Ep. 286 — Weird Influences: What's Really Messing with Your Girl's Mind with Dr. Natalie Atwell

Who really has the final say in raising your kids—parents, the government, or the culture around us? In this week’s episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dive deep into the vital topic of parental rights—not just as a political issue, but as a spiritual calling.  God has entrusted each parent with the divine responsibility of raising their children in the “training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). But in a world where systems often blur the lines of authority and redefine what’s best for children, it’s easy to feel confused or powerless. Rachael and Natalie remind us that stewardship of our families begins with understanding that our children are not society’s project—they are God’s gift.  Drawing from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay’s Raising Godly Girls Minute, this episode contrasts the Biblical Worldview of parenthood with the secular narrative that views children as communal assets. Listeners will gain practical ways to reclaim confidence in their God-given role—learning to stand firm in truth while engaging the culture with wisdom and grace.  Through Scripture, encouragement, and relatable conversation, Rachael and Natalie unpack how Christian parents can faithfully lead their homes, advocate effectively, and model Gospel-shaped leadership in a world that often pushes against Biblical authority. Whether you’re wrestling with school choices, navigating tough cultural conversations, or simply wondering how to stand firm as a parent today, this episode offers both conviction and calm for your soul.  Scripture References in This Episode:  Ephesians 6:4 – “Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”  Ephesians 4:1 – “Live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”  James 1:27 – “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…”  Colossians 4:5–6 – “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders… let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.”  Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.  To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org. 

As Halloween approaches, culture puts darkness on display in costumes, decorations, and entertainment. But the truth is, not all darkness wears a costume. Beneath the surface of our daughters' social media feeds, school hallways, and friend groups, there are subtle yet powerful influences shaping their view of truth, beauty, and even God Himself.  In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, host Patti Garibay welcomes Dr. Natalie Atwell—a licensed clinical mental health counselor, professor, and creator of the Mental Warrior course—for an eye-opening conversation about what's really messing with our girls' minds. With over 20 years of experience in mental health and ministry, Dr. Atwell helps us untangle the "weird influences" girls are facing today, from spiritual confusion online to the glamorization of occult practices in mainstream culture.  Together, Patti and Dr. Atwell explore the reality of spiritual warfare, the importance of recognizing when struggles are more than "just mental," and how Christian moms can discern the unseen battle for their daughters' hearts and minds. They discuss the power of identity in Christ, the Armor of God, and practical steps moms can take this very weekend to reclaim spiritual ground in their homes.  Whether your daughter is scrolling TikTok, questioning spiritual practices, or simply navigating life in a confusing world, this conversation will help you see the hidden battle—and equip you to guide her into the lasting peace of God's truth.  Scripture References in this Episode:  Ephesians 6:10–18 – The Armor of God  John 8:32 – "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."  1 Peter 5:8 – "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."  Learn more about Dr. Natalie Atwell's work at mentalwarriorconsulting.com.  Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.  To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org. 

Every day, our daughters are surrounded by cultural messages that claim to be empowering, positive, or even "spiritual." From TikTok reels to Pinterest mantras to influencer hashtags, the slogans sound harmless—"Good vibes only," "She believed she could, so she did," "Trust the universe." But as Christian parents, we have to ask: what's really behind those words? Are they pointing our girls toward God's truth—or leading them into deception?  In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden expose the subtle lies hidden in today's social media trends. With insight from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay, they discuss how the enemy uses the same old playbook he's used since the Garden of Eden—just packaged now in hashtags, aesthetics, and trending content. From horoscopes and crystals to "manifesting" dreams, what looks trendy and harmless can actually distort a girl's view of God when left unchecked.  Rather than responding with fear or panic, Rachael and Melissa share practical ways moms can disciple their daughters through these cultural messages. You'll hear tools to help your girl ask the right questions, test cultural claims against Scripture, and gain confidence in her identity as a child of God. The goal isn't to raise daughters who hide from culture—but to raise daughters so rooted in truth that they can spot the counterfeit before it takes root.  Scripture References:  1 John 4:1 — "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God."  2 Corinthians 10:5 — "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  Ephesians 6:11 — "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."  John 8:32 — "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."  3 Key Truths to Remember:  Trendy ≠ Truth — Just because a message is popular online doesn't mean it aligns with God's Word.  Spot the Counterfeit — Teach your daughter to ask: "Where's the lie? How does this oppose God's design?"  Truth Sets Her Free — When she anchors in Scripture, she can confidently declare: "I am a child of God; the enemy has no power over me."  At American Heritage Girls, programs like the Faith Awards and Troop life give girls exactly this kind of grounding. Whether through structured studies, Godly mentorship, or simply time spent unplugged and away from cultural noise, American Heritage Girls equips girls to recognize lies and replace them with the light of Christ. Moms, this episode will help you step into those daily discipleship conversations with confidence.  Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.  To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org. 

As Halloween approaches, culture bombards our daughters with images of fear, darkness, and death—often disguised as harmless fun. But behind the costumes, creepy décor, and "fear-as-fun" mentality lies a much deeper reality: the unseen spiritual battle for our girls' hearts and minds.  In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden unpack what it looks like to discern the subtle and not-so-subtle spiritual influences shaping our daughters. Drawing from Scripture—including Ephesians 6:12, which reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood—they help moms recognize that insecurity, rebellion, and even negative self-talk can often be rooted in spiritual lies rather than just "phases."  You'll hear a powerful Raising Godly Girls Minute from American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director Emeritus Patti Garibay, reflections on why truth—not fear—anchors our daughters, and personal stories that highlight how easily the enemy twists what looks innocent into something deceptive. Most importantly, Rachael and Melissa offer practical tools for parents: spotting patterns of repeated lies, equipping girls with Scripture, and covering them in prayer with confidence, not anxiety.  At American Heritage Girls, we believe light always defeats darkness. That's why AHG's Identity and Daughter of the King badges, alongside Troop life, give girls the space to declare who they are in Christ—compassionate, perseverant, pure—and to stand firm when the enemy tries to distort their identity.  Scripture References:  Ephesians 6:12 — "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against… the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  2 Corinthians 10:5 — "We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  2 Timothy 1:7 — "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."  1 Thessalonians 5:5 — "You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness."  3 Key Truths to Remember:  The Battle Is Real — Your daughter's struggles may be spiritual as well as emotional or behavioral. Stay prayerful and discerning.  Light Defeats Darkness — Equip your girl with Scripture and confidence in Christ. Fear cannot stand against His truth.  Model Spiritual Strength — Your calm trust in God shows your daughter how to stand firm in faith without anxiety.  This episode will encourage you to pause, pray, and have intentional conversations with your daughter about the lies she faces and the truth God has spoken over her life. Moms, you are not alone in this battle. With faith, Scripture, and the support of Christ-centered community, your daughter can shine His light even in the darkest cultural moments.  Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.  To find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org. 

Courage is not the absence of fear—it's choosing faith in the midst of fear. In this week's episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, American Heritage Girls Executive Director and host Rachael Culpepper sits down with award-winning children's author and content creator Kirthana Fanning to talk about raising daughters who have the courage to overcome life's obstacles.  Kirthana brings years of experience as a writer, producer, and the creator of Read Believe Grow TV, a YouTube channel dedicated to helping children encounter God's truth in engaging ways. In this conversation, she shares her passion for crafting faith-filled stories that equip the next generation with courage and resilience—qualities that girls desperately need in a culture that often tells them to shrink back or compromise their faith.  Through her beloved children's book The Girl and Her Noble Steed, Kirthana paints a picture of bravery rooted in God's promises. She and Rachael explore why courage must be understood through a Biblical lens, the unique challenges girls face today in standing boldly for their faith, and how parents can guide their daughters toward resilience by leaning on the truth of Scripture rather than cultural trends.  Scripture Referenced in This Episode:  Joshua 1:9 — "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  Isaiah 41:10 — God strengthens and upholds His people.  2 Timothy 1:7 — "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."  Esther 4:14 — Courage to stand boldly "for such a time as this."  Psalm 27:1 — "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?"    This episode will encourage you, as a mom, to see the everyday moments of parenting as opportunities to nurture bravery in your daughter's heart. You'll walk away inspired to help her embrace a faith that stands firm in the face of fear—trusting that with God's help, she can overcome every obstacle in her path.   To learn more about Kirthana Fanning and her books, visit kirthanajfanning.com.  Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.  To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org. 

What makes an everyday hero? It's not fame, recognition, or a grand stage—it's a willingness to step into hard moments with faith and courage, even when fear is present. This week on the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose dive into what it looks like for Christian families to raise daughters who are ready and willing to answer God's call in both ordinary and extraordinary circumstances.  Drawing inspiration from the life of missionary Elisabeth Elliot, they unpack her powerful reminder: "The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances." Through this lens, Rachael and Natalie explore how courage is cultivated bit by bit in everyday life—whether that's a girl finding the bravery to stand up for a classmate, conquer stage fright, or speak out in the face of injustice.  You'll also hear the Raising Godly Girls Minute from AHG Founder Patti Garibay, reminding parents that courage is internal and often unseen until a moment of decision comes. The hosts then reflect on real-life examples, including the inspiring story of an AHG Girl Member who risked her own safety to rescue sailors in danger—earning the prestigious AHG Lifesaving Award. These stories illustrate how small steps of obedience and trust in God prepare girls for moments when extraordinary courage is required.  Rachael and Natalie offer three practical ways to equip your daughter for courageous living: letting courage build through small challenges, doing a post-game recap exercise to reinforce victories over fear, and modeling humble prayers that show reliance on God's strength. Together, these practices shape a girl's heart and prepare her to become one of the everyday heroes God is raising up for His Kingdom.  As you listen, you'll be encouraged to see courage not as a rare trait, but as a spiritual discipline—something that grows in your family's life as you lean on God's power, trust His timing, and walk in faith.  Scripture Referenced in This Episode:  1 Samuel 17  Judges 6–7  Exodus   Esther 1–4 (esp. Esther 4:14)  Acts 18   John 16:33   1 Samuel 17:45–50   This Week's Reminders:  Courage builds bit by bit—every small victory matters.  A "post-game recap" helps your daughter recognize God's faithfulness in action.  Humble, open-handed prayers prepare her to trust God with the unknown.  Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com. To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org. 

Every girl will face fear—whether it's speaking up in class, standing up to a bully, trying something new, or stepping into leadership. But the true measure of courage isn't the absence of fear—it's learning how to move forward with fear, leaning on God's strength instead of shrinking back in doubt.  In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Natalie Ambrose tackle the topic of courage head-on, exploring how parents can help their daughters face giants with faith. Drawing from Scripture, personal stories, and AHG's own legacy of raising strong, Godly women, they remind us that God doesn't call our girls to avoid fear—He calls them to trust Him in the midst of it.  Rachael and Natalie reflect on what cowardice looks like in today's culture, how trauma requires a gentle approach, and why resilience is best cultivated at home before our daughters step into the wider world. You'll also hear how the AHG Program develops courage in girls through meaningful service, leadership, and discipleship opportunities—including the Stars & Stripes Award and sharing insight on the For Girls Like You program alliance.  Whether your daughter's giant is stage fright, peer pressure, or self-doubt, this conversation will equip you to inspire her toward bravery, remind her that God has called her to hard and holy things, and show her that real courage means stepping forward—even when fear tags along.  Scripture Referenced in This Episode:  Deuteronomy 1:19–33   James 1:2–4   This Week's Reminders:  Fear will always be present—but it doesn't have to be in charge.  Resilience in your daughter grows when you model courage in your own life.  God equips girls not to avoid fear, but to lean into His strength when it comes.  Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.  To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org. 

Shame is one of the enemy's most powerful tools—it twists mistakes into identity, leaving our daughters believing lies like "I'm not enough, I'll never measure up, I'll always be a failure." Left unaddressed, those inner whispers can grow into heavy chains that shape how a girl views herself, others, and even God.  In this powerful conversation, American Heritage Girls Founder & Executive Director and podcast host Patti Garibay is joined by Brittany Sawrey-Coulson, Licensed Professional Counselor and Director of Content at Trueface. With wisdom and compassion, Brittany unpacks the difference between guilt and shame, why negative self-talk begins earlier than we think, and how moms can model grace-filled authenticity that frees their daughters from shame's grip.  Together, Patti and Brittany discuss practical ways parents can help girls replace lies with God's truth, cultivate safe spaces for honest conversation, and anchor their worth in Christ—not in performance, appearance, or comparison. And if you're a mom who wrestles with shame yourself, this episode offers hope for your own healing as well as guidance for breaking the generational cycle.  Shame doesn't get the last word—Jesus does. Tune in and discover how to lead your daughter toward freedom, confidence, and a lasting identity rooted in Him.  Referenced Scriptures in this episode:  Romans 12:2   Proverbs 18:21   John 8:36   Learn more about Brittany and the ministry of Trueface at trueface.org.  Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com. To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.

We've all heard it—those quiet but crushing words our daughters whisper to themselves: "I'm not good enough." "I always mess up." "I'll never get this right." This negative self-talk may sound small, but it carries weight, planting seeds of shame, doubt, and insecurity that can shape how a girl sees herself, her choices, and even her faith. The enemy uses these whispers to keep our girls bound in fear—but God has already spoken a louder, truer word over them.  In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden dive deep into the power of self-talk and how parents can help their daughters combat lies with the truth of Scripture. With honesty and humor, Melissa shares how her own inner critic can sometimes feel like it has a megaphone, while Rachael unpacks how shame twists identity and why parents must first model speaking life over themselves if they want to teach their daughters to do the same.  Together, they explore how negative self-talk isn't just about careless words—it's about the heart. Drawing from Proverbs and Romans, they remind us that the tongue has the power of life and death, even when it's turned inward. And they offer practical, grace-filled ways to help your daughter silence her inner critic, from role-playing the lies as silly "characters" to journaling God's truth, leaving hidden Scripture notes, and creating "Faith Snapshot" albums that capture moments of God's goodness in everyday life.  This Week's Reminders:  Catch the Lies Early: Teach your daughter to notice when her inner critic speaks and name the lies for what they are.  Replace Criticism with God's Word: Equip her with truth-filled tools like Scripture, playlists, and affirmations that reflect her identity in Christ.  Empower Independent Truth-Telling: Encourage her to practice speaking God's truth over herself, even when you're not there.  Scripture Referenced in This Episode:  James 1:19  Proverbs 15:4  Proverbs 18:21  Romans 12:2  This episode will encourage you to see negative self-talk not as an impossible battle, but as an opportunity to guide your girl toward resilience and confidence rooted in Christ. By catching lies early, replacing them with God's Word, and empowering her to practice truth-telling on her own, you can help her build a faith that isn't shaken by whispers of doubt.  Discover more resources to raise confident girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.  Find or start an American Heritage Girls Troop in your community at americanheritagegirls.org. 

Shame has a way of whispering lies that drown out truth. For today's girls, those lies are amplified by comparison, perfectionism, and a culture that magnifies flaws instead of celebrating God's design. Left unchecked, shame doesn't just shape how our daughters see themselves—it can entangle whole families in cycles of silence, generational sin, and negative self-talk. But as followers of Christ, we know shame doesn't get the last word.  In this episode of the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Rachael Culpepper and Melissa Bearden step into one of the hardest yet most necessary conversations for parents: how to help our daughters battle shame with grace and truth. With vulnerability, Melissa shares how childhood trauma left her searching for comfort in all the wrong places—and how God's faithful love brought freedom where shame once ruled. Rachael opens up about the weight of generational patterns and the importance of showing our girls that Christ's redemption runs deeper than family history.  Together, they explore why negative self-talk is so powerful, how inherited shame can quietly shape a girl's identity, and what it means for parents to model speaking God's truth over their own lives. This episode also offers practical tools—from "lie detector" check-ins to truth journals and worship playlists—that help girls replace the "not enough" lies with the promises of Scripture. And woven throughout is the unshakable hope that God rebuilds what shame has broken, turning burdens into blessings for generations to come.  This Week's Reminders:  Truth is the Antidote to Shame — Help your daughter identify lies and replace them with God's Word.  You're Her Coach, Not Her Constant Companion — Equip her with tools, but let her practice walking in truth on her own.  God Redeems Family Stories — Generational shame doesn't define her future—Christ does.  Scripture Referenced in This Episode:  2 Timothy 1:7  Daniel 3  Romans 8:1  Isaiah 61:3 (beauty for ashes)  Ecclesiastes 1:9 ("nothing new under the sun")  Moms, you'll walk away from this episode encouraged not to fear these conversations, but to step into them with honesty, authenticity, and faith. Because when we teach our daughters to name shame and answer it with truth, we give them the confidence to live free in Christ.  Explore more resources to raise girls rooted in Christ at raisinggodlygirls.com.  To find or start an AHG Troop in your area, visit americanheritagegirls.org.