives—exploring the balance between trust and leadership. They discuss real-life considerations like privacy, spouse conversations, work-related information, and the kind of content that can unexpectedly show up on a parent’s phone.  They also zoom out to digital safety—why “deleted” doesn’t always mean gone, the risks tied to sharing images, and how AI is changing the conversation for families.  You’ll walk away with practical guidance on creating a phone contract,  involving your kids in the process, and adjusting boundaries as they grow.  Create Guidelines - nextTalk  Random Phone Checks? - nextTalk  Free Guide: Phone Contract (Faith-Based) - nextTalk  Is my kid ready for a phone? - nextTalk  Free Guide: Family Pact Kid Version (5+) - nextTalk  Free Guide: Family Pact Teen Version (13+) - nextTalk  My kid has a phone with no guidelines. How do I go back? - nextTalk  Something Is Off with My Teen—Now What? - nextTalk  Build a Safe Place - nextTalk  Support the show KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE Connect with us... www.nextTalk.org Facebook Instagram Contact Us... admin@nextTalk.org P.O. BOX 160111 San Antonio, TX 78280

  4. Apr 28

    One Simple Parenting Habit That Builds Trust

    Send us Fan Mail What’s one simple parenting habit that builds trust?  In this episode, Mandy shares why saying what you mean—and following through—can shape how your kids see you for years to come. When parents are consistent with their words, it builds credibility, respect, and a sense of security in the home.  She also shares two additional thoughts for parents in the early years, including staying connected in your marriage and staying grounded in your faith.  This conversation is a reminder that small, everyday moments matter more than we think.  Look in the Mirror - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/look-in-the-mirror/ We Read the Comments on our Viral Parenting Post - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/we-read-the-comments-on-our-viral-parenting-post/ 3 Things Not to Do if you want to Stay Married - https://nexttalk.org/podcast_episode/your-family-is-the-most-important-team-you-will-ever-lead/ Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Support the show KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE Connect with us... www.nextTalk.org Facebook Instagram Contact Us... admin@nextTalk.org P.O. BOX 160111 San Antonio, TX 78280

  5. Apr 21

    We Read the Comments on Our Viral Parenting Post

    Send us Fan Mail Last year, we shared a parenting story that went viral.  It was a simple moment—but it sparked a wide range of reactions.  In this episode, we go back and read real comments from that post and respond.  Some were encouraging.  Some were critical.  Some made big assumptions from a single moment.  We talk through what those responses reveal about parenting, marriage, and communication—and why moments like this matter more than we think.  At nextTalk, we believe one honest conversation can make a real difference.  Website Title: We Read the Comments on Our Viral Parenting Post  Website Description: A parenting moment we shared last year reached millions—and the comment section told a bigger story.  In this episode, Mandy and Matthew revisit that moment and read real responses from the internet.  Together, they unpack what people saw, what they assumed, and what it reveals about how families communicate—especially in tense situations.  This episode offers a thoughtful look at parenting, marriage, and the role each parent plays in helping conversations move forward.  RESOURCES Look in the Mirror - nextTalk  Your family is the most important team you will ever lead. - nextTalk  Three things NOT to do if you want to stay married. - nextTalk  Fighting for Our Marriage with Matt and Mandy Majors - nextTalk  Marriage Advice with Pastor Robert Emmitt - nextTalk  Parenting Advice with Pastor Robert Emmitt - nextTalk  Parenting High Schoolers into Young Adults - nextTalk  Something Is Off with My Teen—Now What? - nextTalk  Putting Your Life on the Line - nextTalk  Build a Safe Place - nextTalk  3 Things Every Kid Needs (From a Youth Pastor) - nextTalk  Body Changes and Attitude - nextTalk  When I hijack the moment… - nextTalk  Free Guide: nextTalk10 - nextTalk    Music: https://www.purple-planet.com   Support the show KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE Connect with us... www.nextTalk.org Facebook Instagram Contact Us... admin@nextTalk.org P.O. BOX 160111 San Antonio, TX 78280

  6. Apr 14

    Tori Hirsch (NCOSE): Parents Were Right About Social Media—What These Court Cases Revealed

    Send us Fan Mail Parents have been raising concerns about social media for years—and now the courts are starting to catch up.  In this episode, we’re joined by Tori Hirsch, legal counsel at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), to break down two major court cases involving Meta.  We unpack the New Mexico case, where the company was found liable under consumer protection laws, and the California bellwether trial examining social media addiction through product liability. Along the way, Tori explains why these cases matter, why Section 230 didn’t block them, and how platform design is becoming a key legal battleground.  We also discuss what came out in court about algorithms, infinite scroll, internal warnings, and the gap between parental control tools and what families can actually use.  And we address the question parents hear all the time: “Where are the parents?”  These cases reinforce what many families already know—parents matter, but they were never meant to carry this alone.  RESOURCES Legislative Work to Keep Kids Safe Online - nextTalk  16 Year Old’s Suicide from Sextortion.How do we protect our kids? - nextTalk  Mason’s Mom Warns of Social Media Challenges - nextTalk  Cyberbullying - nextTalk  Talking to your Kid about Grooming - nextTalk  My child is ready for social media. Where should I start? - nextTalk  Parenting YouTube - nextTalk  Walker’s Promise - nextTalk  CBS Article  Support the show KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE Connect with us... www.nextTalk.org Facebook Instagram Contact Us... admin@nextTalk.org P.O. BOX 160111 San Antonio, TX 78280

  7. Apr 7

    Kristina Fields, LMFT: The “iPad Kid” Trend and Reducing Screen Time

    Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever relied on a screen to get through a busy moment, you’re not alone—and you’re not a bad parent.  In this episode, Mandy Majors is joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Kristina M. Fields, MS, LMFT, to talk about the growing “iPad kid” trend and what it means for young children.  Together, they unpack how early screen habits impact brain development, emotional regulation, and behavior—and why giving kids their own device can quickly turn screens into the default.  You’ll walk away with practical, realistic strategies you can use right away, including:  A simple “activity table” idea that replaces screens in the morning  Easy, low-prep activities for home, restaurants, and waiting rooms  How to scale back screen time without overwhelming your child  Why consistency (even when it’s hard) pays off long-term  How your own screen habits influence your kids  This episode is full of encouragement, not guilt—and offers real help for parents navigating screens in everyday life.  Breaking the Fast Dopamine Cycle with Kristina Fields Caller asks, “How do I keep my kids from playing on screens all summer?” - nextTalk  Four reasons I kept screens out of my kid’s bedroom and bathroom - nextTalk  Are Screens Changing Your Family Culture? - nextTalk  “Anxious Generation” Book by Jonathan Haidt - nextTalk  Teach Red Flag Reporting - nextTalk Free Guide: Red Flag Reporting (Faith-Based) - nextTalk    Music: https://www.purple-planet.com   Support the show KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE Connect with us... www.nextTalk.org Facebook Instagram Contact Us... admin@nextTalk.org P.O. BOX 160111 San Antonio, TX 78280

  8. Mar 31

    Online Gambling and Teens: What Parents Need to Know

    Send us Fan Mail Online gambling is growing fast—and it’s reaching kids through their phones, games, and social feeds.  In this episode, we break down why sports betting has exploded, how gaming mechanics like loot boxes can mimic gambling, and why young men are especially vulnerable.  We also share practical, preventative conversations to start early, plus clear red flags to watch for if your teen is already struggling.  You’ll learn:  • how the 2018 Supreme Court decision changed sports betting  • the connection between gaming and gambling behavior  • why prop betting is spreading quickly  • warning signs like secrecy and chasing losses  • simple guardrails for money, access, and apps  • how to approach your teen with empathy and clarity  We’re learning together how to keep kids safe online—one honest conversation at a time.  RESOURCES How a 2018 Supreme Court decision paved the way for meteoric growth in legal sports betting | AP News   Commercial Gaming Revenue Hits $78.7 Billion in 2025, Driving Record $18.1 Billion in Gaming Taxes Nationwide - American Gaming Association   Dave Ramsey Warns: DraftKings and FanDuel Are ‘Destroying a Generation of Young Men’ - Michael Foust | Crosswalk.com   2025 Sports Betting and Debt Survey   National Survey Finds Widespread Gambling Participation Before Age 21 Amid Public Concern About Youth Exposure Risk - National Council on Problem Gambling   How Loot Boxes In Children’s Video Games Encourage Gambling My kid is addicted to screens. Help! - nextTalk  Screen Addiction - nextTalk  My 12yo is spending all his money on V-Bucks. Should I be concerned? - nextTalk  Pornography - nextTalk  Face Your Fears - nextTalk  Build a Safe Place - nextTalk Avoid Crazy-Parent Mode - nextTalk How do we talk to our kids about Money? - nextTalk Support the show KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE Connect with us... www.nextTalk.org Facebook Instagram Contact Us... admin@nextTalk.org P.O. BOX 160111 San Antonio, TX 78280

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4.8
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About

The nextTalk Podcast with Mandy Majors helps parents navigate technology, cultural pressures, and difficult conversations with their children. Through practical guidance, honest stories, and faith-centered encouragement, parents learn how to replace fear and reaction with open communication, biblical wisdom, and stronger family relationships.Join award-winning author Mandy Majors (TALK and Keeping Kids Safe in a Digital World) for honest, practical conversations at the intersection of technology, culture, and faith.There are plenty of tools to control technology — but at nextTalk, we go deeper. We help parents build the kind of trusting relationship where kids actually come to them when something goes wrong.nextTalk is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to keeping kids safe by fostering a culture of open communication in families, churches, and schools.

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