Best ACSI Podcasts (2025)

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Grafted Together Ep 27: Spiritual Formation Network Wrap-up: ESOs & Assessment 59:58

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8d ago59:58

59:58

Douglas Campbell hosts an episode with three major contributors to ACSI's Spiritual Formation Network meetings: Laurie LaFon, Sean Englert, and Sam Farinacci. HOST BIOS: Laurie LaFon received her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and has been part of the Lucas Christian Academy community for over 22 years, with three of her four children …

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Student Leadership & Learning Ep 24: The Gift of Presence - Rediscovering Stillness in a Noisy Season 10:25

14d ago10:25

10:25

Emily Pigott shares how to lead with presence to remind students that peace is not the absence of chaos, it's the awareness of Christ in that chaos. Isaiah 9:6 calls Jesus the Prince of Peace; your stillness reflects Him. -- Do you read the quarterly Student Leadership & Learning newsletters? Subscribe at www.acsi.org/subscribe The Student Leadersh…

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Aha Leader Series Ep 2: Resistance to Feedback (Flourishing Journey Podcast) 11:11

22d ago11:11

11:11

Rachael Jones sits down with Dr. Edward Bunn to discuss strategies for receiving and implementing healthy feedback as leaders. The Flourishing Journey podcast explores strategies for building a thriving school culture through research and practical application. The show is hosted by Dr. Edward Bunn, ACSI's Director of Professional Development. The …

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Stronger Together Ep 9: Catalyst, Apologetics, and Asheville Christian Academy's Recovery 15:00

29d ago15:00

15:00

This episode features Dr. Chad McNatt, Superintendent at Seattle Christian School (WA), on the topic of apologetics and students asking tough questions. We also hear from Heath Nivens, Head of School at McKinney Christian Academy (TX) at the Catalyst Conference, and return to Asheville Christian Academy (NC) to hear about their recovery from Hurric…

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"The Spirit of Christmas" by Cynthia Ruchti 40:37

27d ago40:37

40:37

As we approach the start of the holiday season with Thanksgiving and look forward to celebrating the birth of our Lord with Christmas, Jeff sits down with award-winning author Cynthia Ruchti to discuss her new book, "The Spirit of Christmas." When we think of the first Christmas, we often focus on the wide-eyed young mother and her faithful fiancé,…

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Grafted Together Ep 26: Trickle-Down Spiritual Formation and Worldview, with Dr. Jeff Lawrence 1:13:48

1M ago1:13:48

1:13:48

Jerry Nelson and Dr. Jeff Lawrence talk through building spiritual formation in schools from the top down, including defining a biblical worldview and practical steps leaders can take for spiritual formation in Christian schools. Jeff Lawrence is the Director of Spiritual Development at Foundation Academy (FL). He is a writer, teacher, and cultural…

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Parenting with Doug Campbell, Ministry Team Senior Coordinator at ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) 1:11:28

1M ago1:11:28

1:11:28

Today, Jeff sits down with Doug Campbell, who serves as the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), where he leads initiatives that help schools strengthen biblical worldview formation, spiritual formation, and home-school partnerships. Doug and Jeff discuss parenting, not the picture-perfect filtered version, but the real thing. Th…

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Student Leadership & Learning Ep 23: Equipping a Generation for Courageous Influence, Pt. 3 21:57

1M ago21:57

21:57

This episode completes a three-part series on equipping students to make a courageous influence, with this episode focused on actionable steps to call students up to meet their potential. -- Do you read the quarterly Student Leadership & Learning newsletters? Subscribe at www.acsi.org/subscribe The Student Leadership & Learning Podcast aims to help…

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Aha Leader Series Ep 1: Ignoring Your Own Spiritual Formation (Flourishing Journey Podcast) 12:09

2M ago12:09

12:09

Rachael Jones sits down with Dr. Edward Bunn to discuss ways to ensure that we as leaders intentionally focus on our own spiritual formation. The Flourishing Journey podcast explores strategies for building a thriving school culture through research and practical application. The show is hosted by Dr. Edward Bunn, ACSI's Director of Professional De…

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Grafted Together Ep 25: Engaging Students at the Intersection of Christ & Culture, with Dan Stuart 42:49

2M ago42:49

42:49

Every school is being discipled by culture. Often, it happens subconsciously. To discuss how to engage students where Christ & culture meet, Dan Stuart joins Jerry Nelson and shares about his role as the Director of the Christian Leadership Program and Institute for Christ & Culture at The King's Academy (FL). Dan Stuart has a diverse teaching hist…

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Stronger Together Ep 8: Student Leadership in Europe, Tim Shuman, and Leader Advice 13:30

2M ago13:30

13:30

The recent Student Leadership Conference in Hungary was a major success. Hear updates on that event, from outgoing Senior Director of the International Division, Tim Shuman, and leadership advice from a head of school. -- The Stronger Together Podcast highlights member schools, educators, and important happenings in a 15-minute news magazine style …

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"A Strange New World" Discussion on Carl Trueman's Book: Special Guest Jeremy Woods 58:29

2M ago58:29

58:29

Jeff sits down with the Senior Associate pastor of Winter Garden's First Baptist to discuss Carl Trueman's book, "A Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution. Jeremy Woods Jeremy has been in ministry since he was in college. He was with Biltmore Church for over 10 years, a multi-site congrega…

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Grafted Together Ep 24: Stewarding your Circumstances as a Christian Educator, with Mark Senseman 37:31

2M ago37:31

37:31

Jerry Nelson and Mark Senseman, Director of Business Development with Servant Solutions, discuss stewardship over finances, a biblical view of retirement, and other important topics that affect educators' lives in and out of the classroom. Mark serves as Director of Business Development at Servant Solutions. He develops, communicates, executes, and…

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Grafted Together Ep 23: Measuring Spiritual Formation, with Paris Shewey 45:24

2M ago45:24

45:24

How do we know if we're producing faithful followers of Jesus? Paris Shewey, campus pastor at King's Way Christian Schools (WA), joins the podcast to share his own story of salvation and a simple survey he uses to evaluate spiritual formation in his students. To see the faith survey, visit here. Paris Shewey has also served with the Fellowship of C…

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Grafted Together Ep 22: How to Tell the Story of Spiritual Formation at Your School, with Steve Dang 37:50

2M ago37:50

37:50

Steve Dang joins the podcast to discuss spiritual formation, how to share the gospel based on varying school contexts. DOCS: An example of how to tell the story of Spiritual Formation at your school here. Spiritual Formation overview at VCS - see more here. Leveraging Social Media as a Storytelling tool: @vcs_faith Spiritual Formation links: https:…

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Student Leadership & Learning Ep 22: Equipping a Generation for Courageous Influence, Pt. 2 17:01

2M ago17:01

17:01

Educators can help students understand their identity in Christ and foster genuine relationships in a digitally connected but lonely world. Learn more about equipping students to make a courageous influence, which continues a three-part series that began last episode. -- Do you read the quarterly Student Leadership & Learning newsletters? Subscribe…

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Flourishing Journey Ep 19: Leadership Development & Growth 14:09

3M ago14:09

14:09

Rachael Jones, Assistant Director of Professional Development sits down with Dr. Edward Bunn, Director of Professional Development, to discuss Leadership Development and the newly redesigned Leadership University. The Flourishing Journey podcast explores strategies for building a thriving school culture through research and practical application. T…

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Stronger Together Ep 7: PPA Summit, ACSI's New Board Chair, Accreditation, & a Student Revival 14:32

3M ago14:32

14:32

Hear about the 2025 Public Policy & Advocacy Summit that just wrapped up in D.C., get to know ACSI's new Board Chair, Elisa Carlson, and enjoy a spotlight on an ACSI school seeing a revival in its student body. For more on ACSI accreditation, visit acsi.org/accreditation.By ACSI

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Grafted Together Ep 21: Pursuing Excellence and Righteousness in Sports, with Billy Sparacio 1:10:29

3M ago1:10:29

1:10:29

Billy Sparacio brings nearly 30 years of experience in high school athletics, and he uses sports as a platform to mold young men and women for life beyond the game. Learn more about Spiritual Formation Network meetings: https://www.acsi.org/professional-development/connect-with-networking-groups The Grafted Together Podcast examines how biblical wo…

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Special Episode: The Tragic Loss of Charlie Kirk: "Light More Lamps" 16:06

4M ago16:06

16:06

The tragic death of Charlie Kirk has shaken the country to its core. In many ways, it can cause one to think about how a person, particularly a believer, shares and expresses their faith, beliefs, and ideas. In this special episode, Jeff shares his thoughts on the loss of a remarkable young man who impacted Generation X, and how, as believers, we c…

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Student Leadership & Learning Ep 21: Equipping a Generation for Courageous Influence 16:11

4M ago16:11

16:11

Even if students know they're meant to stand for truth, are they equipped to do so? Emily Pigott shares ways to equip students to actually follow through on their mission to impact their community with courageous influence. -- Do you read the quarterly Student Leadership & Learning newsletters? Subscribe at www.acsi.org/subscribe The Student Leader…

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Stronger Together Ep 6: Latin Am. Update, International Education, & Early Ed 11:10

4M ago11:10

11:10

Stuart Salazar, ACSI Divisional Director for Latin America, provides an update. Beth Afanador, a longtime international school educator, gives her reasons why teaching overseas is impactful to both students and the teacher themself. And finally, we highlight the ACSI Early Education workshops with Dr. Tyler Groves. -- The Stronger Together Podcast …

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Grafted Together Ep 19: AI and Biblical Worldview Integration, with Dr. Steve Mason 39:54

4M ago39:54

39:54

Dr. Steve Mason, Student Success Services Teacher at Southside Christian School in South Carolina, joins the Grafted Together Podcast to discuss Artificial Intelligence, biblical worldview integration, and human intelligence. Read a chapter of Steve Mason's forthcoming book here, on Biblical Integration of Human Intelligence and Artificial Intellig…

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Grafted Together Ep 20: Following Jesus the Teacher (TKA Devotional) 42:14

4M ago42:14

42:14

Jerry Nelson led this devotional at The King's Academy (FL), an ACSI Exemplary Accredited School, on August 7, 2025. He challenged TKA's faculty to emulate Jesus the teacher, using John chapter 20. -- The Grafted Together Podcast examines how biblical worldview and spiritual formation should integrate into everyday Christian education. Find more in…

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Grafted Together Ep 18: Expected Student Outcomes, with Josh Leonard 36:08

4M ago36:08

36:08

Josh Leonard rejoins the podcast to discuss targets for students to know, understand, and believe upon graduation. They are integrated with academic and spiritual goals using a biblical worldview, emphasizing the importance of clear outcomes for effective education. The video highlights NRCA's approach with four umbrellas: spiritual formation, worl…

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Pressure & Todays Student Athlete with Guest Clinical Counselor Bradley Mack 51:42

4M ago51:42

51:42

Today, student-athletes face more pressure than ever before in athletics. This week, Jeff sits down with licensed clinical counselor Bradley Mack to discuss this ever-changing and challenging world of youth and high school athletics. Bradley is the author of The Balanced Blueprint/Manage Pressure, Squash Burnout, Find Balance. You can learn more ab…

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Student Leadership & Learning Ep 20: What They Are Bringing Back: a Teacher's Guide to Post-Summer Culture 17:23

5M ago17:23

17:23

Students are returning to school shaped by culture, for better or for worse. Hear actionable strategies on how to capitalize on the beginning of the school year. Do you read the quarterly Student Leadership & Learning newsletters? Subscribe at www.acsi.org/subscribe Watch this episode on YouTube! The Student Leadership & Learning Podcast aims to he…

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The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes by Nancy Pearcey with Special Guest Senior Pastor Tim Grosshans 1:04:24

5M ago1:04:24

1:04:24

This week, Jeff sits down with a special guest, Tim Grosshans, Senior Pastor of Winter Garden's First Baptist, to discuss masculinity and Nancy Pearcey's book The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Nancy Pearcey is a bestselling author and speaker. A former agnostic, she was hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-em…

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Stronger Together Ep 5: Global Updates & How to Capitalize on the Career Center 12:33

5M ago12:33

12:33

Hear from ACSI's Divisional Directors in East Asia, Africa, and Asia Pacific, plus learn how to utilize ACSI's Career Center. Thanks to Divisional Directors Peter Lee, Dr. Sosthene Maletoungou, and Dr. Agus Susanto, and Manager of the ACSI Care Team Chris Scheer for joining the podcast. -- The Stronger Together Podcast highlights member schools, ed…

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Grafted Together Ep 17: Kingdom Education Principle #1 22:08

5M ago22:08

22:08

Building on Dr. Glen Schultz's Kingdom Education Principles, Jerry Nelson covers Principle #1 in this episode: The education of children and youth is the primary responsibility of parents. See all the principles here: PDF of 14 principles The Grafted Together Podcast examines how biblical worldview and spiritual formation should integrate into ever…

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Student Leadership & Learning Ep 19: A New Way to Think About Leadership 18:35

5M ago18:35

18:35

Do you have a mistaken perception of leadership? Does it emphasize authenticity, selflessness, and Christ-like love? Emily Pigott encourages educators to model these values for their students and foster a culture of leadership that is built on enduring principles rather than fleeting charisma or ideal conditions. Watch this episode on YouTube! The …

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Flourishing Journey Ep 18: The Soft Skills of Leadership: Self-Awareness 13:17

6M ago13:17

13:17

Dr. Edward Bunn sits down with Rex Miller, Author and Speaker, to discuss the leadership soft skill of self-awareness. The Flourishing Journey podcast explores strategies for building a thriving school culture through research and practical application. The show is hosted by Dr. Edward Bunn, ACSI's Director of Professional Development. The ACSI pod…

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Stronger Together Ep 4: International School Leader Spotlight with Eric Moore in Ukraine 14:25

6M ago14:25

14:25

Eric Moore, Director of Kyiv Christian Academy, discusses his background in Christian education and his current school in Kyiv, Ukraine. Moore and ACSI's Senior VP of Global Development, Mike Epp, had this conversation at the International School Leader Conference in Spain in 2025. -- The Stronger Together Podcast highlights member schools, educato…

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Faith: Simple Profession or Something Lived? Guest Corey Cline 46:35

6M ago46:35

46:35

What if the biggest threat to Christianity is not unbelief, but un-lived belief? Today, Jeff sits with Corey Cline, an Educational Technologist at Foundation Academy. Corey has a passion for God's word and lives his faith daily. Jeff and Corey deeply dive into what God's word says about living out our faith, not simply professing it. Foundation Aca…

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Stronger Together Ep 3: Reviewing Rooted and Previewing the Public Policy & Advocacy Summit 10:11

6M ago10:11

10:11

We look back at this month's Rooted Educator Worldview Summit in Dallas, and preview the Public Policy & Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC this September. To register for the PPA Summit, visit acsi.org/summit To register for the 2026 Rooted Educator Worldview Summit in Colorado Springs, visit acsi.org/rooted -- The Stronger Together Podcast highlig…

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An Urgent Message in Uncertain Times 11:38

6M ago11:38

11:38

There's a growing sense that the world is falling apart. Turn on the news, scroll social media, talk to your neighbor, and you'll see it: war, riots, political division, fear. We're living in a moment that feels unstable and unsafe. Today, Jeff addresses believers, sharing that we have hope and certainty due to our relationship with the Creator. W…

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Student Leadership & Learning Ep 18: Creativity in Leadership 15:28

7M ago15:28

15:28

Creativity is part of God's nature, and we are made in his image, so creativity is a divine gift. How can we use it in leadership for problem-solving and inspiring others? Watch this episode on YouTube! The Student Leadership & Learning Podcast aims to help create enriching experiences beyond the classroom, explore ways to maximize educators' impac…

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The Flourishing Journey 17: Learning to Lead Through Change Management 21:13

7M ago21:13

21:13

Dr. Edward Bunn sits down with Dr. Chris Hobbs, Head of School at Indian Rocks Christian School, to discuss the leadership soft skill of change management. The Flourishing Journey podcast explores strategies for building a thriving school culture through research and practical application. The show is hosted by Dr. Edward Bunn, ACSI's Director of P…

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Stronger Together Ep 2: Updates from the IELC, and the upcoming Public Policy & Advocacy Summit 11:57

7M ago11:57

11:57

Hear from Dr. Larry Taylor at the International Educator Leadership Conference in Budapest, and from Phil Hills, Executive Regional Director of ACSI Western Canada, ahead of this September's Public Policy & Advocacy Summit. Find more on Teaching Redemptively at your.acsi.org/teachingredemptively Register for the PPA Summit at acsi.org/summit -- The…

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Exploring the Evidence for God with Teacher, Coach and Author Guest Christie Thompson 46:43

7M ago46:43

46:43

Believers and non-believers have at one time or another questioned the existence of God. This week, Jeff sits down with Teach, Strength Coach, and Author Christie Thompson to discuss how the evidence of God is very real and her new book, "A King's Heart: Restoring a Relationship with the King." Her book addresses essential questions, such as: Who i…

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Dealing with Doubt with Guest Brent Dyer Coach, Consultant and Licensed Professional Counselor. 45:44

7M ago45:44

45:44

This week, Jeff sits down with licensed professional counselor, Brent Dyer. They discuss dealing with doubt. Recognizing it, where it comes from, and how to handle it. For over twenty years, Brent-Dyer has led church worship ministries from 150 to 15,000. Through his work in both single-site congregations and multi-site congregations, Brent has hon…

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Student Leadership & Learning Ep 17: Leading By Example, Lessons from Biblical Leaders 27:35

8M ago27:35

27:35

Emily Pigott emphasizes the importance of leading by example through biblical leaders Nehemiah, Deborah, Ruth, and Moses. She highlights various leadership traits such as integrity, humility, and perseverance. Practical applications involve engaging in servant leadership, fostering faithfulness, and establishing mentorship programs to guide student…

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The Search for Truth with Guest Brock Ratzlaff Bible Teacher Foundation Academy 36:12

8M ago36:12

36:12

In this week's episode, Jeff welcomes Foundation Academy Bible and Apologetics teacher Brock Ratzlaff to discuss the search for truth, its importance, and how we know it when we find it. Brock is from Frankfort, Ohio. He received an M.A. in Christian and Classical Studies from Knox Theological Seminary. Brock teaches Bible and Apologetics at Founda…

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Stronger Together Ep 1: How to Handle the Teacher Shortage, with Dr. Cy Smith 17:29

8M ago17:29

17:29

Dr. Cy Smith, Superintendent of Mansfield Christian School, shares actionable insights on how to handle the shortage of quality Christian educators. Learn more about the Leadership Network Meetings at acsi.org/us-divisions/meetings For more on ACSI professional development, visit acsi.org/professional-development To register for the Rooted Educator…

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The Epidemic of Loneliness with Guest Author Tim DeTellis 52:07

8M ago52:07

52:07

This week, host Jeff Lawrence addresses the rarely talked-about epidemic of loneliness. His guest is the president of New Missions and author Tim DeTellis. Jeff and Time explore the possible causes of loneliness, such as a changing culture, technology, and the loss of interdependency on our communities. They also discuss potential solutions to over…

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Grafted Together Ep 16: The Aim of Christian Education 11:58

8M ago11:58

11:58

Jerry Nelson discusses the purpose and goals of Christian education, emphasizing the need for divine guidance over external influences. He explores these themes using Dr. Glenn Schultz's book, which outlines principles for Kingdom Education. The podcast aims to foster a global conversation about integrating biblical principles into education, focus…

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Adolescent Anxiety and Technology: Part II with Guest Mental Health Nilda Laguna 40:05

8M ago40:05

40:05

This week, host Jeff Lawrence sits with Foundation Academy Mental Health Therapist Nilda Laguna for Part II of adolescent anxiety and the possible contributions smart devices make to the causation. This week, they dig deeper into the causes and how to identify potential problems and strategies for combating dependency on smart devices. Nilda Laguna…

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Student Leadership & Learning Ep 16: Building Trust and Accountability within Student Teams 24:45

8M ago24:45

24:45

Building a culture of trust and accountability must be rooted in Christian values to foster personal growth, integrity, and trust. Biblical examples, such as Nathan and David, illustrate how accountability can lead to repentance and not just correction. Activities like role-playing scenarios and trust walks are suggested to help students practice a…

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Adolescent Anxiety and Technology with Guest Mental Health Nilda Laguna 43:10

9M ago43:10

43:10

This week, host Jeff Lawrence sits with Foundation Academy Mental Health Therapist Nilda Laguna to discuss adolescent anxiety and the possible contributions smart devices make in the causation. Nilda Laguna is a licensed mental health therapist and founder of Inspirational Therapy in Clermont, Florida. Originally from Miami, she brings over a decad…

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The Flourishing Journey Ep 16: Learning to Lead Through Adaptability 20:18

9M ago20:18

20:18

Dr. Edward Bunn and Chuck Gilliam, ACSI VP of Membership & Strategic Alliances, discuss the leadership skill of adaptability. Watch this episode on YouTube! The Flourishing Journey podcast explores strategies for building a thriving school culture through research and practical application. The show is hosted by Dr. Edward Bunn, ACSI's Director of …