Wonder isn't rare or reserved for extraordinary experiences. More often, we simply stop noticing it. Even when life is going well, it's easy to move through our days without truly seeing the beauty, joy, and fascination that surround us. In this inspiring presentation, you'll discover practical ways to cultivate greater wonder in everyday life and overcome some of the biggest roadblocks that can stand in the way—including technology, discouragement, worry, and the busyness of modern life. You'll leave with a renewed sense of awe and simple, intentional ways to experience more joy, gratitude, and wonder every day.
Gathered in Goodness Convention Classes & Speakers
Class Categories
Opening Keynote
Keynote: Living with Wonder
Personal Growth
Media
Freedom From the Feed
Many parents wonder if the media their children consume is becoming more than just a habit. In this class, Walker examines what media addiction is, how it develops, and why it should be taken seriously. While he addresses challenges such as gaming, social media, and pornography, the principles shared are relevant for every parent seeking to better understand today's digital world. Drawing from personal experience and research into brain science, addiction recovery, and media literacy, he shares practical insights to help parents better understand these challenges and respond in thoughtful, effective ways. As a young adult, Walker also brings the perspective of someone who understands firsthand the unique media challenges facing this generation.
Living Fully in a Digitally Distracted World
Patch Crowe, co-author of Good on Purpose, explores the current state of media, the normalization of unhealthy digital habits, and the unnoticed but significant impact they are having on our society and our individual lives. You’ll leave inspired and armed with practical principles for using technology more intentionally in order to live a fuller, richer, and more meaningful life.
Setting up a No-Media Morning
Our phones are often the first thing we reach for in the morning, giving our attention to our least important priorities before the day has even begun. How we start the day shapes our mood, our focus, and our sense of being present the rest of the day. In this practical class, you'll learn why the first hour of the day matters so much and how to overcome obstacles so you can create a morning routine that helps you start each day on your own terms instead of your phone's. Leave with practical ideas and a personalized plan for beginning your mornings with greater purpose, focus, and connection to the things that matter most.
Family
The Power of Family Dinner
Raising a busy family with five children, Finn Morrison’s parents had one non-negotiable rule: Everyone came to family dinner. At the time, the practice wasn’t always appreciated, but looking back, Finn recognizes it as one of the greatest gifts his parents gave him—and a tradition he and his wife have made a priority in their own family. In this inspiring class, Finn combines his personal story with compelling scientific research to explore how regular family dinners strengthen marriages, build resilient families, improve mental health and academic success, foster healthier habits, and create deeper family connections. You’ll leave with a renewed appreciation for this simple tradition and practical ideas for making it a meaningful part of your family’s life.
Finding Light in Life's Hardest Seasons
Life doesn't always unfold the way we hope or expect. In this heartfelt class, Tyler Castleton shares personal experiences of navigating profound loss, unexpected change, and helping his own children through difficult seasons. Through faith-filled insights, practical principles, and an unwavering focus on God's goodness, you'll discover how to find peace, hope, and spiritual strength even in life's greatest challenges. You'll leave encouraged, uplifted, and better equipped to recognize God's hand and the light that can be found in every season.
Don’t Believe Everything You Think
Now more than ever, countless voices are competing for our attention. If we're not careful, voices of fear, comparison, and self-doubt can become the voice we hear when we think, convincing us to settle for less than who we are meant to become. In this uplifting class, McKay Crockett shares how to recognize limiting beliefs, replace them with truth, and develop a growth mindset. Drawing from personal experience, he'll explore how lasting confidence comes from aligning our thoughts with truth and building habits that create a healthier, kinder inner dialogue. You'll leave with practical tools to strengthen your confidence, increase your faith, and become more intentional about the voices you allow to shape your life.
Fret Less, Laugh More
Life is too precious to spend weighed down by unnecessary worry. In this inspiring presentation, Jenny Phillips shares practical ways to worry less, laugh more, and intentionally choose the habits, thoughts, and perspectives that bring greater peace, joy, and emotional resilience. You'll leave encouraged to embrace life with a lighter heart and a happier outlook.
Well Rested
This world can be discouraging, overwhelming, and exhausting. Yet as a society, we've become surprisingly poor at truly resting and renewing ourselves, even though we desperately need it. Many of the things we instinctively turn to for rest don't actually restore us—they leave us feeling even more depleted. Jenny Phillips has spent years intentionally pursuing real, deep, renewing rest, even in the midst of a busy life. Come be inspired as we explore leisure, escapism, and how to choose and prioritize the kinds of activities that truly nourish the soul and leave us refreshed, renewed, and rested.
The Playlist of Your Home
Every home has a soundtrack—not just the music that plays through speakers, but also the conversations we have, the words we repeat, the tone we use, the media we consume, and the values we celebrate. Whether we realize it or not, these messages shape our hearts and the hearts of our children, creating the culture of our homes. Drawing from years of experience in music and media, McKay will help you intentionally curate the “soundtrack” of your home by identifying the voices that influence your family; establishing healthy boundaries; and filling your home with truth, beauty, and hope. Rather than focusing primarily on what to avoid, you’ll discover how intentionally planting the things you want to grow can create a home where goodness becomes the strongest influence, and your family can flourish.
You are the Designer of Your Life
Through our daily choices, habits, priorities, actions, words, and thoughts, we are constantly shaping the kind of life we live. The question is not whether we are creating a life, but what kind of life we are creating. If we don't intentionally direct our lives, we will almost always end up living by default rather than by design—reacting instead of creating, surviving instead of flourishing, and wondering where the time has gone instead of investing it in the things that matter most. In this inspiring presentation, Jenny Phillips shares powerful encouragement and practical ideas for overcoming the distractions and challenges that keep us from living with greater purpose, intention, and joy.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling 101: How to Get Started Homeschooling
Whether you're considering homeschooling or simply want a refresher on the foundational principles of effective home education, this class is for you. We'll explore the why behind homeschooling, practical approaches to the how, and provide an overview of The Good and the Beautiful curriculum—including what you'll need, how it's organized, and how to use it with confidence.
Putting the Spark Back Into Learning
How do you inspire children to genuinely love learning? In this encouraging class, you'll discover practical ways to cultivate curiosity, nurture your child's unique interests, and adapt your teaching to the way they learn best. You'll leave with simple, effective ideas to help your children become engaged, confident, and enthusiastic lifelong learners.
How to Homeschool a High Schooler
Homeschooling a high schooler is a very different experience than homeschooling a first grader. In this panel discussion, seasoned homeschool moms and executives from The Good and the Beautiful share practical advice for navigating the high school years—from meeting the unique needs of teenagers to preparing for college, exploring post-high school pathways, and helping your teen grow into a confident, capable young adult.
Feeling Better About the Three Biggest Homeschool Fears
Homeschooling comes with incredible blessings, and this encouraging presentation begins with a reminder of what homeschooling can do for your family. Then, three of the biggest homeschooling fears are discussed in ways that will leave you feeling more confident and prepared to homeschool your children: 1) Will I mess up my child's education? How can I teach them with no experience and actually help them learn? 2) How will they turn out socially? Will they miss out on sports, friendships, mentors, and normal childhood experiences? 3) Can I really do this? How do I balance homeschooling with everything else, teach multiple ages, and avoid burnout?
Learning Beyond Academics: What Life Skills Kids Should Know
Academics are an important part of a child’s education, but some of life’s most important lessons aren’t learned from a textbook. From communication and problem-solving to responsibility, resilience, and practical everyday skills, children need opportunities to develop the tools that will help them navigate life with confidence. In this class, we’ll explore the essential life skills that can sometimes get overlooked in the pursuit of academic success, and discuss simple, intentional ways to teach them at home. You’ll leave with practical ideas for helping your children become more capable, confident, and prepared for the world beyond the classroom.
Raising Resilient Kids: Building Emotional Intelligence and Confidence
Every child will experience disappointment, frustration, failure, and change. Although parents cannot remove every challenge, they can give children the skills and confidence to move through hard moments and grow from them. In this class, Dr. Kara Duraccio (a licensed pediatric psychologist) will share practical ways to help children recognize their strengths, understand and express their emotions, develop habits that strengthen emotional regulation skills, and develop confidence in their ability to handle difficult things. Parents will learn how to join children in difficult moments without becoming stuck in them, create meaningful opportunities for growth, and respond in ways that strengthen connection and resilience. You’ll leave with simple, research-informed strategies for raising children who understand themselves, approach challenges with greater confidence, and know they can recover when life does not go as planned.
Helping Children and Teens Face Anxiety with Confidence
Anxiety is a normal part of life, but when fear begins to shape a child’s choices, parents may feel unsure about when to comfort, when to encourage, and how to help without making anxiety stronger. In this class, Dr. Kara Duraccio (a licensed pediatric psychologist) will help parents understand what anxiety looks like in children and teens and why avoiding feared situations may keep anxiety growing. She’ll share evidence-based strategies for validating difficult emotions while helping children take small, manageable steps toward courage and confidence. You’ll leave with language and tools to help your child face fears, build trust in their own abilities, and learn that feeling anxious does not mean they cannot do hard things.
Classes are subject to change.
Speakers
Jenny Phillips
CEO & Founder of The Good and the Beautiful
Jenny Phillips is the founder and CEO of The Good and the Beautiful. Before entering the education world, she performed and spoke in 24 countries as a Christian singer/songwriter, giving more than 1,100 performances and selling over one million albums. After leaving the music industry to homeschool her own children, Jenny—who holds a degree in English and has a deep love of writing—created a curriculum rooted in nature, art, faith, family, and good literature, originally intended only for her own children. When she shared the curriculum with friends and later posted it online for free, it spread quickly to families around the world and has now been enjoyed by millions of children. Through this work, Jenny and her company have also been able to build wells for more than 40 villages in Africa and construct six schools, which is just beginning the work they hope to do in sharing goodness with the world. After spending the first 10 years of her life in rural Northern California, Jenny moved to Utah, where she has lived ever since. Jenny and her husband of 27 years, Daniel, have five children.
Shannen Yauger
Chief Development Officer
Shannen Yauger was born outside of New Orleans, Louisiana, and currently calls Georgia her home. An avid reader from a young age, she spent her childhood immersed in books. Her family moved throughout the United States quite often, so the imaginary worlds of Anne of Green Gables, Narnia, or Heidi often felt as “at home” as her own. These well-loved and familiar stories, characters, and places inspired her to create and find joy no matter where she was planted.
Shannen loves an adventure! She firmly believes that personal growth is fueled by finding your passion and experiencing different people, places, foods, and traditions. This desire to share and experience life is one of the reasons she and her husband chose to homeschool their daughter. You can often find Shannen and her teen zip-lining over swamps and forests, exploring new cities via pedicab, or sampling foods specific to the culture or region of their travels. Her personal favorite foods are Thai street foods—the stronger the spice, the better!
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Shannen has been with The Good and the Beautiful from its early days, working first as a contract editor, then progressing through multiple roles for curriculum development. In her current role as chief development officer, Shannen oversees the creation of all product lines and books while working hard to ensure that the development team is supported to continue to create wonderful resources for our customers.
Ashley Nielsen
Chief Customer Experience Officer
Ashley Nielsen grew up in Utah and now loves calling Idaho home with her husband, three children, and a whole herd of horses. Though homeschooling was not part of her plan, she and her family jumped in when her oldest son turned school age. Now, with over a decade of homeschooling under her belt, Ashley is profoundly grateful for the beautiful impact it has had on her family. Today, she is on the cusp of her oldest son graduating from high school, launching another son into high school, and enjoying her daughter’s last year of elementary school.
Ashley is happiest when she is in nature with her family. Whether she’s hiking to the highest peaks she can find, picking wild huckleberries, gathering cows on horseback, or simply taking a walk, she finds joy and peace in the outdoors. You can also find her cheering in a gym or on the sidelines at her kids’ football, basketball, or volleyball games.
A passion for homeschooling and The Good and the Beautiful curriculum led Ashley to 8+ years of employment and her current role as chief customer experience officer. Whether leading her team, speaking directly with customers, or helping shape the customer experience, her heart is always focused on the families and children that will be impacted by The Good and the Beautiful.
Along her journey as a homeschool mom and cheerleader for our customers, Ashley has gained valuable experience and loves encouraging and supporting families on their own homeschooling journeys.
McKay Crockett
Director of Media
McKay Crockett is an Emmy Award-winning producer, music director, vocal arranger, and educator with a passion for creating meaningful experiences through music, storytelling, and live events. He serves as director of media at The Good and the Beautiful, where he leads live events and creative productions and collaborates across music and media initiatives that inspire families and strengthen faith.
Before joining The Good and the Beautiful, McKay spent 11 years directing BYU Vocal Point, helping grow the group’s audience to nearly a billion views and streams while leading performances and collaborations around the world. His work has also included projects with Disney, NBC, Angel Studios, Universal Music Group, and artists including OneRepublic, Kristin Chenoweth, Ben Rector, Gladys Knight, and Michael W. Smith.
Whether he’s producing concerts, creating media, or teaching, McKay loves helping people discover how music, mindset, and intentional living can strengthen faith, enrich family life, and bring greater joy to everyday moments. McKay lives in Utah with the love of his life, Alyssa, and their four incredible kids, who keep life loud, full of adventure, and far more entertaining than anything he could ever produce on a stage.
Patch Crowe
Senior Director of Media
Patch is a singer, songwriter, and performer who was born in Brisbane, Australia. No, he doesn't have an accent anymore (sorry to disappoint). He holds an MBA and spent years in the tech industry before becoming a senior director in The Good and the Beautiful's media department, where he helps shape and carry out the company's mission.
Drawing on that mix of creativity and business experience, Patch is passionate about helping individuals and families build healthier media habits, rediscover joy at home, and live more intentionally. Above all, he's a devoted husband and father to three kids, the people who inspire him most.
Outside of work and spending time with family, he's usually doing something active, reading, or, more unexpectedly, sewing.
Walker Nigbur
Producer
Walker Nigbur is a producer at The Good and the Beautiful. The topic of media addiction is personal to him, as he’s lived through his own struggles with it, growing up in the middle of the information age. He sees it as his generation’s story as much as his own, and that shared experience shapes how he speaks to it. Books, courses, coaches, countless conversations with peers, and research into addiction recovery and brain science have shaped his own healing, with God’s hand throughout. Raised in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, Walker spends his free time outdoors, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family, and finds his greatest joy in filmmaking.
Finn Morrison
Lead Sound Engineer
Finn Morrison is a husband, father, and lead sound engineer at The Good and the Beautiful. He was born in Virginia but lived most of his life overseas in Southeast Asia. He and his wife play in a rock band and love performing and writing music together. In addition to music and audio, Finn is passionate about history, philosophy, and sociology, particularly how it pertains to the family unit. Living overseas for most of his life taught him the importance of a strong family unit as he relied heavily upon his parents and siblings for a sense of belonging, familiarity, and stability.
Tyler Castleton
Senior Director of Music
Tyler Castleton serves as senior director of music at The Good and the Beautiful, where he helps guide the company’s musical vision and creates music designed to enrich learning, inspire children, and make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Over more than three decades, Tyler has worked as a songwriter, producer, arranger, composer, educator, and live-event producer. His music has appeared on hundreds of recordings and has been performed by artists including Marie Osmond, Gladys Knight, Martina McBride, and The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Tyler’s work has extended into television, film, education, touring, and large-scale concert production. He has composed music for the Sundance Film Festival, National Geographic, Animal Planet, ABC, PBS, ESPN, and Sony Pictures and has taught commercial music courses at Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University.
Tyler has helped create and produce faith-centered concert experiences featuring artists such as Michael W. Smith, Jordin Sparks, OneRepublic, Tauren Wells, Katy Nichole, and Jordan Smith. His work creating concert events for Tony Robbins’s elite Zenith Group has included interactions with renowned artists Rascal Flatts, Andy Grammer, Rachel Platten, Brian McKnight, and others. Across every project, his focus remains the same: to create music and experiences that bring people together, strengthen faith, and help audiences feel greater hope, light, and connection. Tyler is the very proud father of two daughters, one son, and an amazing daughter-in-law.
Kelly Skistimas
Vice President of Media
Kelly Skistimas is a marketing and media executive with more than 20 years of experience creating memorable experiences, building brands, and producing events across the marketing, retail, and music industries. For the past four years, she has been part of The Good and the Beautiful, first serving as senior director of marketing and now as vice president of media, where she has helped launch and grow the company’s media division.
A wife and mom of three, Kelly has experienced education from many sides, with her children attending public, private, and homeschool settings. She believes families are fortunate to live in a time with more educational options than ever—and that the right choice is the one that best serves each child and family in their current season of life.
Outside of work, Kelly loves spending time with her family: exploring the outdoors, playing tennis, cooking, and listening to music together.
Dr. Kara Duraccio
Pediatric Psychologist
Dr. Kara Duraccio serves as a consultant and curriculum writer for The Good and the Beautiful. She is a licensed pediatric psychologist specializing in helping children and adolescents navigate anxiety, OCD, depression, and other mental and physical health challenges. She is also an assistant professor of psychology; her research focuses on understanding how healthy sleep can support and improve mental health in children and teens. In addition to her teaching and research, Dr. Duraccio maintains a private practice where she works with youth and families facing a range of mental and physical health concerns. She is passionate about helping parents better understand their children and giving families practical, evidence-based tools that help kids build confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being.