Teen Stories: Weathering the Storm

Teen Stories: Weathering the Storm

Author: Mark Gregston December 30, 2025 Duration: 18:02

Family relationships aren’t always easy, and sometimes the toughest struggles can lead to the strongest connections. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young women at Heartlight who have walked through dark seasons of conflict, self-doubt and destructive choices. Their journeys show that while pain and misunderstanding can create distance, there’s hope for rebuilding trust and closeness at home. Together, Mark and the teens discuss how healing happens one conversation at a time — and how families can grow even stronger after weathering life’s storms together.

There's still time to support our ministry with an end-of-year gift and have your donation doubled. Join the gift match today at parentingtodaysteens.org/year-end-match. We're grateful for your support!

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org. 


Raising a teenager can feel like navigating uncharted territory every single day. Parenting Today's Teens is here to walk that path with you, offering a steady voice amid the chaos. Mark Gregston brings more than four decades of direct experience working with families to each conversation, translating complex adolescent behaviors into understandable insights. You’ll hear honest discussions about defiance, screen time, emotional withdrawal, and the search for identity, all framed with a perspective that is both pragmatic and hopeful. This isn’t about quick fixes or perfect formulas; it’s about building a lasting, authentic connection with your teen even when it’s difficult. Mark’s approach is grounded in real-world application, offering strategies you can consider and adapt the very same day. The podcast draws from a well of wisdom that respects the spiritual and personal growth of the entire family, recognizing that parenting a teen often means revisiting your own beliefs and reactions. Tune in for a resource that feels like a thoughtful conversation with a trusted guide, one that acknowledges the struggles while consistently pointing toward practical solutions and renewed understanding for the modern parent.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Parenting Today's Teens
Podcast Episodes
I Mustache Mark a Question: Balancing Boundaries and Building Trust [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:51
In this episode, Mark tackles some more tough questions parents are asking about raising teens in today's rapidly changing world. From navigating conversations about sexuality and social media's impact on relationships,…
Mean Girls, Social Media and Building Resilience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:09
In this episode, Heartlight counselor Courtney Lafleur joins Mark and Wayne to tackle the issue of "mean girl" culture and the impact of social media on teenage girls. They discuss how bullying, exclusion, gossip and unr…
Helping Teens Process Pain and Heal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:55
In this episode, Mark shares a personal devotional about the impact of loss on teens and families. Drawing from personal stories and experiences at Heartlight, Mark explains how loss shapes behavior and emotional respons…
Teen Stories: What's Left Unsaid [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:02
Even the most loving families can struggle to truly hear one another. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share their experiences with communication breakdowns at home. For Tucker, clashing w…
How to Share Spiritual Values with Today’s Teens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:10
In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the challenges and opportunities parents face in sharing their faith with teenagers in a rapidly changing world. Drawing from real-life experiences and expert research, they discus…
Navigating Radicalization and Acceptance in Today’s Teens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:29
In this insightful episode, Mark and Wayne explore what drives today's teenagers to embrace radical ideas, delving into the underlying motives of identity, independence and acceptance. The conversation offers practical a…
Helping Teens Heal from Unresolved Hurt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:09
In this heartfelt episode, Mark addresses the complex world of adolescent loss and its impact on behavior and emotional well-being. Drawing from real-life stories and personal experiences, Mark sheds light on both obviou…
Teen Stories: Shedding the Mask [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:43
Many teens wrestle with the challenge of fitting in — sometimes at the cost of losing themselves. On today's show, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share their stories of wearing masks to please others wh…
Unpacking Reckless & Impulsive Behavior in Teens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:58
In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore what drives teens to risky behaviors — often in search of adventure, escape or affirmation. The conversation goes deeper during an interview with a Heartlight teen, who shares her…