Bumps, bruises, and bug bites—it’s all part of growing up in the Ozarks. Around here, ‘rub some dirt on it’ isn’t just advice, it’s practically a lifestyle. Of course, we’re also First Aid certified, so don’t worry—more serious injuries are treated with more than just duct tape.

At Whetstone, we take safety seriously. All adventures come with precautions and protocols. In the woodshop and on the landscaping crew, it’s eye protection, ear protection, boots, and gloves. Out on the trail or in the cold, it’s the right shoes, the right socks, the right hats—because there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.

Join us this week on A Time to Sharpen as we talk about what it really means to grow tougher, wiser, and even a little safer along the way.

It’s not everyday that a former student of yours says that he’s been accepted to Harvard Law School - or every year...or every lifetime! But recently, Whetstone was honored by the news that one of its graduates has done just that.

Join us this week on A Time to Sharpen for an in-depth discussion with our friend and colleague, Kiernan the Wise. That’s not his actual name, but after listening to this podcast, I think you’ll agree that the moniker fits.

By God’s grace, Kiernan was able to turn things around during his 6 and a half months at Whetstone and get going in the right direction. And while this is a feat all by itself, he was able to keep things going far past the point that most people would think possible. It’s an inspiring story, and every bit of the 90 minute conversation is true. So get comfortable, or start folding that laundry so that you can focus your attention on what he has to say.

Sleep is the secret weapon most of us are too tired to use. We hustle, grind, and caffeinate our way through exhaustion, ignoring the one thing our minds and bodies need most.

In this episode of A Time to Sharpen, we explore why sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. From better mood and focus to healing trauma and building resilience, quality sleep plays a vital role in personal growth, especially for the boys at Whetstone.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or just running on fumes, this conversation will remind you: rest isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.

We all think differently. But some of us think more differently than others…if that makes sense. Maybe it doesn’t. I don’t know.

Which is why we invited Jonathan Page to talk with us about the very important, complex,, and sometimes uncomfortable topic of neurodivergence in our society and at Whetstone. From Autism to Tourette’s, to OCD and ADHD, we’ve seen it all in the 14 years and 150+ residents we’ve served since 2011.

Mr. Page, which is what the boys call him, has learned the hard way about how to embrace his Autism instead of running and hiding from it in shame. His story is an inspiring one, and one that has a lasting impact on Whetstone staff and residents.

Join us this week on A Time to Sharpen for an honest conversation that invites us all to listen more carefully, to judge less quickly, and to honor the image of God reflected in every individual—regardless of how their mind may work.

Some of us are old enough to remember when Kirk Cameron was a teenage heartthrob and the star of an 80’s family sitcom called “Growing Pains.” This show was also notable for its catchy theme song and for the fact that it starred his TV father, played by Alan Thicke…who is the real-life father of Robin Thicke, the famous singer, producer, and now judge on The Masked Singer.

None of this has anything to do with the topic of today’s podcast, except for the fact that it shares the same name and that it’s the first thing that came into my mind when I sat down to write an intro to today’s topic.

Join us this week on A Time To Sharpen, as we discuss “Growing Pains.” You’ll just have to listen to find out what that actually means in relation to teachers, counselors, and parents. But trust me, it does mean something meaningful, helpful, and applicable in the real world…not just on TV.

It’s impossible to overestimate the importance of marriage. Sure, some marriages fail, some are toxic, and some are even deadly.

Still, there is nothing that has the power to build a person, a church, a community, or a nation like healthy marriages.

Thing is, they take work. Lots of hard work, on both sides. A lifetime of hard work buy two people growing closer to each other as they focus on growing closer to God.

Join us this week on A Time to Sharpen as we discuss how to stay married. It might be the hardest thing that any of us ever have to do in our life - but that might make it the most meaningful, rewarding, and impactful thing we ever do as well.

Flu season is almost over, but if you hurry, there’s just enough to catch the seasonal bug if you want. You have until the end of May, in case you're interested. There’s really a lot to be said for being sick. It forces you to slow down. It teaches you how to be sympathetic towards others when you’re well. It jump starts your body’s immune system, which needs a good workout every once in a while.

Of course, there are a lot of downsides as well. There are the obvious physical aches and pains, but there is also a more hidden (and sometimes sinister) impact that long-term illness can wreak on a family.

Join us this week on A Time to Sharpen, as we discuss the ups and downs of being sick. How we care for the boys at the ranch when they come down with something. How we counsel families who are fighting chronic and sometimes deadly diseases. And how, sometimes, God speaks through suffering, or what C.S. Lewis called, “the megaphone of pain

In part two of this special podcast dealing with school bullying, Axel, Brandon and Thomas share thoughts about the bullying problem, along with some simple, proven effective ways to address childhood bullying and some ideas about what could work as well.