April 5, 2026 — Episode #116

Jerry and Becky Drace open a new series on middle adulthood (ages 40-65), following their recent series on emerging adulthood.

They walk through characteristics of this life stage, including physical changes like decreased metabolism, changes in skin and hair, declining vision and hearing, and decreased muscle mass and bone density. They also discuss cognitive changes, noting that intellectual activity remains strong through middle adulthood but processing speed can slow, and they suggest ways to stay mentally sharp such as reading, puzzles, and learning new skills. Becky shares candidly about her own cancer diagnosis in December 2021 and the year and a half of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy that followed, tying her experience to the importance of memorizing scripture such as Philippians 4:6 (“Be anxious for nothing”) to combat anxiety at any life stage. She points listeners to her book, The Bright Side of Blue, which shares her own journey along with the stories of others who have walked through personal crises. The conversation also touches on memory changes, using old photographs to jog long-term memory, and begins to introduce emotional and psychological shifts common in this stage, including self-reflection and the idea of a midlife crisis, which the Draces plan to explore further in the coming weeks.

Topics discussed:

• Defining middle adulthood (ages 40-65)
• Physical changes: metabolism, skin/hair, vision, hearing, muscle mass
• Cognitive changes and ways to stay mentally sharp (reading, puzzles, chess)
• Becky’s cancer diagnosis and treatment journey (2021-2023)
• Scripture on anxiety (Philippians 4:6)
• Becky’s book “The Bright Side of Blue”
• Introduction to midlife crisis and emotional/psychological changes

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March 29, 2026 — Episode #115

In the final installment of their emerging adulthood series, Jerry and Becky Drace complete their tour through the four cultural revolutions framework introduced the prior week, covering the sexual revolution, the women’s movement, and the youth movement.

They reflect on the campus unrest and sexual liberation of the late 1960s alongside a more hopeful trend they’re seeing today: a renewed wave of spiritual interest and mass decisions for Christ on college campuses, distinct from more widely reported news coverage. Turning to the women’s movement, they note that 58 percent of today’s undergraduates are women, compared to a majority-male student body in 1960, and discuss women’s expanding roles in medicine, law, and other professions. The youth movement segment explores how cultural attitudes have pushed adulthood milestones later, with 30 now functioning culturally like 20 once did. The couple then addresses practical family questions: when it’s appropriate for adult children to move back home, how to set boundaries and timelines around that arrangement, and the importance of teaching budgeting and financial responsibility well before children reach adulthood. They close out the series, thanking listeners for their engagement over the past several weeks, and preview their next series on “middle adulthood,” covering roughly ages 35 to 65. The practical takeaway: preparing children with early financial and relational responsibility eases the eventual transition into independent adulthood.

Topics discussed:

• Concluding the four cultural revolutions framework: sexual revolution, women’s movement, and youth movement
• Shifting gender ratios in college enrollment (58% female undergraduates today versus a male majority in 1960)
• A renewed wave of spiritual interest and decisions for Christ on college campuses
• Setting healthy boundaries when adult children move back home
• Teaching budgeting, banking, and financial responsibility before children become emerging adults
• Deciding when and how to nudge an emerging adult toward greater independence
• Series wrap-up and a preview of the upcoming “Middle Adulthood” series

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March 22, 2026 — Episode #114

Jerry and Becky Drace welcome a Union University professor who teaches cybersecurity to discuss how technology is reshaping the emerging adult years.

Drawing on research from a psychology professor who studies emerging adulthood extensively, the Draces introduce his framework of four cultural revolutions that have reshaped family life since the 1960s and 70s: the technology revolution, the sexual revolution, the women’s movement, and the youth movement. Their guest explains the shift from a manufacturing to a knowledge-based economy, the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, and how artificial intelligence cuts both ways — helping organizations defend their data while also giving attackers new tools. He and the Draces also discuss how AI is increasingly used to generate sermons and student papers, and the subtle ways professors and pastors can detect inauthentic, AI-written work. The conversation transitions into the sexual revolution, tracing its roots to the 1964 invention of the birth control pill and the resulting rise of premarital sexual activity and cohabitation, which the Draces note conflicts with biblical teaching on marriage. The practical takeaway: parents should stay curious and engaged with their emerging adult’s world, even unfamiliar fields like technology, rather than disengaging out of confusion or fear.

Topics discussed:

• A psychology researcher’s framework of four cultural revolutions reshaping emerging adulthood
• The technology revolution: the shift from a manufacturing economy to a knowledge/IT economy
• Detecting AI-generated sermons and student papers
• The 1964 invention of the birth control pill and the start of the sexual revolution
• Rising cohabitation rates before marriage and the biblical concerns they raise
• Encouraging parents to engage with, rather than avoid, an emerging adult’s chosen field

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March 15, 2026 — Episode #113

Jerry and Becky Drace continue unpacking the characteristics of emerging adulthood, focusing this week on uncertainty, risk, and shifting relationships.

They point to Psalm 33:15 — that God forms the hearts of all people and understands each individual’s thoughts and motives — as reassurance for young adults who feel anxious or directionless. Real-life examples illustrate the range of experiences within this life stage, including a Union University student unsure of her post-graduation plans and another preparing for an archaeological dig in Israel. The couple discusses dating and mate selection, urging emerging adults not to compromise their standards while waiting on God’s timing for the right relationship. They spend significant time on the topic of loving people without endorsing their lifestyle, illustrated by the testimony of a young Iranian woman who described the freedom of expressing her faith openly in America after growing up under religious restriction, and they anchor this discussion in 1 Corinthians 13’s teaching on love. The episode also emphasizes teaching children apologetics — how to defend and explain their faith rather than simply knowing Bible stories — and not neglecting the Old Testament. Becky shares a story of their fifth-grade granddaughter respectfully challenging a classroom lesson on the Big Bang theory. The practical takeaway: consistent, honest spiritual instruction at home equips children to remain grounded through the uncertainties of emerging adulthood.

Topics discussed:

• Continuing the seven-trait profile of emerging adults: anxiety, risk, and relationship changes
• Psalm 33:15 and the assurance that God individually forms and understands every heart
• Contrasting stories of Union University students navigating career uncertainty and calling
• Waiting on God’s timing for a spouse without compromising personal standards
• Loving people without endorsing their lifestyle, illustrated by a young Iranian woman’s testimony
• Teaching children apologetics and the importance of not skipping the Old Testament
• A granddaughter’s classroom stand for biblical creation over the Big Bang theory

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March 8, 2026 — Episode #112

Jerry and Becky Drace open with a personal update, thanking American Family Radio’s staff for praying with their family through a difficult week involving their daughter-in-law’s ICU stay, before returning to their ongoing series on emerging adults.

They cite research estimating roughly 71 million emerging adults in the United States — about 29 percent of the population — and note that today’s young people are delaying marriage, parenthood, and career stability longer than previous generations. The couple walks through several defining traits of this age group: persistent uncertainty and anxiety about the future, a greater willingness to take risks (especially through job and career exploration), evolving and shifting relationships, and increased vulnerability to anxiety and depression. Drawing a parallel to the apostle Paul’s charge to “be anxious for nothing,” they encourage parents to help children stay spiritually focused rather than adrift. They also touch on emerging adults’ hunger for authenticity in church leadership and their increasing comfort with technology and artificial intelligence. Throughout, Jerry and Becky reflect on their own children’s varied job experiences — nannying, lifeguarding, retail, and banking — as formative preparation for adulthood. The practical takeaway: parents can ease their emerging adult’s transition by fostering early responsibility, honest conversation, and a Christ-centered sense of purpose rather than waiting until a crisis forces the issue.

Topics discussed:

• Seven defining characteristics of the emerging adult generation (ages 18–25, sometimes to 29)
• National statistics: an estimated 71 million emerging adults, about 29% of the U.S. population
• Anxiety and uncertainty about the future, tied to Paul’s charge to “be anxious for nothing”
• Taking healthy risks through part-time jobs and career exploration before marriage
• Navigating changing friendships and relationships during the emerging adult years
• Emerging adults’ desire for authenticity and spiritual guidance from church leaders
• Family update and gratitude for American Family Radio’s prayer support during a medical crisis

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March 1, 2026 — Episode #111

Continuing their series on “emerging adulthood” — the developmental window roughly spanning ages 18 to 25 (sometimes extending to 29) — Jerry and Becky Drace use the metaphor of a butterfly emerging from its pupa to describe how young people transition from adolescence into full adulthood.

Building on the previous week’s introduction, they outline five defining characteristics of this life stage: identity exploration, instability, self-focus, a feeling of being “in between,” and a season of seemingly endless possibilities. They discuss national trends toward later marriage (the average first-marriage age now sits near 28.5 for women and 30.2 for men), the risks of an “enabling syndrome” that keeps grown children dependent, and the value of trade schools, military service, and part-time jobs as alternatives or complements to a four-year degree. Drawing on Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 53:9, they encourage parents to ground children in Scripture so their sense of identity rests on God rather than shifting cultural influences. The couple also shares their longtime habit of asking restaurant servers if there’s anything they can pray for, noting how often it opens meaningful conversations. The practical takeaway: parents should use the emerging adult years to release control gradually, equipping children with responsibility and biblical grounding rather than holding them back out of fear.

Topics discussed:

• Five characteristics of emerging adulthood: identity exploration, instability, self-focus, feeling “in-between,” and possibility
• Rising average age of first marriage (28.5 for women, 30.2 for men) and its effect on family timelines
• The “enabling syndrome” and the dangers of rescuing adult children from every consequence
• Trade school, military service, and other alternatives to a traditional four-year degree
• How part-time jobs teach teens financial responsibility and workplace maturity
• Grounding children’s identity in Scripture (Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 53:9) amid competing cultural voices
• The Draces’ practice of praying with restaurant servers before meals

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February 22, 2026 — Episode #110

Jerry and Becky Drace close out their multi-week series on teenage rebellion and open a new series on “emerging adulthood,” the developmental stage roughly spanning ages 18 to 25.

Using the metaphor of a butterfly’s life stages, they discuss how young adults in this “pupa” stage face both high hopes and significant anxiety as they establish independence from their parents. Becky shares her own experience of being limited by her parents to a choice between nursing and secretarial school, despite wanting to become a flight attendant, and how being pushed into nursing left her miserable until she was allowed to change course. Jerry recounts his path from pre-med studies to answering a call to ministry, and the peace that came from surrendering his own plans to God’s. The couple encourages parents and grandparents to guide rather than dictate career and life choices, suggesting mentorship opportunities like job shadowing for teens exploring career interests. They highlight the three foundational life decisions—accepting Christ, choosing a spouse, and choosing a vocation—and note that the median marriage age has risen substantially since 1970, from the early twenties to the late twenties today. They also discuss the importance of teaching young people critical thinking and financial responsibility rather than solving every problem for them. The takeaway: parents should offer guidance and support without controlling their emerging adult children’s decisions, helping them transition successfully into full adulthood.

Topics discussed:

• The “emerging adulthood” life stage (ages 18-25) and its challenges
• Balancing parental guidance with allowing children to make their own choices
• Rising median age of marriage since 1970
• Career exploration through job shadowing and mentorship
• The “big three” life decisions: faith, spouse, and vocation
• Teaching critical thinking and financial responsibility to young adults

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February 15, 2026 — Episode #109

Content note: This episode discusses lyrics and media associated with self-harm and suicidal ideation among teenagers.

Jerry and Becky Drace, with their guest from the prior weeks, turn from the prior week’s discussion of music’s positive effects to examine its potential downsides for teenagers.

They cover how overindulgence in music, gaming, or any single activity can create distraction, poor attention, and social isolation, sharing an anecdote about a husband whose nightly sports commitments functioned as a “sexless mistress” that damaged his marriage. The couple cautions against choreographed music videos and awards shows that create unrealistic expectations of happiness and success, contrasting a recent Grammy Awards broadcast’s inappropriate content with a country artist’s widely praised acceptance speech about his faith, weight loss, and marriage restoration through Christ. They discuss hearing damage from prolonged loud music and earbud use, citing their son’s hearing loss from working sound at concerts, and describe “emotional dependency,” where teens use music to cope with stress rather than talking to parents or grandparents. They also address how certain lyrics can reinforce depression, anxiety, and self-destructive thinking, referencing the most-viewed music videos of 2025. The episode closes with warnings about social isolation, peer pressure to like certain music to fit in, and identity confusion from imitating musical idols. The takeaway: parents should know what their children are listening to and watching, and stay engaged enough to notice warning signs.

Topics discussed:

• Overindulgence in music/gaming as a distraction from priorities
• Social isolation risks from excessive individual media consumption
• Unrealistic expectations from choreographed music videos and award shows
• A country artist’s Grammy testimony about faith and personal transformation
• Hearing damage from loud music and prolonged earbud use
• Lyrics linked to depression, anxiety, and self-destructive thinking
• Peer pressure and identity confusion from imitating music idols

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February 8, 2026 — Episode #108

Jerry and Becky Drace, joined again by their guest from the prior week and sound engineer Mark, continue the prior week’s discussion on the positive effects of music in teenagers’ lives.

Trading personal stories about music tied to specific memories—from cathedrals in Rome to elevator Beach Boys tunes—they explore how music serves as a safe medium for adolescents to process and communicate emotion, for better or worse, including its power to bond friend groups or, conversely, to draw teens into darker musical subcultures. The conversation turns to the cognitive and developmental benefits of learning an instrument, with Becky recalling years of piano lessons and Jerry sharing how his grandchildren in Montana, where fifth graders are required to learn an instrument, have found belonging and confidence through playing the oboe and baritone saxophone. They discuss music’s proven ability to reduce stress, from bedtime lullabies to restaurant ambiance and calming music in medical offices, as well as its role as a creative and artistic outlet, referencing their guest’s children’s involvement in musical theater and Becky and Jerry’s own children’s background in church music programs. Throughout, they stress that strong musical leadership—whether in schools, churches, or communities—makes the difference in cultivating these benefits. The takeaway: encouraging children’s musical involvement, rather than pushing it, builds discipline, connection, and emotional resilience that lasts into adulthood.

Topics discussed:

• Nostalgia and emotional memory tied to teenage-years music
• Friendships and social bonds formed through shared musical interests
• Cognitive and disciplinary benefits of instrument practice
• Family stories of grandchildren’s musical instruments and talents
• Music as stress relief (lullabies, restaurant ambiance, medical settings)
• Music and theater as creative/artistic outlets

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February 1, 2026 — Episode #107

Jerry and Becky Drace welcome a longtime family friend who grew up around their ministry and now teaches at Union University, for a wide-ranging conversation about music’s role in teenage development.

Continuing their series on signs of rebellion, they pivot to music as a powerful, often underestimated influence, noting research suggesting music shapes teenagers’ intellectual, social, and mental development as much as, or more than, their parents do. The trio shares their own generational music preferences—from jazz, hymns, and classic rock to contemporary Christian music—and discuss how differing worship music styles can create tension within congregations. They highlight several prominent contemporary Christian artists and worship bands, encouraging parents to research the artists their children follow. Jerry recounts a testimony of a teenager who came to faith through a hard rock Christian band, illustrating that musical style matters less than message and integrity. They outline positive effects of music, including its role as a safe emotional outlet, its ability to foster self-expression and identity formation, and cognitive benefits from playing instruments, referencing Montana’s requirement that all fifth graders learn an instrument. The takeaway: parents should stay curious about their children’s musical tastes and help them find Christian alternatives within genres they already enjoy.

Topics discussed:

• Family and generational music preferences
• Music’s influence on intellectual, social, and spiritual development
• Popular contemporary Christian music artists
• Music as emotional catharsis and a vehicle for self-expression
• Cognitive and developmental benefits of learning an instrument
• Encouraging Christian alternatives within a teen’s preferred music genre

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