"Send Ben a text" Every teen has a spark inside them—something that makes them come alive. But too often, they get lost trying to be who the world wants them to be. In this episode, I talk with my good friend Arthur C. Woods, author of SPARK for Emerging Leaders. He shares simple ways parents can help their teens discover who they want to be, not just what they want to do. We talk about: 👉 Why purpose matters more than perfection 👉 How to help your teen take ownership of the...

"Send Ben a text" You’re not in control of your teen—and that’s actually the best news ever. In this episode, Ben and Cortni dive deep into what happens when parents try to control their teens and why it almost always backfires. Drawing from the book Leadership and Self-Deception, they unpack the idea of “being in the box” and how it shows up in family life. You’ll hear real stories about morning workouts, teenage excuses, and even tacos—all tied to one powerful truth: you can’t control your ...

"Send Ben a text" You love your teen. You try to help. You want things to get better. But what if you’re accidentally doing something that’s quietly sabotaging your connection? In this episode, Ben and Cortni unpack one of the most powerful ideas from Leadership and Self-Deception—the hidden mindset that keeps parents and teens stuck in conflict, frustration, and blame. You’ll learn: 👉 What “being in the box” really means (and how it shows up in your family) 👉 Why trying to ...

"Send Ben a text" Most parents secretly wish their teen would just change — listen more, argue less, clean up, do homework, be respectful, etc. But here’s the truth: 👉 You can’t change your teen. 👉 You can only change you. In this episode, Ben and Cortni unpack one of the most powerful parenting principles of all time — “Be the change you want to see.” You’ll learn: Why trying to “fix” your teen backfires every timeHow to stop giving away your powerThe difference between victim and her...

"Send Ben a text" In this episode, I break down the difference between false confidence—the kind that’s tied to wins, grades, or outside approval—and foundational confidence—the kind built on preparation, effort, and real experience. Many teens (and parents) ride the emotional rollercoaster of false confidence. One good play or test score, and they’re on top of the world. One mistake, and it all crashes down. The problem? Mindset and “positive thinking” alone can’t hold up under pressure. Tru...

"Send Ben a text" Do you ever wonder if you’re a “good” parent… or fear that you might be a “bad” one? You’re not alone. Many parents live under the weight of these labels, and it can feel heavy and confusing. In this episode, Ben Pugh explains why “good vs. bad parenting” is a dangerous myth. These labels pull you into comparison, chasing approval, and trying to prove yourself to others. The truth is, parenting isn’t about being “good” or “bad.” It’s about being intentional, living your valu...

"Send Ben a text" Is your teen struggling? Do you ever wonder how to help them bounce back? In this episode, I share the ONE thing that makes the biggest difference in building resilience. You’ll hear real stories from my own life, from parents I’ve worked with, and from teens who have faced tough moments. We’ll talk about: Why struggle is not failure but growthHow your response shapes your teen’s resilienceThe simple shift that helps your teen handle hard thingsYou don’t have to fix your tee...

"Send Ben a text" What does a viral “Phillies Karen” baseball moment have to do with your parenting? More than you think. In this episode, I break down the Phillies Karen story—not to pile on or cancel—but to show you how outrage, mob mentality, and cancel culture are distractions that rob you of real parenting power. You’ll learn: Why cancel culture is contagious (and so is compassion)How herd mentality creeps into your parenting without you realizingWhat the Phillies dad’s choice actually t...

"Send Ben a text" Your teen knows when you’re being real… and when you’re not. In this episode, Ben and Cortni talk about “fake parenting” and why it pushes teens away. Teens don’t need a perfect parent. They need the real you. You’ll learn: Why fake parenting kills connectionHow to create a 10-word vision statement to guide youWhy focusing on what you want works better than focusing on what you don’t wantA simple gratitude hack that makes parenting easierWhen you show up as your true self, y...

"Send Ben a text" How to Simplify Parenting by Fixing Only Two Problems Parenting often feels overwhelming—like you’ve got 117 things to fix at once. But what if the secret to real change wasn’t fixing everything… but focusing on just two? In this episode, Ben shares how a lesson from football and his time as a high school principal transformed into a powerful parenting principle. You’ll learn how to: Identify the two core problems driving most of the chaos at homeStop wasting energy trying t...

"Send Ben a text" Do you ever catch yourself parenting for the approval of others—your neighbors, your parents, or even your teen? The truth is, people-pleasing doesn’t build connection. It creates distance. In this episode, Ben and Cortni unpack why parents often hide behind “masks” of who they think they should be—and how that keeps them from real connection with their teens. You’ll hear powerful stories from sports, parenting, and coaching that reveal why authenticity always wins. What you...

"Send Ben a text" Do you ever feel like you’re running on empty? Like life is just go, go, go — and you’re burning out? In this episode, Ben shares how he went from stressed and overwhelmed to calm and confident. You’ll learn why overwhelm is a choice, and how to stop wearing busyness like a badge of honor. Get ready for simple tips that will help you slow down, be present, and enjoy your life — even when it’s full. 🎧 Listen now and start feeling less stressed today. Are You Caught in t...

"Send Ben a text" Is your teen nervous when it really matters? Do they freeze, overthink, or doubt themselves when the pressure’s on? In this episode, I’ll share the one powerful thing that can help your teen show up with confidence — even in high-stress moments. Whether they’re an athlete, artist, or academic, this tool will help them stop focusing on what they can’t control and start performing like the person they want to be. This one shift changed everything for a teen athlete I coach. An...

"Send Ben a text" Is your teen yelling, arguing, or just pushing all your buttons? In this episode, I’ll show you the one trick that can change everything: modeling the behavior you want to see. You’ll learn how to: Stop mirroring your teen’s bad behaviorEscape the controlling parent trapLead with calm, confidence, and purposeTurn blowups into powerful teaching momentsYou don’t need to be perfect—you just need to show up with intention. Let’s dive in. Are You Caught in the Parent Trap? Disco...

"Send Ben a text" What do you do when your child is too scared to go down the big slide? In this fun episode, I talk with my 10-year-old son about a moment when he felt nervous—and how he learned to be brave. We share a simple trick his mom taught him that helped him face his fear and turn anxiety into excitement. You’ll hear real stories, lots of laughs, and a powerful lesson you can use with your own kids. 🎧 You’ll learn: Why anxiety and excitement feel the sameHow to help your child be bra...

"Send Ben a text" In this episode, Ben and Cortni talk about 3 powerful books that changed the way they parent. These books helped them let go of control, build better relationships, and become the parents they want to be. Ben shares why he avoided one of the books at first—and how it ended up being a game-changer. Cortni tells stories about how these books helped her stop stressing and start showing up with love. You’ll learn: How to stop trying to control your teenWhy it’s never too late to...

"Send Ben a text" Are you too distracted to parent the way you want to? In today’s episode, we’re talking about something that’s affecting all of us—parents, teens, and even younger kids: distraction. From endless scrolling to binge-watching, the world is louder than ever. And it’s keeping you from being the parent you want to be. But here’s the good news—there’s a way out. I’ll share 3 simple steps to help you break free from distraction and start building the kind of discipline that brings ...

"Send Ben a text" Tired of getting one-word answers or total silence from your teen? You're not alone. In this episode, Ben and Cortni share five simple tips that will help you open up real conversations and build a stronger connection with your teen—without pushing, prying, or lecturing. Whether your teen is super chatty or totally closed off, this episode gives you tools to build trust and real connection. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ What NOT to do when trying to talk to your teen ✔️ How to spo...

"Send Ben a text" AI is everywhere—your teen’s phone, their schoolwork, even their social life. But is it helping them grow... or making things harder? In this episode, Ben and Cortni dive into how artificial intelligence is shaping the way teens think, learn, and connect—and what that means for you as a parent. Is AI your parenting ally or your biggest challenge yet? 🎧 Tune in to learn: The surprising ways teens are already using AI (for better or worse)Why AI isn't the real problem—and what...

"Send Ben a text" When Howie came home early from his mission, he felt lost, embarrassed, and stuck in a victim mindset. But everything started to shift after just one coaching call. In this episode, Howie shares his powerful story of learning to own his choices, escape the shame spiral, and take back control of his life. Whether you're a parent of a teen who's struggling—or a young adult trying to figure life out—this episode will help you see how much can change when you stop playing the vi...