The Parenting Today's Teens Podcast is a daily resource for parents raising teenagers. Hosted by Mark Gregston, a renowned parenting expert with over 45 years of experience, this podcast provides practical, expert advice for navigating the challenges of parenting teens. Whether you're struggling with defiance, emotional issues, or just want to understand your teen better, Mark’s guidance is raw, real, and always hopeful. Some episodes are co-hosted by Courtney LaFleur, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and on-staff counselor at Heartlight, adding professional counseling insights to the conversation. Together, Mark and Courtney provide expert tips and real-life solutions to help you build st...
Listen in the Podli app 🎧
Follow your favourite podcasts, listen offline and in the car with CarPlay and Android Auto, and always pick up where you left off. Free to try.
Sep 30, 2026 · 24:09
You want the best for your teen. But could your encouragement and high expectations be sending the message that they aren't good enough? Mark explores how well-meaning parents…
Sep 29, 2026 · 22:04
If you've ever wondered why a teen seems to pull away, sometimes the rules and consequences meant to help can actually drive a wedge. In today's episode, Mark sits down with two…
Sep 28, 2026 · 23:47
Adoption can give a child a loving family and a place to belong, but the teen years may bring difficult questions about identity, loss and acceptance to the surface. In this…
Sep 25, 2026 · 26:39
In this week’s Q&A episode, Mark dives into some more common challenges parents are facing with their teens today. From navigating the difference between sarcasm and disrespect…
Sep 24, 2026 · 23:55
Every teen wants to feel seen, valued and noticed. But what happens when they start looking for that attention in unhealthy places? Mark and Wayne explore what can be behind…
Sep 23, 2026 · 22:14
Is social media shaping the way your teen sees themselves — and convincing them they don’t measure up? In this episode, Mark Gregston explores how carefully curated posts,…
Sep 22, 2026 · 24:45
Family conflict isn’t just loud arguments or silent standoffs — it can leave deep marks that shape the way teens see themselves and their future. In this episode, Mark sits down…
Sep 21, 2026 · 24:24
Your teen is going to make mistakes. How you respond can either deepen your relationship or create greater distance. Mark, Wayne and Courtney discuss what parents should do when…
Sep 18, 2026 · 29:45
In this Q&A episode, Mark addresses some tough challenges parents are facing with their teens today. He answers listener questions on supporting a teen dealing with depression…
Sep 17, 2026 · 24:50
Your job as a parent isn’t simply to teach your teen what to do — it’s to prepare them to eventually do it without you. Mark, Wayne and Courtney unpack the important progression…
Sep 16, 2026 · 28:13
Your teen has access to more information than ever before. What they need from you is something Google can’t give them: wisdom. In this episode, Mark explains how parents and…
Sep 15, 2026 · 20:37
Every teen has a story, and sometimes the pain they carry comes out in ways parents don’t expect. In today’s show, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share how broken…
Sep 14, 2026 · 22:32
Does your teen feel truly heard — or are you already preparing your response while they're still talking? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Courtney explain why listening is one…
Sep 11, 2026 · 16:58
In this week’s episode, Mark dives into the complex world of trust between parents and teens. He tackles what to do when your teen keeps repeating behaviors that broke your…
Sep 10, 2026 · 25:03
Every teen makes mistakes. The question is whether those mistakes become a source of growth or a burden of shame. Mark and Wayne discuss the important difference between guilt…
Sep 9, 2026 · 14:11
Every parent wants the best for their teen. But could high expectations unintentionally leave them wondering if your love depends on their performance? In this episode, Mark…
Sep 8, 2026 · 18:47
Every family has its battles, but for some teens, the struggle goes way beyond curfews and chores. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two Heartlight teens who open up about what…
Sep 7, 2026 · 24:29
Grandparents have a unique opportunity to influence the next generation in ways few others can. In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the unique role grandparents play in the…
Sep 4, 2026 · 28:11
In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into some more of your toughest parenting questions — tackling everything from handling teen anger and destructive behavior to navigating faith…
Sep 3, 2026 · 23:20
Your teen may not always know how to say it, but they're longing for more than rules, advice and correction. Mark and Wayne explore four things every teen deeply desires from…
Sep 2, 2026 · 15:10
In this episode, Mark challenges parents to examine whether their words and actions unintentionally communicate that love is conditional. Through the heartbreaking story of a…
Sep 1, 2026 · 27:21
Sometimes the battles our teens face are hidden — masked by distance, secrecy and behaviors we struggle to understand. On today’s show, Mark and Courtney sit down with two young…
Aug 31, 2026 · 25:00
For many teens, going back to school means far more than buying new supplies and settling into a routine. It also brings pressure, comparison, loneliness and other new…
Aug 28, 2026 · 38:25
In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into more pressing parenting questions, covering everything from enforcing boundaries with teens who push limits to navigating tough conversations…
Aug 27, 2026 · 14:12
No parent wants to see their teen suffer. But could protecting them from every hardship actually keep them from growing? In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the important…
Aug 26, 2026 · 19:45
What are you saving for someday that could be enriching your relationships today? Mark reflects on how quickly life passes and why the greatest inheritance we leave isn’t our…
Aug 25, 2026 · 21:05
When life gets tough at home, teens can end up feeling alone and misunderstood — even by those who love them most. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two Heartlight residents…
Aug 24, 2026 · 12:15
Your teen still needs your wisdom, even when it seems like they no longer want your advice. In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss how parents can remain a trusted voice as…
Aug 21, 2026 · 28:12
In today's Q&A episode, Mark tackles topics like handling teens who are hooked on video games, managing tech boundaries when consequences have been lacking and helping kids who…
Aug 20, 2026 · 16:21
Do your teens think they have to be perfect ... or do they know it's safe to make mistakes at home? Mark and Wayne discuss why striving for a "perfect family" can unintentionally…
Aug 19, 2026 · 17:35
When your teen is struggling, it's easy to wonder if anything you're doing is making a difference. In this episode, Mark offers a heartfelt devotional for parents who feel…
Aug 18, 2026 · 20:56
When you feel misunderstood at home and overwhelmed by the pressures of life, it's hard not to sink into despair ... but someone lending a listening ear can make all the…
Aug 17, 2026 · 15:48
When is the right time to give your child a cell phone? And how can you help them use it wisely? Mark and Wayne discuss practical strategies for preparing kids to navigate…
Aug 14, 2026 · 17:15
In this week's Q&A episode, Mark tackles topics like guiding a 16-year-old boy struggling with pornography, supporting a daughter diagnosed with depression and mood disorders…
Aug 13, 2026 · 16:11
What should you do when your teen no longer wants to go to church? Mark and Wayne explore why many teenagers begin losing interest in church during adolescence, and why that…
Aug 12, 2026 · 19:38
Years from now, what will your children remember most about you? Mark reflects on the legacy parents leave behind — not through money or possessions, but through meaningful…
Aug 11, 2026 · 20:36
For a lot of teens, the pressure to fit in can make them forget who they really are — and sometimes even push them toward choices they regret. In today’s episode, Mark talks with…
Aug 10, 2026 · 15:18
Why do teens take risks they know could hurt them — and how should parents respond? In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the motivations behind dangerous teen behavior, from…
Aug 7, 2026 · 27:04
In today's episode, Mark tackles some tough questions sent in by a family raising a teen with complex behavioral and emotional struggles. Diving into these real-life challenges,…
Aug 6, 2026 · 10:41
Why does your teen seem like one person at home and another at school? Mark and Wayne explore the inner conflict many adolescents experience as they try to reconcile the values…
Aug 5, 2026 · 16:55
Are you quick to offer your opinion, or do you help your teen see life from a broader perspective? In this episode, Mark shares two personal stories that transformed the way he…
Aug 4, 2026 · 20:47
Every journey through the teenage years comes with some bumps in the road. In this episode, Mark welcomes two teens from Heartlight who open up about what happens when life feels…
Aug 3, 2026 · 15:13
Raising a son is about more than helping him grow up — it's about helping him become the man God created him to be. In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the unique challenges…
Jul 31, 2026 · 25:37
In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into the growing distance between grandparents and grandkids, offering advice for bridging the generational gap and fostering real connection. He…
Jul 30, 2026 · 11:45
Do you feel like every conversation with your teen ends in frustration — or silence? In this episode, Mark and Wayne share eight practical strategies for improving communication…
Jul 29, 2026 · 20:35
Every parent wants to protect their child from pain. But what if some of life's greatest lessons come through it? Mark shares a personal story that transformed the way he thinks…
Jul 28, 2026 · 22:22
Teens don't always know how to work through big emotions like hurt, rejection or anger. Their inner pain often spills outward, resulting in some poor choices. In today's show,…
Jul 27, 2026 · 15:29
As marijuana becomes more accepted in today’s culture, many parents are wondering how to respond when their teen is exposed to it — or begins using it. In this episode, Mark and…
Jul 24, 2026 · 22:01
In today's Q&A episode, Mark dives into topics like why teen boys are more image-conscious than ever, how to handle a 17-year-old reading inappropriate romance novels and what…
Jul 23, 2026 · 17:51
In a world that constantly says, “Look at me,” how can parents help teens develop humility, empathy and healthy relationships? Mark and Wayne discuss how social media, peer…
Jul 22, 2026 · 15:04
Who helped shape the person you are today? And who are you shaping for tomorrow? In this episode, Mark reflects on the mentors who profoundly influenced his life through simple…
Jul 21, 2026 · 22:41
Every teen wants to feel valued and understood, but sometimes that search leads them into situations they would never have expected. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two…
Jul 20, 2026 · 19:22
Does it feel like your parental authority just isn’t having the same impact it once did? Mark and Wayne explore why today’s teens respond differently to authority than previous…
Jul 17, 2026 · 34:19
In today's Q&A episode, Mark tackles everything from navigating boundaries around technology use and school responsibilities to dealing with grief after the loss of a parent, and…
Jul 16, 2026 · 10:56
What should you do when your teen begins questioning — or even walking away from — their faith? In this episode, Mark and Wayne offer hope and practical wisdom for parents…
Jul 15, 2026 · 9:59
When you think of missions, do you picture a faraway country — or the people living just down the street? In this episode, Mark reflects on two life-changing experiences that…
Jul 14, 2026 · 23:44
Every teen wants to feel seen and valued, but sometimes that search for acceptance gets tangled up in pain and self-doubt. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two teens who…
Jul 13, 2026 · 16:08
Most parents try to avoid conflict with their teens. But what if avoiding it is actually making things worse? Mark and Wayne discuss why unresolved issues rarely disappear — and…
Jul 10, 2026 · 28:15
In this Q&A episode, Mark tackles another batch of tough questions parents are facing with their teens today. He discusses how to respond if your teen is having suicidal…
Jul 9, 2026 · 15:49
Today’s teens have unlimited access to information, but they’re still searching for wisdom. In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss how parents and grandparents can move beyond…
Jul 8, 2026 · 17:09
Many parents want to give their teens every opportunity possible. But what happens when generosity unintentionally creates entitlement? In this episode, Mark explores how…
Jul 7, 2026 · 21:49
When teens struggle to connect, their worlds can feel small and lonely, leading to outbursts or unhealthy coping mechanisms just to get by. In this episode, Mark sits down with…
Jul 6, 2026 · 15:25
How do you hold firm to your values without pushing your teen away? In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the delicate balance between maintaining convictions and extending…
Jul 3, 2026 · 30:45
In this week's Q&A episode, Mark dives into some more tough questions parents are facing with their teens right now. He talks through practical ways to support a daughter…
Jul 2, 2026 · 17:48
Do you feel like there’s a growing gap between you and your teen? In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss practical ways parents can strengthen connection during the adolescent…
Jul 1, 2026 · 12:24
In a world filled with pressure, anxiety and constant demands, does your home feel like a place of rest for your teen? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional on creating a…
Jun 30, 2026 · 22:02
It's easy to think that anger, rebellion or pulling away is just part of being a teenager. But sometimes, it’s a sign of feeling lost or desperately wanting to belong. In today’s…
Jun 29, 2026 · 18:17
When teens act out, most parents focus on the behavior. But what if the behavior is only a symptom of something deeper? In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore how loss,…
Jun 26, 2026 · 35:05
In this week's Q&A episode, Mark sits down to address some real-life struggles parents are facing with their teens today. He tackles tough listener questions on topics like…
Jun 25, 2026 · 26:27
In this thought-provoking episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore the common phenomenon of teens presenting different versions of themselves at…
Jun 24, 2026 · 19:07
Today’s teens have access to more information than any generation before them, but information alone doesn’t produce wisdom. In this episode, Mark shares why one of the most…
Jun 23, 2026 · 22:08
Many teens put on a brave face while chaos brews underneath. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who know what it's like to hide their struggles behind a…
Jun 22, 2026 · 25:54
Grandparents have a unique opportunity to offer teens something many are desperately searching for — a safe place to rest, feel loved and be heard. In this episode, Mark, Wayne…
Jun 19, 2026 · 34:48
In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into a range of real-life parenting challenges sent in by listeners. He tackles questions about handling disrespect and entitlement from older…
Jun 18, 2026 · 26:51
Today’s teens are surrounded by filtered images, fake personas and pressure to appear perfect. What they’re really searching for is something genuine. In this episode, Mark,…
Jun 17, 2026 · 21:56
Could your attempts to help your teen actually feel like judgment to them? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional about the difference between offering help and communicating…
Jun 16, 2026 · 20:09
Teens can go to extremes when trying to break free from loneliness, pain or feeling invisible. In this episode, we share interviews with two Heartlight teens who open up about…
Jun 15, 2026 · 28:46
If parents don’t talk to their teens about sex, someone else will. In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss how parents can create healthy,…
Jun 12, 2026 · 33:33
In this week's Q&A episode, Mark explores how to gradually transfer control to teens as they get older while maintaining healthy boundaries and connection. He answers listener…
Jun 11, 2026 · 26:50
Do your teens feel heard … or just managed, corrected and talked at? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore why listening is one of the…
Jun 10, 2026 · 11:03
What if one simple change could transform the relationships inside your home? In this episode, Mark shares why listening may be one of the most powerful — and most overlooked —…
Jun 9, 2026 · 23:04
When teens spiral into destructive behaviors, it's rarely just about "bad choices." There's usually deep pain pushing them there. In this episode, Mark sits down with two…
Jun 8, 2026 · 27:57
What happens when social media turns everyday teenage drama into nonstop emotional pressure? In this episode, Mark, Wayne Shepherd and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur…
Jun 5, 2026 · 28:59
On today’s Q&A episode, Mark tackles a variety of real issues families face with teens, including anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship struggles and the pitfalls of…
Jun 4, 2026 · 26:36
Why do some parent-teen relationships slowly drift apart — even when both sides still care deeply? In this episode, Mark and Wayne unpack some of the biggest barriers that can…
Jun 3, 2026 · 22:24
Could one simple parenting skill completely change your relationship with your teen? In this episode, Mark shares why listening may be the most powerful way to connect with…
Jun 2, 2026 · 25:01
Sometimes, being surrounded by people isn’t enough to shake off the feeling of isolation. In this episode, Mark chats with two teens from Heartlight who know that struggle all…
Jun 1, 2026 · 29:20
Could the biggest change in your relationship with your teen begin with simply listening better? In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore why today’s teens are desperate to feel…
May 29, 2026 · 35:37
In today's episode, Mark addresses one of the most pressing concerns among Christian parents: what to do when teens begin to struggle with or question their faith. Many teens,…
May 28, 2026 · 28:06
How do you help your teen build a faith that truly becomes their own? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss why parents must move from…
May 27, 2026 · 21:47
What if your teen’s struggles are also revealing something deeper in you? In this episode, Mark shares a deeply personal devotional about rejection, failure and the lifelong…
May 26, 2026 · 25:12
Sometimes, the pain teens carry becomes so overwhelming that they feel there’s no way out. In today’s show, we share Mark's interviews with two young women at Heartlight who both…
May 25, 2026 · 26:26
What should parents do when teens begin questioning faith, church or even God Himself? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss why doubt…
May 22, 2026 · 25:48
On today’s episode, Mark tackles some more real struggles parents face with their teens — from communication breakdowns and self-esteem issues to handling bad influences and…
May 21, 2026 · 24:53
Why do some teens shut down? And what can parents do to help them open up again? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore why many teens…
May 20, 2026 · 17:00
Why does parenting teens today feel harder than ever before? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional about raising teens in a culture that often pulls them away from truth,…
May 19, 2026 · 27:47
Every teen craves a sense of belonging — sometimes even more than they realize. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share how they faced isolation,…
May 18, 2026 · 23:12
What if counseling could become one of the greatest gifts you give your teen? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss why counseling isn’t…
May 15, 2026 · 33:39
Ever feel like you're on the outside looking in? For lots of teens, fitting in feels like a full-time job — and sometimes, the pressure to belong pushes them into some tough…
May 14, 2026 · 27:34
Are you preparing your teen to handle money — or unintentionally making them dependent on you? In this episode, Mark and Wayne tackle one of the most overlooked life skills:…
Listen in the Podli app 🎧
Follow your favourite podcasts, listen offline and in the car with CarPlay and Android Auto, and always pick up where you left off. Free to try.
Your podcast? Get the Podli badge for your site
