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.
In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, Chris, Clayton, and Amy discuss the transition into fall, focusing on seasonal changes, the importance of establishing rhythms, and preparing for the busy months ahead.
They explore the concept of the 'September slap,' the cues we take from fall decor, and how to create new habits during this time. The conversation emphasizes the need for preparation and intentionality in navigating the fall season, making it a time for spiritual growth and family connection.
Takeaways
In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, Clayton Greene, Chris Pappalardo, and business partner and friend, Arthur Tew engage in a light-hearted conversation about the importance of playfulness in the home and its connection to spirituality.
They explore how play can enhance family dynamics, foster deeper connections, and contribute to personal growth. The discussion also touches on the challenges adults face in maintaining a playful spirit and how to navigate playtime with children amidst adult responsibilities. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the value of embracing interruptions and being open to playful moments in life.
Takeaways
Resources
In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, Clayton Greene, Chris Pappalardo, and Arthur Tew unpack the surprisingly spiritual side of... homework. Through stories from public school, homeschooling, and their own childhoods, they wrestle with what homework actually teaches kids—not just academically, but spiritually.
They reflect on the difference between meaningful work and busywork, how homework intersects with identity and overwork, and whether school is subtly shaping our kids to see productivity as a primary value. By the end, it’s clear: how we talk about homework shapes how our kids think about work, worth, and even Sabbath.
Takeaways
Homework is more than just worksheets. It can train kids in independence and perseverance—or frustrate them with pointless busywork.
Meaningful work matters. Kids are more motivated when they understand the purpose of what they’re doing—whether it’s a Shakespearean writing prompt or feeding chickens.
All homework is not created equal. Parents can help kids distinguish between tasks that just need to get done, and tasks that are vital to learning.
Homework shouldn’t sabotage Sabbath. Carving out weekend space free from school demands models a rhythm of grace.
In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, Chris Pappalardo, Amy Kavanaugh, and Brian Turney discuss their feelings about mornings, summer routines, and the challenges of parenting.
They share personal anecdotes about their morning routines, the chaos of getting kids ready, and the emotional dynamics that come into play. The conversation also centers around the spiritual moments that the morning offers, and what to do about societal or self-imposed expectations.
Takeaways
In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, Chris, Clayton, and Amy are continuing their conversation on timing, and how it affects our spiritual habits, specifically reading the Bible. (If you haven't listened to the first part, "When NOT To Read Your Bible" check it out first!)
They explore various times of day and seasons that may be more conducive to reading your Bible, emphasizing that different individuals may find success at different times. The conversation also touches on practical tips for integrating Bible reading into daily routines and the importance of being gracious with oneself regarding spiritual practices.
Takeaways
Learn more about us and shop our products, including Sticky Prayers, Advent Blocks, and our bundles at www.goodkind.shop
Recommended Books:
Building Spiritual Habits in the Home, by Chris Pappalardo and Clayton Greene (That's us!) https://www.amazon.com/Building-Spiritual-Habits-Home-Small/dp/0802434304
This episode of The GoodKind Podcast is all about Bible Reading—when and how to read it, and also, when not to read it.
Chris, Clayton, and Amy emphasize the significance of the Bible as God's revealed word and explore the balance between reading and listening to the Bible. The conversation also touches on practical recommendations for Bible intake and the importance of varying one's approach to scripture for better understanding and engagement.
Takeaways
Today's episode of The GoodKind Podcast is all about keeping it simple. Hosts Clayton Greene, Amy Kavanaugh, and Chris Pappalardo discuss the nature of habits, the importance of consistency, and how spiritual practices can transform one's relationship with God.
The conversation emphasizes the balance between making spiritual habits easy and ensuring they remain deep and meaningful. The hosts also touch on the role of knowledge in faith and the necessity of creating accessible spiritual practices for everyone.
Takeaways
In this episode of The GoodKind Podcast, hosts Clayton, Chris, and Amy discuss the importance of chores in family life, exploring how they teach responsibility, independence, and teamwork among children. They share personal anecdotes about their own family routines, the challenges of parenting, and the balance between independence and togetherness in household tasks. The conversation also touches on the spiritual aspects of habit formation and the role of chores in developing healthy, structured adults.
Takeaways