Poverty isn’t always visible—but for many teens in rural communities, it shapes every part of life. In this episode, Ric Shields talks with counselor Jessica Dixon-Neal about the unseen challenges young people face when access to care, resources, and opportunity is out of reach. Together, they share stories of resilience and remind us that consistent compassion can help restore hope where it’s hardest to find.

Teen depression is real, and it's closer than we think. In this powerful conversation, Ric Shields speaks with Laura Smith from Grand Mental Health to talk about the hidden battles teenagers face and how faith, presence, and love can change everything. They discuss the impact of social pressure, family stress, and the hope that comes through compassion and care.

Over 80% of teens have seen pornography… but 75% of parents think their kids haven’t. In this powerful and painfully honest episode, Ric Shields and youth pastor Titus Schmitt expose how porn is quietly shaping a generation. They share real, hopeful steps families can take to fight back and find freedom.

Social media is one of the most powerful influences in a teenager's life today. In this episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Podcast, Ric Shields and guest Macee McAtee explore how parents, pastors, and mentors can guide teens to use their online presence for good. Learn how to help teens navigate comparison, identity, and influence while shining the light of Christ in a digital world.

What if we shifted our mindset from “rescuing kids” to “redeeming families”? In this episode of the DoorWays® Ministry Podcast, Ric Shields sits down with Gary and Tammie Webb of OCJ Kids. Together, they share powerful stories of foster teens, the importance of strengthening families, and how small acts of compassion can transform lives forever.

Every foster teen carries a story most of us never hear. Gary and Tammy Webb, directors of OCJ Kids, shed light on the hidden struggles of broken homes, trauma, and the uncertainty of life in the system. They share how their ministry comes alongside foster youth with practical support, mentorship, and hope, and challenge the church to step in and meet teens where they are with the love of Christ.

What does it take to truly reach the hearts of today’s teenagers? Youth pastors Matt Brunner and T.J. Sorgenfrei share how discipleship and evangelism go hand in hand, why authentic faith matters more than polished programs, and how prayer and presence remain the most powerful tools in shaping the next generation.

Raising teens isn’t easy, but it’s not hopeless either. In this episode, Adam and Christa Hoch share real-life stories, faith-filled wisdom, and practical tips for navigating the ups and downs of parenting teenagers. From communication and controlled freedom to showing grace (for your kids and yourself), this conversation brings encouragement, laughter, and hope for every parent walking through the teen years.

Blended families come with challenges but also incredible rewards. Aaron and Sydney Johnson open up about their story, offering practical tools and faith-filled encouragement to help others on the same journey.

Whitney Barth, Executive Pastor at More Church in Arlington, TX, opens up about experiencing her parents’ divorce and the deep impact it had on her life. She shares heartfelt insights on the fears, identity struggles, and loyalty conflicts children face, along with practical guidance for parents to help their kids find stability and hope.

Vicki LaFave shares her journey through a 30-year marriage that ended in divorce, the fears and losses she faced, and the faith that carried her through. Now remarried and leading a ministry for single moms, Vicki offers hope, wisdom, and encouragement to women navigating the pain of divorce and the path to renewal.

Joe and Danielle Cook, lead pastors at Hope Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, share how years of regular date nights and open communication built the strong foundation that now carries them through the empty nest years. They reflect on the freedom and change that comes when the kids are gone, the evolving role of parenting adult children, and the opportunities for renewed purpose in this new season of life.

Chris and Cara Rathbone share how they navigate marriage, parenting, and leadership as pastors. They explore the pressures of ministry life and the four key attitudes that keep them grounded in faith and each other.

Chresten and Bridgette Tomlin, married and in itinerant ministry for 27 years, share the joys and challenges of life on the road. They discuss how parenting, finances, and intentional connection have shaped their marriage, and offer practical insight for couples learning to balance ministry, family, and faith.

Infidelity shatters trust, but it doesn't have to end the story. In this powerful episode, Dr. Bill Buker unpacks the root causes of marital affairs and offers a redemptive path forward. With wisdom and compassion, he explores how couples can rebuild connection, restore trust, and experience deeper intimacy through forgiveness and faith.

Why Most Couples Struggle With Money, and How to Fix It Chris and Betty Jo Anderson share how couples can manage money with wisdom, unity, and purpose. Using their "FINANCES" framework, eight practical & biblical principles, they offer tools for budgeting, saving, giving, and growing together to build a stronger financial foundation and marriage.

Pete and Mary Kay Blum share insights from their 40-year marriage, focusing on spiritual, soul, and body oneness. They explore how deep intimacy grows through spiritual connection, secure attachment, and mutual enjoyment. Addressing common challenges like communication and unforgiveness, they offer practical wisdom on aligning marriage with God’s design, emphasizing that listening is one of the greatest acts of love.

Patti Schatzmann shares her journey as the wife of a man who battled a 40-year porn addiction before finding healing and becoming a missionary. She opens up about the impact on her trust and self-worth, and the challenges of confronting addiction in marriage. Patti offers hope, practical advice, and encouragement for anyone facing similar struggles.

David Schatzmann opens up about his 40-year battle with pornography addiction, how it began in childhood, how it nearly destroyed his marriage, and how healing finally came through honesty, accountability, and faith. A powerful story of hope, restoration, and real freedom.

Dr. Jason and Robyn Fullerton, pastors of Spirit Church in Bartlesville, explore intimacy in marriage beyond the physical. They emphasize vulnerability, authenticity, and Christ-centered connection, offering practical insight for building deeper relationships.