Here to offer help and hope for your parenting.
Hillary Rector and Andy Gullahorn share an honest, thoughtful look at what it’s like to move through the world—and parent—as Enneagram Nines. They discuss the genuine ease, adaptability, and steady presence that come naturally to them, along with the quieter struggles: delayed emotions, difficulty voicing desires, and the instinct to “smooth the ice” for everyone around them. Their stories highlight both the gentleness and complexity of this peaceful number.
Hillary and Andy reflect on how their nine-ness shapes their parenting—helping them create a calm, grounded environment, while also challenging them to build clearer boundaries, name their needs, and show their kids a more defined sense of self. They offer practical insight for supporting nine children, encouraging parents to give them time, space, and gentle opportunities to speak up and step in. It’s a compassionate, warm conversation for anyone who loves a nine or is raising one.
If you liked this episode, we think you’ll probably like:
Episode 121: Storing Up Good Memories for Your Kids with Hillary and Ben Rector
Episode 18: Using the Enneagram to Understand and Parent Kids and Adolescents
. . . . . .
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Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
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In this episode, Sissy and David dive into Enneagram Nines—their calming presence, deep empathy, and quiet, steady love that makes home feel like a safe place for kids’ big feelings. They also gently name the harder parts for Nines: avoiding conflict, losing their voice, procrastination, and numbing out, especially in parenting. You’ll hear practical ways Nine parents can use their voice, follow through with boundaries, stay present in conflict, and help Nine kids step into their own desires and decisions without losing their beautiful gift of peace.
Resources mentioned:
. . . . . .
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Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
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MERCY SHIPS: Please donate today at MercyShips.org/podcast.
OMAHA STEAKS: Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout.
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In this Enneagram 8 episode, Sissy and David sit down with longtime friends (and parents of six young adults between them) Amy Fenton and Brian Camp. They share how their “eightness” showed up early—taking charge in childhood, pushing back on authority, and feeling fiercely independent—and how those same traits now benefit their kids through strength, decisiveness, advocacy, and protection that help children feel deeply safe and supported.
Amy and Brian also talk honestly about the harder parts of being an eight parent: quick overreactions, bulldozing with intensity, needing to be heard and “right,” and how fear can sit underneath their need to control. With stories from tossed Xboxes to “conversations about the conversation,” they share practical tools they’re using now—walking away, pausing, asking “Do you want to try that again?”, owning their mistakes, and choosing presence over certainty—so their kids experience them as strong, honest, deeply loyal parents who always have their back.
Resources mentioned:
Amy’s Cream of Taco
1 lb of browned ground beef1 half pint of whipping cream (yes, I did say whipping cream)1 lb Velveeta cubed2 cans of Chili with no beans2 can of chili hot beans - found in the bean section, not the chili section1 can of RotelPut all ingredients in a crock-pot for a few hours on low, allowing the cream to heat and thicken the mixture. Place in a bowl and put the Chili Cheese Frito's on top. You can top with sour cream, shredded cheese, pico, lettuce, etc.
It is even better reheated, and it is a fall favorite at our house. Makes enough to share with all the neighbors.
. . . . . .
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Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
EVERYDAY DOSE: Get 45% off your first subscription order of 30-servings of Coffee+ or Bold+. You’ll also receive a starter kit with over $100 in free gifts including a rechargeable frother and gunmetal serving spoon by going to everydaydose.com/RGB or entering RGB at checkout. You’ll also get FREE gifts throughout the year!
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Sissy and David explore the bold, protective world of Enneagram 8s, celebrating their fierce loyalty, honesty, and justice‑driven strength while also naming common struggles like intensity, difficulty showing vulnerability, and quick reactions. They offer practical guidance for eight parents and caregivers—soften tone, stay calm, practice vulnerability and repair—and ideas to help eight kids use their power for good, feel respected, and grow into balanced leaders.
Resources mentioned:
The Enneagram Made Easy by Elizabeth Wagele and Renee Baron – used as a simple tool to help kids identify their number.
The Road Back to You by Suzanne Stabile
Love And Logic Series – multiple books for different ages, educators, and grandparents; recommended especially for parents raising potential eights because of its focus on getting out of power struggles.
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
OUR PLACE: Stop cooking with toxic cookware, and upgrade to Our Place today. Visit fromourplace.com/RBG and use code RBG for 10% off sitewide.
HIYA: Visit hiyahealth.com/RBG to get 50% off your first order.
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Author and therapist Niro Feliciano joins Sissy and David to talk about her new book, All Is Calm-ish, and how we can find contentment and calm in the middle of a busy, often overwhelming holiday season. She shares simple, doable practices—like five minutes of stillness, tiny wellness habits, and choosing connection over perfection—and opens up about writing the book during a heavy season in her own family, walking with her daughter through significant anxiety.
Together they discuss navigating grief, rethinking traditions, setting kind boundaries, and the beautiful overlap between faith and psychology, offering a hopeful, grounding guide for anyone longing for a little more peace—and a little more “calm-ish”—this Christmas.
Resources mentioned:
All Is Calm-ish by Niro Feliciano
This Book Won’t Make You Happy by Niro Feliciano
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Sissy and David sit down with Enneagram Sevens Mary Killett and Aaron Weber, who share how their natural optimism, humor, and energy shape their lives at Daystar and at home. They talk about the joy of being wired for positivity, the pressure to always be “on,” and the growth that comes with learning to slow down, feel hard things, and meet people with presence instead of quick reframing. They also offer a glimpse into Daystar’s building expansion and the hope of a new podcast studio on the way.
As parents, Mary and Aaron reflect on how their Seven-ness helps them cheer on their kids, stay playful, and bring light into hard moments—while also learning to validate big emotions, pause before fixing, and listen more deeply.
If you’re interested in giving towards Daystar Counseling Ministries growth fund, here is the link to give.
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
WAYFAIR: Get organized, refreshed, and ready for the holidays for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
JOLIE: Jolie will give you your best skin & hair guaranteed. Head to jolieskinco.com/RBG to try it out for yourself with FREE shipping.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Sissy and David turn their attention to Enneagram Sevens—the Enthusiasts, Optimists, and Adventurers who bring joy, imagination, and energy to the world. They explore the unique strengths Sevens offer their families, like creativity, flexibility, and a contagious zest for life, as well as the struggles they face with avoiding pain, overscheduling, and following through. You’ll also hear practical encouragement for Seven parents learning to sit with hard emotions, and guidance for raising Seven kids who are curious, adventurous, and grounded.
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
EVERYDAY DOSE: Get 45% off your first subscription order of 30-servings of Coffee+ or Bold+. You’ll also receive a starter kit with over $100 in free gifts including a rechargeable frother and gunmetal serving spoon by going to everydaydose.com/RGB or entering RGB at checkout. You’ll also get FREE gifts throughout the year!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Sissy and David sit down with two beloved Enneagram Sixes: longtime Daystar founder and leader Melissa Trevathan and Daystar counselor Allye Gray. They explore how differently Sixes can look—phobic and counterphobic—and how both expressions are driven by the same core issues of fear, loyalty, and a deep desire for safety and goodness.
Allye shares candidly about being a “phobic” Six: an inner world full of what-ifs and how her anxiety can be palpable in parenting. She talks about learning to trust her own instincts, tolerate discomfort, and surround herself with people who stretch her beyond worry into courage and play. Melissa reflects on decades as a “counterphobic” Six, including childhood stories of pushing through fear, starting Daystar when counseling wasn’t common, and discovering that fear doesn’t have to control her life or leadership.
Together they offer thoughtful encouragement for parents who are Sixes—and those raising Six kids—naming how anxiety can be misunderstood, how important it is to name dread and seek truth, and how community, Scripture, and play can help Sixes move from living out of fear to parenting more from love, trust, and joy.
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
OUR PLACE: Stop cooking with toxic cookware, and upgrade to Our Place today. Visit fromourplace.com/RBG and use code RBG for 10% off sitewide.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sissy and David celebrate the strengths of Enneagram Sixes—their loyalty, courage, diligence, and care for the common good—while naming the real challenges of worst-case thinking, indecision, and hypervigilance. They offer practical ideas for Six parents (trust your gut, build steady routines, model bravery “even when you feel afraid”) and simple ways to support a child who might be a Six (reassure safety, give age-appropriate choices, and nudge into small risks). The theme: Sixes hold families and communities together more than they realize.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
The Worry-Free Parent by Sissy Goff — and its Workbook
Braver, Stronger, Smarter by Sissy Goff (for girls)
Strong and Smart by David Thomas (for boys)
Brave by Sissy Goff (for older middle & high school girls)
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Enneagram 5 parents Lauren Rupley and Kris Plunkett talk curiosity, intentionality, and energy management in family life. They describe how fives’ love of learning, patient problem-solving, and reflective nature become strengths—sparking great questions, thoughtful rhythms, and delight in kids’ unique wiring.
They also name common struggles: over-researching instead of trusting intuition, scarce-energy mindsets, stepping back to observe rather than engaging in hard moments, and turning kids’ challenges into a referendum on their own preparedness. Practical help includes building daily downtime, modeling conscious tech boundaries, asking “Is this about me or about my child?”, showing vulnerability, and finding mentor parents a few steps ahead.
Resources mentioned:
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
WAYFAIR: Get organized, refreshed, and ready for the holidays for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
KIWICO: Tinker, Create, and Celebrate this holiday with KiwiCo! Get up to 50% off your first crate at kiwico.com, promo code RBG.
JOLIE: Jolie will give you your best skin & hair guaranteed. Head to jolieskinco.com/RBG to try it out for yourself with FREE shipping.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Enneagram Fives—the Investigators—bring curiosity, insight, independence, and a calming, steady presence to both life and parenting. Sissy and David highlight how Fives notice patterns others miss, think objectively, set healthy boundaries, and dive deep into learning. Their measured energy and calm in crisis can be a superpower at home, helping kids regulate and feel safe.
They also explore common stretches: retreating into the mind, mistaking self-protection for not needing relationships, cynicism/sarcasm when fear rises, and feeling drained by the constant demands of family life. The episode offers grace (manna for today) and practical growth steps for Five parents—express warmth (not just wisdom), choose presence over preparation, and engage emotions before problem-solving. For kids who may be Fives, they share ways to reassure, gently invite connection, honor refueling needs, and nurture quirky passions.
Books mentioned in the podcast:
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
EVERYDAY DOSE: Get 45% off your first subscription order of 30-servings of Coffee+ or Bold+. You’ll also receive a starter kit with over $100 in free gifts including a rechargeable frother and gunmetal serving spoon by going to everydaydose.com/RGB or entering RGB at checkout. You’ll also get FREE gifts throughout the year!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices