Listen to the Rise & Build Podcast
Join us as we delve into the heart of parenting, offering insights and encouragement to help you navigate the complexities of raising children in today’s world.
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Join us on the Rise and Build Podcast as we dive into our latest episode. Engage with our community of parents and experts, and discover valuable insights to help you on your parenting journey.
Building Strong Families
Welcome to The Rise & Build Podcast, where we understand that parenting is no easy feat— especially in today’s complex world. Each week, our host Kendra Morgan dives deep into meaningful conversations with experts, exploring the latest child development topics that matter most to you.
Our mission is to empower and resource parents, providing practical help rooted in a biblical worldview. Join us as we tackle the challenges of raising children, offering insights and encouragement to strengthen your hand for the good work of parenting. Come with us as we Rise & Build.
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Aha Moments with Kendra
Every mission has a moment when everything changes. In this episode of the Rise and BUILD podcast, Kendra Morgan, M.S., CCPS, shares the early ideas that sparked BUILDing All Children and how an unexpected closed door ultimately opened the way for something greater. What began as a vision took shape through prayer, trust, persistence, and a deep calling to serve children and families in a new way.
Whether you’re building a nonprofit, navigating a season of uncertainty, or waiting for your own “aha moment,” this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and hope.
Sensory Processing & Reflexes - What is it, what does it look like, and how do we help it?
In this episode of the Rise & BUILD Podcast, Kendra sits down with Occupational Therapist Heather Parmley, OTR/L to unpack the often-misunderstood topics of sensory processing and reflexes. What does it really mean when a child struggles with sensory input? How do retained reflexes impact learning, behavior, and daily functioning? And most importantly—how can we help?
Together, Kendra and Heather break down the science in an easy-to-understand way, share practical insights, and offer hope-filled strategies for parents, caregivers, and educators who want to better support children where they are. Whether you’re just beginning to ask questions or looking for next steps, this conversation will equip you with knowledge, compassion, and encouragement to help children thrive.
Christmas Traditions & Santa!
In this festive episode, Kendra and Child Development Specialist Ande dive into Christmas Traditions and the history of Santa Claus! Where the story began, how traditions have changed, and why the magic of Christmas still matters today.
Before they begin, they give a gentle heads-up to parents: this episode isn’t meant for little listeners who still believe, so make sure those tiny ears are out of range so we don’t accidentally spoil any Christmas magic.
It’s a fun, lighthearted conversation filled with curiosity, childhood wonder, and holiday cheer.
AHA Moments with Kendra-Part #2
In this episode of the Rise & Build Podcast, host Kendra Morgan shares another one of her powerful AHA moments—those unexpected, unmistakable times when God shows up and makes His presence known. With her signature honesty and grace, Kendra invites us into a personal story that inspires, encourages, and reminds us that God is always at work, even in the smallest details.
BUILDing Generosity
In today’s episode of the Rise & Build Podcast, we have the joy of welcoming one of our most generous supporters, Charlotte Breiland. Charlotte’s heart for giving has deeply impacted our mission, but what’s even more inspiring is where that heart was formed. She shares with us how simple moments, small acts, and the example of those around her shaped the giver she is today even at just eight years old. Charlotte’s perspective reminds us that generosity isn’t just about resources; it’s a posture of the heart and a way of building others that starts early and grows with us. We’re honored to share her story with you. Let’s dive in.
BUILDing Gratitude (and Managing Picky Eaters) This Thanksgiving
In this episode of the Rise & Build Podcast, host Kendra Morgan is joined by Lauren Gebhardt for a heartfelt conversation about cultivating gratitude during the Thanksgiving season. Together, they explore practical ways to teach our children how to be thankful, create a home filled with gratitude, and even share tips for managing those picky eaters around the holiday table.
It’s an uplifting and relatable discussion that reminds us Thanksgiving is about more than just the meal — it’s about building hearts full of gratitude.
AHA Moments with Kendra-Part #1
In this episode, Kendra Morgan—host of the Rise & BUILD Podcast and founder and director of Building All Children opens up about personal moments when God showed up in powerful ways. She calls these her “AHA moments.” Join Kendra as she reflects on these meaningful experiences and invites us to recognize the AHA moments in our own lives.
The Birds & The Bees - How to Talk to Our Children About Sex
In this episode, Dr. Amy Emerson joins Kendra for an open and honest conversation about how to talk to our children about sex. She shares practical ways to start the conversation early, keep it age-appropriate, and create a safe space for our kids to ask questions. Together, we’ll learn how to guide our children with truth, confidence, and grace through one of the most important conversations we’ll ever have.
BUILDing Through Play - Why is Play Important
Play is more than just fun — it’s a vital part of how children grow, learn, and connect. In this episode, Kendra sits down with Mary Beth Smith, M.Ed., CDS, and Lauren Bryan to talk about the incredible impact of play on child development.
They dive into why play matters, how it builds key developmental skills, and how Play & BUILDgroups, one of Building All Children’s empowerment programs, gives families practical tools to help their children thrive through play.
Tune in for an inspiring and encouraging conversation about the joy and purpose behind play!
Social Interactions - Why Are So Many Children Struggling?
This topic is for ALL children & families! So many children today are struggling with social interactions — but why? In this episode, Kendra sits down with speech pathologist Stephanie Barton, M.S., CCC-SLP, to unpack the concept of pragmatic language — the social side of communication that helps kids connect, cooperate, and thrive. Stephanie explains why these skills are essential, what it looks like when they’re missing, and how parents and educators can help children BUILD this area.
BUILDing Confident Readers - Why is Reading So Hard & What Can We do to Help
Rise & Build Podcast – Building Confident Readers
In this episode, Jean Evans, leader of BUILDing All Readers joins us to unpack why reading can be so hard for some children and what we can do to help them succeed. She shares practical strategies, encouragement, and insights to help parents and educators build confidence in struggling readers.
Chores Q&A with Kendra Morgan
Kendra Morgan, M.S, CCPS, answers some of the most common questions we have about the topic of chores and expectations.
Chores VS Expectations
In this episode of the Rise & Build Podcast, we unpack the difference between chores and expectations. Understanding this distinction helps parents set clear boundaries, teach responsibility, and create a healthy rhythm at home.
Building Financial Confidence
In this episode of the Rise & Build Podcast, Karen Gurley shares wisdom from her own journey of learning to build confidence in finances. From the challenges of living paycheck to paycheck to tackling debt head-on, she offers practical advice and heartfelt encouragement. Together, we take a deeper look at the difference between needs and wants—and how making those distinctions can open the door to financial freedom and peace of mind.
When the Brain Doesn’t Hear - Auditory Processing
In today’s episode, Dr. Chelsea Anderson Ph.D., CCC-SLP, joins us to shed light on auditory processing disorder—what it is, the signs to watch for if you suspect it, and how testing works. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this conversation will help you better understand how to support children who may be struggling to process what they hear.
BUILDing ALL - The Gift of Prayer
On this episode of the Rise & BUILD Podcast, Lori Voth reminds us that prayer is a gift, not a job. Too often we overcomplicate it, but prayer is simply a conversation with the Lord- and it's a gift that each of us has been blessed to receive.
BUILDing ALL - Doing it Daily
Today on the Rise & Build Podcast, we sit down with Laurie Hembree, a Tulsa native and author of the book Praying for Our Children. Laurie shares her heart for helping parents and caregivers pray with purpose—using Scripture as a guide and the truth of God’s Word as a firm foundation. Get ready for practical encouragement and powerful ways to lift the next generation in prayer every single day.
BUILDing ALL - Raising Hearts & BUILDing Homes
In this episode, we talk with LaTonya Pratt, a wife, busy mom of three, and dedicated non-profit professional who discovered the life-changing value of self-care. She shares how prioritizing her own well-being has made her stronger, healthier, and better equipped to love and serve those around her.
Building Marriages - Q & A with Ryan and Kendra Morgan
In this fun and insightful Q&A episode, Kendra Morgan—Founder and Executive Director of Building All Children, joins her husband, Ryan Morgan, for an honest conversation about marriage, ministry, and family life. Together, they share personal stories, practical wisdom, and a lot of laughter, offering listeners a glimpse into how they intentionally build a strong marriage while balancing busy lives.
Building Marriages - Building Takes Time
On this special episode of the Rise and Build Podcast, we’re joined by John and Mary Helen Wheeler—best friends who have been married nearly 58 years. A pastor and educator, their lives have been marked by faith, resilience, and deep love. Together, they share timeless wisdom on building a Christ-centered marriage, walking through seasons of joy and grief—including parenting two children, one of whom is now in heaven—and what it truly means to grow together through life’s highs and lows. This conversation is rich with encouragement, legacy, and the beauty of enduring love.
