Upright Christian Parenting - Treehouse Storyteller Podcast

They Came for the Homeschool Treehouse—He Fought Back | with Michael Farris

Hey, you're listening to the Treehouse Storyteller. In this episode, We have the privilege of speaking to one of the great heroes of homeschooling...Michael Ferris — a legal pioneer who helped transform homeschooling from a whispered rebellion into a nationwide movement. 
Join Michael Farris and myself at NRB 2026 in Nashville, February 17–20! If you want to go deeper or meet us in person, we’ll be there on the front lines—standing for faith, family, homeschool freedom, and more. See you there! Register HERE while tickets last!
Mike's Panel at NRB: https://nrb2026.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/session-details.cfm?scheduleid=55
BIO:
Michael Farris is a prominent American lawyer, litigator, and advocate known for founding the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), co-founding Patrick Henry College (PHC), and serving as former President of Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), specializing in constitutional law, religious freedom, and parental rights, with significant Supreme Court experience, currently serving as General Counsel for National Religious Broadcasters (NRB). 
EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
Through vivid snapshots of the 1980s, courtroom victories, and family memories, Michael reveals how homeschoolers quietly multiplied their influence and what it took to secure legal ground in all 50 states.
But the story isn’t finished: he warns of rising threats, classroom indoctrination, and an aggressive cultural shift that challenges parents’ rights and religious freedom. This conversation blends personal testimony, hard-won legal strategy, and a call to courageous, collective action.
Tune in to be moved, equipped, and reminded that together we can sharpen our arrows and steward the next generation with faith and boldness.
 
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📌 Explore AMFest Sessions & Free Turning Point Faith ResourcesThen start the year grounded with the Wanderer’s Field Guide and build your own treehouse rhythms 🌳
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Let’s raise rooted families in a sideways culture.

Chat w the Hubby! Treehouse in the Storm: A Marriage Get-away, a Fallen Tree, and a 31,000-People

Hey, you're listening to the Treehouse Storyteller. Meet me in the Treehouse for God-shaped storytelling—where messy parents seek Jesus together and raise kids to love Him.
We set out on our first trip alone in nearly 18 years—a weekend at AMFest with 31,000 people—only to learn a windstorm had shut power back home and a tree had fallen on our house. That moment forces a choice: rush back into chaos or trust the community we've built.
What unfolds is a testimony to surrender, courage, and the power of Christian community: neighbors who jump in to protect our home, a conference that wrestles with unity amid disagreement, and faith-filled moments that call us to defend truth with love. Through the tension—about Israel, leadership, and legacy—we find that unity does not mean uniformity, and mission can survive healthy debate.
Between mountaintop moments and everyday life are daily habits that root us—prayer, study, rest, and family rhythms. Tune in for candid conversation about cultivating those roots, stewarding courage, and raising the next generation to stand in the public square. Check the AMFest sessions and free Turning Point Faith resources, then start the year with the Wanderer's Field Guide to build your own treehouse rhythms.
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Mental Health, Military Life, and Finding God in the Dark

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In this episode I sit down with Dani Pettrey, a veteran military spouse and Christian romantic-suspense author, as she pulls back the curtain on military life, long deployments, and the hard transition into civilian world that helped shape her newest novel, Two Seconds Too Late. We trace her journey through depression, the legacy of mental illness in her family, and her fierce desire to turn pain into story that points listeners to Jesus.
Part memoir, part mystery, Dani’s conversation threads the urgency of rising veteran and youth suicide rates with the quiet, steady work of hope—homeschooling, creative outlets, and faith that rebuilds identity. Tune in for an intimate, brave, and compassionate story about rescue: of loved ones, of community, and of the soul.
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#ChristianPodcast #FaithFoundation #BuildOnTheRock #SpiritualGrowth #JesusIsTheRock

Motherhood & the Great Commission: Your Home Is the First Mission Field

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In this episode, Hannah Pierrou invites listeners into the cozy, chaotic heart of her home to show how motherhood is the first mission field. Through candid storytelling — from bedtime fears over a missing barn cat to the daily grind of homeschooling and marriage, Hannah unpacks how ordinary moments become spiritual training grounds. She weaves scripture, personal confession, and practical routines together to reveal how small, faithful practices build spiritual muscle and anchor children in Christ.
Listeners are guided through tangible habits: prayer time together, asking shepherding questions at bedtime, speaking identity over children, and crafting a pre-game spiritual routine. Hannah shares a heartfelt account of laying a child’s fear at the cross and celebrating answered prayer, illustrating how those tiny victories cultivate lasting faith. Anchored in Matthew 28 and Deuteronomy 6, the episode reframes the Great Commission as a call that begins within our homes and ripples outward.
Hannah closes with an invitation to a four-week challenge, the Wanderer’s Journey, and a simple field guide designed to root hearts in Scripture and prayer. This episode is a mix of encouragement and accountability — a call for messy parents to show up, choose faithfulness over perfection, and raise disciples in a sideways culture.
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How to Raise a Charlie Kirk: Parenting Bold Ambassadors of Truth

How do we raise children to stand boldly for truth in a culture that’s crumbling? In this episode, Hannah reflects on the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, Erika Kirk’s powerful act of forgiveness, and what it means for parents raising the next generation. Through 2 Corinthians 4, we discover how to live as “jars of clay” filled with God’s treasure—and how to plant deep roots so our children grow into bold ambassadors for Christ.
If you’re a Christian parent seeking encouragement, biblical truth, and practical steps for discipling your kids, this episode is for you.
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Valor & Vows: A Tactical Guide to a Mission-Ready Marriage

Chaplain Major Matthew Spencer and Christina Spencer join the Treehouse Storyteller to discuss their book Valor and Vows, sharing how military parallels and biblical truth helped rescue and rebuild their marriage.
They explore practical themes—communication, realigning priorities, handling deployments and separations—and describe their nine-month season of prayer, counseling, and personal change that led to healing.
The episode highlights actionable tools from their book, including discussion questions, prayers, and a “marriage retreat in a box,” designed to help couples apply biblical, mission-focused strategies to strengthen relationships.
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Watch Video Interview on YouTube

Why Christian Parents Can’t Wait Until Middle School to Talk About This

In this powerful episode of Upright Christian Parenting, Hannah sits down with Elizabeth Urbanowicz, founder of Foundation Worldview, to tackle one of the most urgent topics facing Christian families today: teaching our kids a biblical worldview and God’s good design for gender and sexuality—starting as young as age 4.
If you’ve ever wondered:✅ When is the right time to start talking to my kids about God’s design for sexuality?✅ How do I explain cultural issues like gender identity, marriage, and friendship in age‑appropriate, biblical language?✅ Why is it vital to equip our kids NOW before the world does?
…this episode will equip and encourage you! Elizabeth shares her journey from elementary educator to creator of the God’s Good Design curriculum, a video‑based discipleship tool for parents to confidently teach children ages 4–8 about God’s intentional design, biblical identity, and how to think critically in a world full of confusing messages.
We also talk about:✨ Practical tips for starting these conversations early—without awkwardness.✨ How churches can partner with parents rather than replace them.✨ Why corporate worship with your kids matters more than you think.
Resources Mentioned:👉 Explore Foundation Worldview’s curriculum: foundationworldview.com💡 Use code TREEHOUSE10 for $10 off any family license!
Don’t miss this candid and hope‑filled conversation that will help you raise kids who aren’t just protected from culture—but prepared to impact it.
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Let’s build a faith that lasts! 💪✨
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Suit Up: Teaching Kids the Armor of God

Step into the Treehouse with Hannah as she pulls back the curtain on spiritual warfare and the real-life work of parenting for Christ. Through candid stories, hard-earned lessons, and clear scripture, she walks you piece-by-piece through Ephesians’ armor of God — from truth at the waist to the sword of the Spirit — and shows how those truths protect our hearts, minds, and children in a culture that pulls them every which way.Listen as Hannah admits the enemy’s hits on her own life, shares practical rhythms of prayer and repetition that shaped her family, and invites you to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other believers. It’s not dress-up; it’s a call to action — put on the armor, raise your shield, and lead your kids to the firm ground of the gospel.

Spark Your Influence: Boldly Leading Your Family & Beyond w Misty Phillip

Welcome to the Treehouse Storyteller, a place for parents seeking God-centered storytelling and guidance. Join us in a compelling conversation with Misty Phillip, entrepreneur, award-winning author, and founder of Spark Media. In this episode, Misty shares her journey of inspiring women to embrace their leadership potential in motherhood, encouraging them to influence their families, communities, and beyond.
Misty discusses her book, 'Spark Your Influence,' which aims to help women find their God-given purpose and ignite their influence in every aspect of life. She highlights the importance of building a strong foundation rooted in faith, balancing life's demands, and leaving a lasting legacy. Tune in to explore how you can lead with boldness, purpose, and passion.
SHOP ON RELEASE DAY FOR BONUS RESOURCES!!!!
https://www.mistyphillip.com/book-launch
Let’s build a faith that lasts! 💪✨
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The #1 Reason Faith Crumbles—And How to Build it Right

Tune in for a candid discussion that encourages reflection and action, so you and your family can withstand life's inevitable storms with a resilient and unwavering faith.
What happens when the foundation you’re standing on isn’t as strong as you thought? During our basement remodel, we discovered that NONE of the structural elements were up to code—just like many people’s faith when life gets tough.
In this episode, we’ll explore Matthew 7:24-27 and what Jesus says about building on solid ground. Are you standing on rock or sand? How do you reinforce your faith before the next storm?
🔹 3 Steps to Strengthen Your Spiritual Foundation🔹 How Life’s Trials Reveal What You’re Really Built On🔹 The #1 Reason Faith Crumbles—And How to Fix It
Let’s build a faith that lasts! 💪✨
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