Raise & Release

Most parents wait until their teen is already interested in someone or deep in the “talking stage.” But by then, they’re already navigating pressure, emotions, and expectations without a clear foundation.

In this episode, we talk about why the best time to have these conversations is before it even begins and how to approach them in a way that feels natural, ongoing, and effective.

We break down the key conversations every parent sho...

In this episode of Raise and Release, Jenny and Rachel kick off a powerful three-part series on dating, diving into how today’s teen dating culture looks very different from what most parents experienced growing up. With honesty and humor, they explore the tension between “old school” dating rules and the modern realities kids are navigating.

Rachel shares insights from her own parenting journey, including what she learned as her da...

In this episode of Raise and Release, Rachel sits down with her daughter, Katelyn, for an honest conversation about what it was actually like to be parented with intention.

After exploring discipline, teachable moments, and communication in previous episodes, Rachel invites Katelyn to share her perspective—what stood out, what felt meaningful, and what made a lasting impact.

Through real-life stories and candid reflection, they unpac...

In this episode of Raise and Release, Jenny and Rachel unpack a powerful and relatable idea: parenting doesn’t need to change its heart; it needs to change its messaging.

Most parents deeply desire to guide, protect, and equip their children, but what kids often experience instead is control, correction, and criticism. This disconnect can quietly erode trust and influence over time.

Through honest conversation and practical examples,...

Episode Summary

In this episode, Jenny and Rachel talk about the power of teachable moments in parenting. Instead of relying on lectures or correcting behavior in the heat of the moment, parents can use everyday experiences to guide their children toward wisdom and maturity.

Rachel shares practical examples from her own parenting journey and explains how teachable moments help parents plant seeds that shape character over time. The c...

Episode Summary

In this episode, we talk about what healthy discipline actually looks like and how it changes as our kids grow. Instead of seeing discipline as punishment, we explore how it can be a tool for teaching, guiding, and building trust with our children. Using the stages of parenting framework, we discuss how discipline shifts from setting clear boundaries in the toddler years to teaching and shaping the heart in the eleme...

In this honest and sometimes hilarious conversation, Rachel sits down with her two daughters to talk about real-life power struggles. From phone rules and life jackets to sibling comparisons and navigating the shift into young adulthood, this episode gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually feels like to grow up in a home committed to intentional parenting.

Together, they unpack:

• Power Struggles
• How Rules C...

In this episode of Raise and Release, Jenny and Rachel unpack one of the most emotionally charged parts of parenting: power struggles. What if power struggles are not signs of failure or disrespect, but opportunities for growth?

Power struggles are often viewed as signs of disrespect or failure, but they can actually signal healthy development. In this episode, we explore the difference between defiant and resistant power struggles ...

In this episode of Raise and Release, we unpack the three main parenting styles and explore the powerful shift from “power over” to “power with” in our homes. If you’ve ever wondered why the teen years feel like a battle for control or why you and your spouse handle situations so differently, this conversation will give you language, clarity, and practical next steps.

Key Topics Covered

• The Three Main Parenting Styles

• Authorit...

In this episode of Raise & Release, we dive into one of the most helpful frameworks for understanding our kids — the stages of parenting. Parenting changes as our children grow, and when we know what stage we’re in, we can respond with more confidence, patience, and intention.

Rachel walks through the five stages of parenting and what our children need most in each one:

1. The Nurturing Stage (birth–1 year)

2. The Boundary Stage (...

In this special and deeply personal episode of Raise and Release, Rachel is joined by her oldest daughter, Katelyn, for an honest conversation about what it was like to be parented by her. Together, they reflect on boundaries, freedom, mistakes, apologies, authority, and trust—through both a parent’s and a child’s perspective.

This episode offers parents a rare gift: insight into what intentional parenting feels like on the other si...

In Episode 3 of Raise and Release, Rachel Gunn shares the four core parenting principles that guide her decision-making and shape how she parents through every stage of childhood. These principles were forged through years of teaching, parenting two daughters, and walking alongside moms in crisis—and they offer clarity for parents who feel overwhelmed, reactive, or unsure of what really matters.

If this episode made you feel seen, c...

In Episode 2 of Raise and Release, Rachel Gunn gets real about parenting—the wins she’s proud of, the mistakes she still cringes about, and why recovery matters more than perfection. Joined again by co-host Jenny Swindall, Rachel shares personal stories from raising two daughters, including intentional choices that built body confidence, moments when emotions took over, and parenting fails that still make her laugh (and sweat).

This...

In this introductory conversation, host Jenny Swindall sits down with educator, parent mentor, and nonprofit founder Rachel Gunn to unpack the heart behind the podcast’s name and mission.

Together, Jenny and Rachel talk honestly about the emotional tension of parenting: the joy of raising children and the grief that comes with watching them grow toward independence. Rachel shares how her background as a sixth-grade teacher, mom of t...