<![CDATA[A Minute with Mark]]>763d8a5c-b27a-5d61-baf3-bedea00336a5Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:00:24 +0000Captivate.fmMark Gregstonhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/0f093367-43fc-462b-ab95-11a4a910fccc/OneMinuteWithMark-Resize.jpgA Minute with MarkMark GregstonMark GregstonA Minute With Mark is a short-form podcast for parents and grandparents raising teenagers in a culture that never slows down. Mark Gregston has worked with struggling adolescents for more than 45 years, and thousands of them have lived in his home. Each episode takes one issue, one question, or one moment you're facing with your teen or grandchild and gives you something you can actually use. No long interviews. Just Mark, one idea at a time. Some episodes speak to parents in the daily grind of raising a teenager. Some speak to grandparents looking for a way back into a grandchild's life. All of them are honest about how hard it is, and hopeful about what's still possible. Visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org for more resources.https://parentingtodaysteens.org/falseepisodicnopodcastWhen Trauma Makes Faith Questions UnavoidableWhen Trauma Makes Faith Questions UnavoidableWhen a teen has been through deep hurt, questions about God are going to come up. Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how parents can respond in a way that keeps the conversation open. Start where your teen is. Ask probing questions instead of giving them all the answers, so they'll go looking for the answers themselves. Don't get defensive, and let them say what they think without correcting them or telling them they're wrong. Let your teen know it's okay to ask questions, and let the life you live be your biggest witness.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>When a teen has been through deep hurt, questions about God are going to come up. Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how parents can respond in a way that keeps the conversation open. Start where your teen is. Ask probing questions instead of giving them all the answers, so they'll go looking for the answers themselves. Don't get defensive, and let them say what they think without correcting them or telling them they're wrong. Let your teen know it's okay to ask questions, and let the life you live be your biggest witness.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>285283d6-3f5a-4e0e-b796-90189b37ea36Fri, 09 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -050000:47falsefull1616How Growing Up Has Changed: A Thought-Provoking InsightHow Growing Up Has Changed: A Thought-Provoking InsightWhen Mark Gregston was growing up, he never heard about other religions and had no reason to question what he believed. Today's teens are surrounded by every kind of belief, lifestyle, and idea, and that raises questions. Do I measure up? Where does my relationship with Christ fit in all of this? Mark says those are good questions. There's a difference between asking questions and questioning, and parents should want their teens to spend plenty of time asking.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>When Mark Gregston was growing up, he never heard about other religions and had no reason to question what he believed. Today's teens are surrounded by every kind of belief, lifestyle, and idea, and that raises questions. Do I measure up? Where does my relationship with Christ fit in all of this? Mark says those are good questions. There's a difference between asking questions and questioning, and parents should want their teens to spend plenty of time asking.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>7b78dfe6-4225-4e8e-9278-c36be8ff1c8bWed, 07 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -050001:17falsefull1515Faith in Crisis: When Questions Run DeepFaith in Crisis: When Questions Run Deep"If God is so good, why am I such a mess?" For many hurting teens, faith gets tangled up with deep pain like abandonment, loss, and abuse, and with the way they see themselves. Mark Gregston shares the hard questions he hears from teens who wonder how a loving God could let these things happen to them. Those questions don't have to end the conversation. They can start a lifetime of conversation that helps teens work through what they've been through and come to understand what the gospel really is, and why it's good news.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>"If God is so good, why am I such a mess?" For many hurting teens, faith gets tangled up with deep pain like abandonment, loss, and abuse, and with the way they see themselves. Mark Gregston shares the hard questions he hears from teens who wonder how a loving God could let these things happen to them. Those questions don't have to end the conversation. They can start a lifetime of conversation that helps teens work through what they've been through and come to understand what the gospel really is, and why it's good news.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>30c96de5-3814-4096-a46a-4a6b79ba3553Mon, 05 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -050001:09falsefull1414The Real Problem Isn't What You ThinkThe Real Problem Isn't What You ThinkFailing grades, substance use, and eating disorders get a parent's attention fast, but Courtney explains that they aren't the real problem. They're the outward signs of what's happening in a teen's head and heart. The symptoms still need to be addressed. But if your teen stops smoking weed without facing the depression or anxiety underneath, it will surface in some other harmful behavior. Mark Gregston and Courtney talk about why parents want to believe that stopping the behavior solves everything, and why getting to the root, even when it's scarier and harder to control, is what leads to lasting change.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>Failing grades, substance use, and eating disorders get a parent's attention fast, but Courtney explains that they aren't the real problem. They're the outward signs of what's happening in a teen's head and heart. The symptoms still need to be addressed. But if your teen stops smoking weed without facing the depression or anxiety underneath, it will surface in some other harmful behavior. Mark Gregston and Courtney talk about why parents want to believe that stopping the behavior solves everything, and why getting to the root, even when it's scarier and harder to control, is what leads to lasting change.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>90de8362-87cc-4d7c-a337-44774dde612aFri, 02 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -050001:19falsefull1313Hard Truth: Saving a Teen's Life Comes FirstHard Truth: Saving a Teen's Life Comes FirstSome parents reach a point where the whole family is hanging on by a thread. Mark Gregston is clear about what matters most then: don't let a child's decisions or feelings keep you from doing what's needed to save their life. That may mean standing firm and saying, "We're not living like this anymore." Courtney names the fear many parents carry, which is losing the relationship if they hold a hard line. Sometimes it's worth your teen being angry with you if it means saving their life. Heartlight, or a program like it, can help, and Mark encourages parents to act before they're no longer able to.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>Some parents reach a point where the whole family is hanging on by a thread. Mark Gregston is clear about what matters most then: don't let a child's decisions or feelings keep you from doing what's needed to save their life. That may mean standing firm and saying, "We're not living like this anymore." Courtney names the fear many parents carry, which is losing the relationship if they hold a hard line. Sometimes it's worth your teen being angry with you if it means saving their life. Heartlight, or a program like it, can help, and Mark encourages parents to act before they're no longer able to.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>303541c6-d4b3-43d1-bb7a-93a0b5b4fe4dWed, 30 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -050001:16falsefull1212Sometimes It's Not the Time for CorrectionSometimes It's Not the Time for CorrectionConsequences and rewards matter, but there are moments when the wisest thing a parent can say is, "Maybe this isn't the time." Mark Gregston reminds parents that the goal is to make an impact on your teen, not to raise a clone. God made your child unique and wired them differently than you on purpose. When your teen shares thoughts or feelings that don't match your own, don't treat it as a threat to your family or your expectations. Treat it as a chance to get to know who they really are.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>Consequences and rewards matter, but there are moments when the wisest thing a parent can say is, "Maybe this isn't the time." Mark Gregston reminds parents that the goal is to make an impact on your teen, not to raise a clone. God made your child unique and wired them differently than you on purpose. When your teen shares thoughts or feelings that don't match your own, don't treat it as a threat to your family or your expectations. Treat it as a chance to get to know who they really are.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>0ad58572-941a-4ccf-b35f-8447f7a4e059Mon, 28 Sep 2026 19:10:00 -050001:06falsefull1111One Mistake That Can Cost You Influence for a LifetimeOne Mistake That Can Cost You Influence for a LifetimeControlling what your teen says in the moment can feel like good parenting, but it may cut off your ability to influence them for years to come. Mark Gregston encourages parents to let teens say what they think out loud, right in front of them. It isn't always your job to set them straight, point out where they're wrong, or tell them how they could have said it better. Some comments are better left alone. As Scripture reminds us, even a fool appears wise when he keeps his mouth shut.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>Controlling what your teen says in the moment can feel like good parenting, but it may cut off your ability to influence them for years to come. Mark Gregston encourages parents to let teens say what they think out loud, right in front of them. It isn't always your job to set them straight, point out where they're wrong, or tell them how they could have said it better. Some comments are better left alone. As Scripture reminds us, even a fool appears wise when he keeps his mouth shut.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>f3657107-d46f-48c3-b40e-b9acacb244bbFri, 25 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -050000:55falsefull1010Act to Influence, Not ReactAct to Influence, Not ReactYour teen needs to be heard in a world where no one is really listening, and they need you to be the one who listens. When they can't say what they're thinking to you, they'll act it out. Mark Gregston and Courtney ask parents to consider how many conversations they've missed because their teen already knew how they would react. You don't have to correct every comment or turn every moment into a lesson. Pick the hills worth dying on, and let the smaller things go. You may lose a battle now and then, but you'll be in a better position to win the war.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>Your teen needs to be heard in a world where no one is really listening, and they need you to be the one who listens. When they can't say what they're thinking to you, they'll act it out. Mark Gregston and Courtney ask parents to consider how many conversations they've missed because their teen already knew how they would react. You don't have to correct every comment or turn every moment into a lesson. Pick the hills worth dying on, and let the smaller things go. You may lose a battle now and then, but you'll be in a better position to win the war.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>0206427f-f5ba-4881-82bc-d19e6f6e2a30Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:15:00 -050001:16falsefull99You Have Not Made a MistakeYou Have Not Made a MistakeAdoption is a beautiful calling, and it can still take turns that leave you questioning everything. If you're in that place right now, Mark Gregston has a word for you: you have not made a mistake. God placed this child in your family on purpose. He knew the challenges ahead, and He knew you were capable of walking this road through His strength. Nothing you're facing has caught Him off guard, and the plan He set in motion is still unfolding.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>Adoption is a beautiful calling, and it can still take turns that leave you questioning everything. If you're in that place right now, Mark Gregston has a word for you: you have not made a mistake. God placed this child in your family on purpose. He knew the challenges ahead, and He knew you were capable of walking this road through His strength. Nothing you're facing has caught Him off guard, and the plan He set in motion is still unfolding.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>4b3c7681-336e-4fe2-9cd5-cec25e9f77c6Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:30:00 -050001:04falsefull88Don't Panic When Your Teen Questions Their FaithDon't Panic When Your Teen Questions Their FaithMark Gregston accepted Christ at a Beach Boys concert, had his first date with his wife at a Led Zeppelin concert, and now speaks at Bill Gaither events. God works in mysterious ways. Every person's path to faith is their own, and what worked for you may not be your teen's route. So when your teen starts questioning beliefs they've held since childhood, don't panic. That questioning is how they take ownership of what they've been taught. You don't have to fix your teen's faith. Live yours out in front of them and let them wonder.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>Mark Gregston accepted Christ at a Beach Boys concert, had his first date with his wife at a Led Zeppelin concert, and now speaks at Bill Gaither events. God works in mysterious ways. Every person's path to faith is their own, and what worked for you may not be your teen's route. So when your teen starts questioning beliefs they've held since childhood, don't panic. That questioning is how they take ownership of what they've been taught. You don't have to fix your teen's faith. Live yours out in front of them and let them wonder.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>f794cff6-cbeb-41ce-976e-3d8d23ce2599Fri, 18 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -050001:12falsefull77Patterns From the PastPatterns From the PastNone of us came into parenting with a perfect blueprint. We all carry patterns from our past, and some of them get passed on whether we mean them to or not. Mark Gregston says the issue isn't that you've messed up, because you have, like the rest of us. The issue is what you do once you see it. Your teen is looking for a real parent, someone willing to say, "I'm noticing something in myself, and I think it's affecting you. Let's work on this together." That kind of honesty strengthens your authority instead of undermining it.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>None of us came into parenting with a perfect blueprint. We all carry patterns from our past, and some of them get passed on whether we mean them to or not. Mark Gregston says the issue isn't that you've messed up, because you have, like the rest of us. The issue is what you do once you see it. Your teen is looking for a real parent, someone willing to say, "I'm noticing something in myself, and I think it's affecting you. Let's work on this together." That kind of honesty strengthens your authority instead of undermining it.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>580da8b6-b2ec-4982-b02e-c2575090c3dbWed, 16 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -050001:33falsefull66Stay Connected, Keep Your InfluenceStay Connected, Keep Your InfluenceYour teen is noticing the opposite sex. That's growing up, not a warning sign. The real question is whether you'll be part of the conversation or left guessing. Mark Gregston explains why dating has less to do with romance than with learning to relate, communicate, and handle emotions, and why parents matter most in that stretch. Your teen is forming ideas right now about relationships, commitment, and trust. You can shape that with calm guidance, or leave them to sort it out alone.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>Your teen is noticing the opposite sex. That's growing up, not a warning sign. The real question is whether you'll be part of the conversation or left guessing. Mark Gregston explains why dating has less to do with romance than with learning to relate, communicate, and handle emotions, and why parents matter most in that stretch. Your teen is forming ideas right now about relationships, commitment, and trust. You can shape that with calm guidance, or leave them to sort it out alone.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>31205db6-eca3-4724-b35e-a97bfb5cb69fMon, 14 Sep 2026 15:00:00 -050001:25falsefull55Opinions Are Like ArmpitsOpinions Are Like Armpits"Somebody said opinions are like armpits. Everybody has two of them, and they both stink." Mark Gregston makes the case for giving your teen your perspective instead of your opinion, especially when they're facing loss. A public figure dies. A friend, a friend's parent, a pastor. Your teen will meet grief, and they need to hear that it's okay to grieve, okay to feel the loss, and that God protects us over time. Your job in that conversation is to make your child feel safe.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>"Somebody said opinions are like armpits. Everybody has two of them, and they both stink." Mark Gregston makes the case for giving your teen your perspective instead of your opinion, especially when they're facing loss. A public figure dies. A friend, a friend's parent, a pastor. Your teen will meet grief, and they need to hear that it's okay to grieve, okay to feel the loss, and that God protects us over time. Your job in that conversation is to make your child feel safe.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>5fc3e6a8-72aa-4795-ad35-cefdace764beFri, 11 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -050001:26falsefull44Do You Feel That I Value You?Do You Feel That I Value You?Mark Gregston has a question for parents, and he suggests asking your teen directly: do you feel that I value you, or am I just trying to control your behavior so the house stays calm? All behavior is goal-oriented. When a child acts out, they want something they don't have, and the parent may be the one missing it. Mark talks openly about what he missed with his own kids during their high school years, his daughter's struggle with an eating disorder, his son's drinking, and his own part in it.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>Mark Gregston has a question for parents, and he suggests asking your teen directly: do you feel that I value you, or am I just trying to control your behavior so the house stays calm? All behavior is goal-oriented. When a child acts out, they want something they don't have, and the parent may be the one missing it. Mark talks openly about what he missed with his own kids during their high school years, his daughter's struggle with an eating disorder, his son's drinking, and his own part in it.

For more resources for parenting teens, go to parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>43a30929-a723-4c1e-b631-f659640a2a6fWed, 09 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -050001:25falsefull33A Different Kind of GrandparentA Different Kind of GrandparentMark Gregston's grandparents were good people, but distant. He missed out on the wisdom they could have passed down. So when his daughter told him he was going to be a granddad, he decided to do it differently. He wanted his grandkids to remember laughter in his kitchen, stories on the back porch, and a granddad who showed up. In this Minute with Mark, he shares how that one decision changed his schedule, his praise, and how long he was willing to listen.

For more resources for parenting and grandparenting teens, visit parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>Mark Gregston's grandparents were good people, but distant. He missed out on the wisdom they could have passed down. So when his daughter told him he was going to be a granddad, he decided to do it differently. He wanted his grandkids to remember laughter in his kitchen, stories on the back porch, and a granddad who showed up. In this Minute with Mark, he shares how that one decision changed his schedule, his praise, and how long he was willing to listen.

For more resources for parenting and grandparenting teens, visit parentingtodaysteens.org.

]]>04165376-3a4c-4af5-a85a-83f7be316b00Mon, 07 Sep 2026 16:05:00 -050001:13falsefullThey'll Be Gone Before You Know ItThey'll Be Gone Before You Know ItYou're busy keeping the household running and making sure your teen has what they need. But the thing they need most is you. In this minute, Mark Gregston reminds parents that the teen years feel endless right up until they're over, and that a parent who isn't intentional about pursuing the relationship can get quietly pushed out as their teen's world gets bigger. Give them your time now. Make the memories while you still can.

Find more free resources, articles, and podcasts for parents of teens at ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

]]>You're busy keeping the household running and making sure your teen has what they need. But the thing they need most is you. In this minute, Mark Gregston reminds parents that the teen years feel endless right up until they're over, and that a parent who isn't intentional about pursuing the relationship can get quietly pushed out as their teen's world gets bigger. Give them your time now. Make the memories while you still can.

Find more free resources, articles, and podcasts for parents of teens at ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

]]>ac3c7133-b5d6-4ae9-ab90-a6fecdf6d281Fri, 04 Sep 2026 16:45:00 -050001:05falsefull