- 356: House Hushing: The Simple Method to Declutter and Decorate for a More Peaceful Home (with Myquillyn Smith)
Have you ever walked into your house and felt overwhelmed by all the stuff staring back at you or felt guilty about the books that you haven’t read, the hobbies that you haven’t pursued, or the projects that you haven’t finished? If so, then this conversation is for you!
I am so excited to have today’s guest in the studio again, especially since she was actually my first ever guest on this podcast! Listen in as I welcome Myquillyn Smith to The Crystal Paine Show. She is the author of House Hushing: The Simple Method to Declutter and Decorate for a More Peaceful Home, and I relate to SO much of what she shares in her book and in this episode! We talk about how our homes can become visually overwhelming without us even realizing it and how all that visual noise can leave us feeling exhausted instead of refreshed. With six kids and a baby in our care three days a week, I know what it’s like to have a gloriously full life, and I love the idea that our homes don’t have to add to the noise!
Hear Myquillyn share her brilliant backwards decluttering method, which takes about twelve minutes and allows you to experience a room with less stuff before deciding what to keep or let go. We also talk about quiet decorating and how to make a space feel cozy without adding more clutter. We also explore soulful styling, or displaying sentimental items in ways that give them the attention they deserve, and creating boundaries around collecting things so that not everything competes for our attention. Plus, Myquillyn shares her approach to living seasonally, including how to evaluate what matters most in each season of life instead of feeling obligated to repeat traditions just because that’s what you’ve always done.
This conversation gives me so much to think about, especially how our homes need to change as our families and lives change, and it will surely leave you thinking about this as well, so if you’re ready to create a more peaceful, welcoming home without feeling like you have to tackle everything at once, you won’t want to miss this episode!
Also, don’t forget that my new book The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women comes out very soon on October 27th, so be sure to preorder yourself a copy to get yourself access to free goodies such as the money toolkit, resources for having conversations about finances with your spouse, and my five-lesson 5 Days to a Financially Healthier You course!
In This Episode
[0:36] - Welcome back to the podcast, Myquillyn Smith!
[2:42] - Hear how Myquillyn helps women make their homes feel better so they can enjoy them and welcome others in.
[4:25] - Too much visual clutter can quietly exhaust us, but we can change how our homes make us feel.
[7:59] - Myquillyn recommends trying to hide distracting items behind closed doors or moving shelves to create a calmer, more restful space.
[11:08] - I realize that my bookshelves are adding stress, and I wonder how to tackle clutter without unlimited time.
[12:14] - Listen as MyQuillyn discusses what she calls “backwards decluttering.”
[15:02] - Experience a decluttered room for 24 hours before deciding what belongs, making it easier to let go of excess.
[17:49] - Myquillyn introduces the concept of “quiet decorating,” using color, contrast, texture, and scale to adjust a room’s visual volume.
[19:18] - Myquillyn encourages us to add coziness without clutter via patterned drapes, textured rugs, and thoughtful contrast that changes a room’s visual feel.
[21:57] - Myquillyn recommends slowly refreshing each room annually, listening to what your home and changing life need.
[24:18] - Hear how hushing rooms creates a fresher feel and helps families display meaningful treasures without overwhelming visual clutter.
[27:57] - Curio cabinets and designated spaces celebrate treasured collections while teaching that even special things need limits.
[30:04] - Myquillyn suggests reviewing each season’s experiences, upcoming needs, and family plans before decorating or hosting.
[32:17] - Choose three seasonal words to guide decisions about decorating, activities, purchases, and what truly matters!
[34:03] - I share how family bucket lists make seasonal traditions more meaningful, flexible, and enjoyable for everyone!
Links & Resources
The Crystal Paine Show - 12. How to Create a Home That Serves Your Family (with Myquillyn Smith)
5 Days to a Financially Healthier You
Books
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE356 - 38m - Oct 20, 2026 - 355: Behind the Scenes of My Next Book and Why It May Be My Last
Listen in to this episode of The Crystal Paine Show as Jesse and I talk about something that I have been working on for a long time: my sixth book, The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women, which comes out very soon on October 27th! The release date was originally September 15th, so having it pushed back six weeks at the last minute has made for an interesting fall. Between running our business during its busiest season and suddenly having all these podcast interviews lined up, I have had plenty to keep me on my toes but I am so excited to finally share this book with you!
I’m telling the story behind the book, including why I believe this may be my last one, what I learned from writing my very first book, and how this project became something completely different from my original idea. I wanted to create something more intentional than a collection of blog posts: a short, story-driven book that combines practical financial guidance with the personal experiences that shaped my approach to money, which includes lessons from my parents, the influence of my grandparents, and the legacy that they have left behind. I share stories that I haven’t told publicly before, along with some of the creative, outside-of-the-box ways my family learned to save money and build financial freedom.
We also discuss what financial health actually means to me. It’s not about having a huge bank balance, owning a home, or being debt-free. It’s about finding peace and living intentionally with whatever resources you have. I want you to see how budgeting can help you spend on what matters to you, whether that’s a vacation, a concert, or a special dinner, without the guilt and/or stress.
I am also sharing the resources available to help you put these ideas into practice, including my free five-day budget makeover and the exclusive bonuses that come with pre-ordering the book. We talk about the money toolkit, resources for having conversations about finances with your spouse, and my five-lesson 5 Days to a Financially Healthier You course. My hope is that you’ll walk away feeling encouraged, equipped, and confident that financial health is possible right where you are. You don’t have to have everything figured out to start making meaningful changes! I hope that you enjoy this episode, and please be sure to preorder a copy of the new book!
In This Episode
[0:35] - I explain how a last-minute six-week delay has complicated my upcoming book launch during my business’s busiest season.
[3:28] - Discover why pre-orders are important to authors and how they can influence Amazon’s stocking and marketing decisions.
[6:12] - I share the backstory of my upcoming sixth book and reflect on lessons learned from my first publishing experience.
[9:38] - I describe how fifteen years of experience have shaped my goal of creating a more intentional, story-driven financial guide.
[12:15] - I explain how family stories, my grandparents’ legacy, and practical money-saving lessons inspired this new book.
[15:25] - The new book has an affordable paperback format and also has preorder bonuses!
[17:52] - Readers who pre-order receive budgeting tools, spouse communication resources, and a comprehensive five-lesson financial wellness course.
[20:08] - Listen as I reframe budgeting as aligning spending with priorities, helping people pursue financial peace without guilt or shame.
[23:12] - I am offering preorder bonuses to library requesters, and I invite reader feedback and encourage preorders before the course’s January sale!
Links & Resources
5 Days to a Financially Healthier You
Books
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE355 - 25m - Oct 13, 2026 - 354: Making Peace with What I Can’t Control with Lysa TerKeurst
I am honestly truly honored to have Lysa TerKeurst joining me for this conversation! Lysa has been such a meaningful mentor in my life for many years, and in her new book, Making Peace With What I Can’t Control, she tackles something that I think so many of us wrestle with: the exhausting desire to fix, manage, and control the people and circumstances that we love.
This conversation with Lysa helped me see control in a way that I hadn’t really considered before – sometimes, our struggle with control doesn’t come from wanting power; it comes from responsibility, capability, and care. We love people so deeply that we don’t want to watch them make choices that could hurt them, but there’s a difference between helping someone and trying to control their outcome, and Lysa explains how trying to rescue others can eventually lead to anxiety, exhaustion, and codependency.
Listen in as we discuss parenting, including a story from my six-year-old’s first cross-country race that helped me understand the difference between supporting someone and controlling them. That conversation leads into something that has been especially significant in my own life: our desire to control how other people perceive us. We talk about approval, overthinking conversations, replaying what we said, and how a mistake can become a label we believe about ourselves.
Lysa also opens up about some of the most painful seasons of her life, including betrayal, divorce, disappointment, and moments when she questioned whether she could truly trust God, and she opens up about what it means to hold onto faith when God doesn’t do what we thought He would do and why accepting reality isn’t the same thing as giving up.
If you’re in a season in which you feel like you’re trying desperately to hold everything together, I really hope that this conversation feels like someone throwing you a rope and saying, “Just hold on for today!” You are not alone, and you don’t have to control the outcome to be okay. I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Lysa, and, as always, please feel free to reach out to me with any thoughts or questions! I would love to hear from you!
In This Episode
[0:36] - I am honored to have returning guest Lysa TerKeurst back on the podcast!
[2:24] - Control issues often stem from caring deeply and taking responsibility, but those qualities can also cross boundaries.
[4:25] - We talk about how trying to rescue loved ones from recurring irresponsibility can create codependency, anxiety, and loss of self-control.
[7:54] - Supporting someone is different from controlling them, particularly when we trust God with the ultimate outcome.
[10:32] - We discuss how seeking approval can lead to controlling others’ perceptions and unhealthy overanalysis.
[11:20] - Hear how overthinking how others perceive us can destabilize relationships, whereas self-acceptance offers a healthier alternative.
[13:52] - Healthy self-reflection addresses mistakes directly without allowing overthinking to become damaging self-labels.
[16:36] - Trying to control outcomes often increases anxiety, especially when we struggle to trust God’s protection and goodness.
[19:24] - Hear how Judas wanted a good outcome but tried to control God’s plan instead of trusting His greater purpose.
[21:19] - We talk about trusting God’s wisdom rather than trying to manipulate outcomes we believe are best.
[24:17] - Lysa encourages trusting God’s faithfulness even when difficult circumstances remain painful and incomprehensible.
[26:07] - Drawing from her own painful betrayal, Lysa offers compassion without easy answers to those facing devastating circumstances.
[28:22] - Lysa describes surviving profound heartbreak via healing, acceptance, faith, and the perseverance developed via suffering.
[30:03] - Suffering, although painful, can foster healing, perseverance, maturity, and ultimately reveal God’s faithfulness and redemption.
[32:50] - I describe Lysa’s books as lifelines for suffering people, offering encouragement, companionship, and hope through Jesus!
Links & Resources
The Crystal Paine Show - 188. Good Boundaries and Goodbyes (with Lysa TerKeurst)
Books
Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food by Lysa TerKeurst
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE354 - 34m - Oct 6, 2026 - 353: My Trip to Focus on the Family (+ Crazy Travel Stories)
This episode of The Crystal Paine Show is honestly a little bit of everything - from chaotic travel stories to some really meaningful reflections from my recent trip to Focus on the Family, but I have to start off by telling you all about my travel adventures because I am apparently incapable of taking a trip without something happening. My flight to Focus on the Family was surprisingly uneventful, but another recent trip involved traffic, completely full airport parking garages, a frantic search for a parking spot, a shuttle bus, and me running through the airport trying to make my flight. Then, of course, there was the rental car that I genuinely thought wasn’t starting, only to discover that I had apparently been driving a hybrid before I realized it was already on!
Underneath all those stories, however, there were some things happening in my heart that I really wanted to share. My time at Focus on the Family gave me a chance to reflect on what God was doing, some of the opportunities He was opening up, and the ways He was taking care of me in little moments when I felt overwhelmed. I also got to do something that was outside my usual comfort zone: talk about marriage and money on a marriage podcast. That combination can bring up a LOT of baggage, and I open up about why I was nervous about having that conversation and why, once I got into it, I realized just how passionate I am about helping couples have healthier conversations about money.
Jesse and I also talk about my new book, The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women, the preorder bonuses we’ve created, and why I wanted those resources to be genuinely practical rather than just another thing to consume and forget, and finally, I get to share how meaningful it was to have my assistant, Jenny, travel with me for the first time! There was a lot packed into these few days, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring you along for all of it, so grab your coffee, settle in, and come hang out with us. As always, feel free to also reach out with your thoughts!
In This Episode
[5:09] - I recount my recent airport trip where tight timing and limited flights made missing my flight especially stressful.
[8:17] - Hear how I left plenty of time for my flight, only to encounter unexpectedly heavy traffic!
[3:20] - I encourage people unable to foster to support foster families with practical, ongoing help.
[5:14] - We are talking today about Jesse’s recent CrossFit competition!
[7:37] - Jesse reflects on how his coach encouraged him to compete, giving him a goal to drive greater consistency and improvement.
[10:14] - We discuss how I initially didn’t think that Jesse would follow through on the competition because of how afraid that he was.
[12:03] - Hear how Jesse overcame significant anxiety, chose the demanding RX division, and trained to master movements he feared or couldn’t perform!
[15:29] - Jesse’s fear stemmed from public failure.
[18:08] - I praise Jesse for confronting overwhelming fear by thoroughly preparing and courageously showing up!
[19:10] - Jesse describes how he felt the morning of the competition.
[20:14] - Hear how Jesse exceeded his expectations by pacing himself, trusting his capacity, and embracing his coach’s encouragement.
[22:51] - Jesse’s victory ultimately came from confronting his fear and pushing himself through challenging workouts, regardless of the competition results.
[24:14] - Jesse surprised himself by pushing past fear, exceeding expectations, and discovering greater capabilities through competition!
[26:14] - Jesse encourages listeners to put something on the calendar and work towards it because there is a first time for everything.
[27:30] - Facing fear ultimately creates momentum, builds confidence, and makes future challenges more achievable!
Links & Resources
Books
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE353 - 39m - Sep 29, 2026 - 352: How to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life with Ruth Chou Simons
Author of the brand new book This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life, Ruth Chou Simons comes back on the podcast, and I am so excited to have her back! The last time that we tried to record together, I was such a hot mess that we ended up doing an Instagram story and Facebook Live instead, so when she agreed to come back, I was thrilled, and this time, we actually have a podcast episode!
I truly love Ruth's new book. There is so much practical wisdom in its pages and so many moments when I found myself saying, “Yes!” while also getting my toes stepped on a little bit. In this episode, we talk about what it means to cultivate beauty and grace in the middle of our very ordinary, very full lives.
Ruth is a mom of six boys, and I could not stop asking her how she has managed to create such a beautiful home, but what I especially love about her approach is that it's not about having more money, buying more things, or waiting until life is less chaotic. It's about stewarding what God has already given us and learning to notice the beauty that's right in front of us.
We talk about creating rhythms that help us start our days well, making space for God's Word, and even setting up a little scripture memory station. Ruth shares why small acts of faithfulness matter more than big accomplishments and how making room for inefficiency can lead to the conversations and relationships that we might otherwise miss. We also talk about motherhood, enjoying our kids, and the importance of leaving room in our calendars for nothing because, after all, sometimes the most meaningful moments happen when we're not rushing off to the next thing.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or like you need to get your life together before you can enjoy it, then this conversation with Ruth is definitely for you. Ruth reminds us that we don't have to wait for a better season to live a grace-laced life, that we can start right where we are, with what we have, today. Enjoy my conversation with Ruth Chou Simons, and, as always, please feel free to reach out to me with your thoughts!
In This Episode
[0:36] - I have a repeat guest today, Ruth Chou Simons!
[3:08] - Ruth describes cultivating beauty as a way to recognize God’s presence in everyday life.
[4:24] - Rather than buying more, Ruth encourages appreciating and sharing what we already have.
[7:03] - Hear how small, manageable steps can help overcome the perfectionism and overwhelm that prevent us from getting started.
[8:28] - A grace-filled life begins by intentionally honoring Jesus via everyday actions and rhythms.
[10:22] - We discuss intentionally cultivating daily habits that immerse us in God’s word and shape how we live.
[13:28] - Everyday conversations and small decisions shape our character, homes, and relationships more than big achievements do.
[16:01] - It's important to make space to enjoy children, as it strengthens relationships and creates family memories.
[17:28] - Ruth reflects on how her shift in mindset helped her embrace motherhood as an opportunity to model faith and enjoy her children.
[20:15] - Choosing gratitude and intentionally recognizing others’ goodness can truly change our perspective on relationships.
[21:23] - Hear how leaving room in our schedules creates space for meaningful conversations and helps us prioritize relationships.
[24:02] - Embracing inefficiency can help create opportunities for connection, conversation, teaching, and modeling everyday relationships.
[27:14] - Learn how regular self-reflection helps us recognize God’s presence and think about the reasons behind our everyday choices.
[29:30] - Ruth emphasizes cultivating richer, more nourishing experiences to naturally curb distractions and strengthen self-discipline.
[31:55] - I reveal that I gave up refined sugar and white flour about four weeks ago, and I feel great!
[33:59] - I describe how slowing down and resetting my habits has made simpler, slower experiences more enjoyable and nourishing.
[35:22] - In closing, small, intentional choices and slowing down can nourish us, improve our lives, and help us accomplish more!
Links & Resources
The Crystal Paine Show - 184. A Life Update + Prepping Our Hearts for Advent (with Ruth Chou Simons)
Books
This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life by Ruth Chou Simons
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE352 - 37m - Sep 22, 2026 - 351: My Trip to Guatemala
Tune in this week as Jesse and I talk all about my recent trip to Guatemala! I have alluded to this trip to Guatemala in a few earlier episodes, but I am so excited to finally sit down with Jesse and share more of the story. This was truly a bucket list trip for me. Ever since we adopted David, I have wanted to visit Guatemala to learn more about his culture and history and to better understand what his mom experienced growing up there. I never imagined the opportunity would just fall into my lap the way that it did.
In this episode, I am sharing some of the things that I learned on my trip, the people I met, and the moments that really stayed with me. I had the privilege of spending time with women from a remote village, many of whom work incredibly hard just to provide for their families. We came with some ideas of what we would do together, but we quickly learned that we needed to be flexible and willing to listen. That sometimes meant playing games, coloring, making tamalitos, or simply sitting down and asking a woman about her day.
One of the most meaningful parts of the trip for me, though, was seeing how much these women had to share once they felt comfortable. We didn’t speak the same language, but we found that there were so many things we could communicate without words. We laughed together, prayed together, and heard stories of hardship, perseverance, and faith.
I am also talking about the differences between the communities we visited, the challenges facing local schools, and some of the things that surprised me about Guatemala, including how beautiful and peaceful it was, and, of course, I have to tell you about the food! This trip really gave me a much deeper appreciation for David’s birth mother and all that she has been through. I hope that you enjoy hearing about it as much as I enjoyed getting to experience it! As always, please feel free to reach out with your questions and/or thoughts!
In This Episode
[0:36] - Jesse and I are having a conversation about my recent trip to Guatemala!
[1:14] - I share an email that I got recently from a listener named Rhonda who discusses how much my 10K run and Jesse’s CrossFit competition inspired her.
[3:59] - Hear how a church invitation unexpectedly gave me the opportunity to visit Guatemala and explore David’s heritage!
[6:52] - I explain how church leaders invited me to minister to Guatemalan mothers despite my limited involvement with the trip.
[9:14] - I reflect on how it didn’t seem like David being from Guatemala was why I was chosen for this trip.
[11:29] - I talk about Orphan Outreach which changes children’s futures via sponsorship, therapy, education, and family support.
[13:08] - The children are taught Spanish in addition to English.
[16:21] - Hear about how the group adapted plans to meet the women’s greatest needs: encouragement, fun, and rest.
[19:29] - I describe how the women opened up through laughter, heartfelt sharing, and a beautiful experience of collective prayer!
[22:18] - I reflect on the women’s universal struggles and the devastating poverty they faced, including food insecurity and unaffordable medical bills.
[23:16] - I add how the women deeply depend on God because of their severe financial struggles.
[25:26] - The women and I exchanged some traditional cooking lessons, making tamalitos and tortillas together.
[27:05] - Hear how the women enjoyed relaxing activities, prayer, encouragement, and fellowship despite language barriers and difficult circumstances.
[29:36] - I adapted our plans, using coloring activities to connect personally with the guarded women.
[31:59] - I add how I encouraged women via personal conversations before unexpectedly spending time ministering to the school’s teachers.
[34:54] - I struggled to identify resources for teachers required to teach English without knowing English themselves.
[37:06] - I discuss how villagers rely on walking, informal transportation, and home-based work rather than phones and conventional jobs.
[39:58] - While I didn’t see any coffee plantations, I saw unexpected beauty, cleanliness, tranquility, lush vegetation, and abundant tropical fruit!
[42:32] - Dragonfruit was in season, and I recall enjoying Guatemala’s food while relying on faith to endure being sick throughout the trip.
[44:25] - My trip to Guatemala really deepened my gratitude for David’s mother and makes me want to go back.
Links & Resources
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE351 - 46m - Sep 15, 2026 - 350: More Than You Can Imagine (with Susie Larson)
For this episode of The Crystal Paine Show,I am joined by the author of the book More Than You Can Imagine: What Goes Does When You Trust Him - Susie Larson! In our conversation, she shares some of the most powerful stories of trusting God through seasons when nothing seemed to make sense. Her aforementioned new book isn’t just something she wrote; it’s something she has lived. She opens up about the years when serious health challenges, medical bills, financial pressure, and fear left her family wondering how they were going to make it, yet, right in the middle of that wilderness, God taught Susie and her husband what it meant to genuinely depend on Him.
Listen in as we talk about what happens when we stop going through the motions of faith and actually engage our hearts with God. What does it look like to trust Him when the numbers don’t add up? How do we keep fear from making our decisions for us? What happens when God asks us to be generous even when we feel like we don’t have anything left to give? Susie shares the incredible story of giving away a box of cereal when her own family was struggling financially and how that simple act became part of a much bigger lesson about living as a “flow-through account” of God’s provision. We also talk about the miraculous ways that God provided for her family, the school that she and her husband were eventually able to help build in Rwanda, and the “impossible prayers” they now pray every year.
One of the episode's biggest takeaways, though, is that dependence on God isn’t weakness. It can actually become our superpower. When we recognize that we don’t have everything we need but that God does, we get to watch Him do what only He can do. What would happen if you trusted God a little more today? Open your hands, turn on your “noticer,” and start looking for His faithfulness. You may be surprised by what you see! I hope that you enjoy this conversation with Susie, and, as always, please feel free to reach out with your own thoughts!
In This Episode
[0:36] - My guest today, Susie Larson, prioritizes thorough preparation when it comes to radio/podcast work so she can engage meaningfully with every guest and their content.
[3:05] - Susie urges Christians to live boldly, trust God’s promises, and prepare to give an account of their lives.
[5:35] - Genuine trust requires heartfelt spiritual engagement rather than just going through the religious motions.
[8:59] - Susie recounts how difficult pregnancies, medical complications, and insecurity plunged her family into a difficult season of life.
[10:49] - Hear how a frightening health episode triggered Susie’s fears, as she felt confronted with worst-case scenarios and past trauma.
[12:37] - Facing devastating illness and financial hardship, Susie and her husband chose to trust God rather than give into fear.
[15:30] - Susie's and her husband's commitment to generosity truly changed their finances and became a lifelong posture of faith and dependence.
[18:20] - Susie urges people to move beyond identifying with their brokenness and pursue the greater purposes God has for them.
[21:16] - Susie and I discuss how God’s power meets us in hardship, empowering us to trust Him, pray boldly, and depend on Him completely.
[24:35] - Susie argues that dependence on God is not weakness but rather a source of strength, purpose, and provision.
[27:43] - I reflect on how trusting God with my finances taught me and Jesse to rely on His faithfulness.
[30:15] - Trusting God with your finances can truly change your life and give you stories to tell about His faithfulness.
[32:54] - Ultimately, trusting God and noticing His faithfulness can radically change how we live.
Links & Resources
Kevin and Susie Larson Academy
Books
More Than You Can Imagine: What Goes Does When You Trust Him by Susie Larson
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE350 - 34m - Sep 8, 2026 - 349: Vomit-Inducing Fears (Jesse's CrossFit Competition)
Join Jesse and me this week as we talk about something that scared Jesse: doing his first CrossFit competition! Hear about how, a few months before the competition, he told me that he wanted to compete, and while I could tell that he truly wanted to do it, I could also tell just how much fear was standing in his way. He had movements that he wasn’t sure he could do, weights that he had never lifted, and the very real possibility of doing all of this in front of a bunch of people. Honestly, I wasn’t convinced that he was actually going to make it to competition day.
However, he signed up, he trained, and he prepared, and then, six months later, we found ourselves watching him walk into that competition!
Listen in as we talk about what it was like in the weeks leading up to it, including that very specific, stomach-churning kind of fear that makes you wonder, “Why did I sign up for this?” Jesse shares how his coach helped him reframe those jitters as his body preparing to do something difficult and how he learned to stop worrying about what everyone else was doing and simply run his own race.
We then get into the actual competition - the three workouts, the 53-pound kettlebells, the clean and jerks, the moments when Jesse surprised himself, and the incredible encouragement that he received from the other competitors. (One workout in particular became a moment I don’t think any of us will forget!)
One of the most meaningful parts for me was definitely watching our kids watch their dad do something that scared him. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes the lessons our children remember most are the ones we teach simply by being willing to try something hard. We also discuss what Jesse learned from the experience, why he’s already thinking about doing more competitions, and why putting something on the calendar can be such a powerful way to push yourself forward.
If there’s something you’ve been afraid to try, we really hope that this episode reminds you that you don’t have to feel fearless to take the first step! We hope that you enjoy this episode, and, as always, please reach out to us with your thoughts and questions! Maybe you have your own story to share that involves overcoming fear?
In This Episode
[0:36] - Jesse and I are supporting a first-time foster parent by providing regular respite childcare for her baby girl.
[3:20] - I encourage people unable to foster to support foster families with practical, ongoing help.
[5:14] - We are talking today about Jesse’s recent CrossFit competition!
[7:37] - Jesse reflects on how his coach encouraged him to compete, giving him a goal to drive greater consistency and improvement.
[10:14] - We discuss how I initially didn’t think that Jesse would follow through on the competition because of how afraid that he was.
[12:03] - Hear how Jesse overcame significant anxiety, chose the demanding RX division, and trained to master movements he feared or couldn’t perform!
[15:29] - Jesse’s fear stemmed from public failure.
[18:08] - I praise Jesse for confronting overwhelming fear by thoroughly preparing and courageously showing up!
[19:10] - Jesse describes how he felt the morning of the competition.
[20:14] - Hear how Jesse exceeded his expectations by pacing himself, trusting his capacity, and embracing his coach’s encouragement.
[22:51] - Jesse’s victory ultimately came from confronting his fear and pushing himself through challenging workouts, regardless of the competition results.
[24:14] - Jesse surprised himself by pushing past fear, exceeding expectations, and discovering greater capabilities through competition!
[26:14] - Jesse encourages listeners to put something on the calendar and work towards it because there is a first time for everything.
[27:30] - Facing fear ultimately creates momentum, builds confidence, and makes future challenges more achievable!
Links & Resources
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE349 - 30m - Sep 1, 2026 - 348: Reimagining Church as Family with JJ Jones
What does it really mean for the church to be a family? In this episode of The Crystal Paine Show, I am joined by my friend Dr. JJ Jones, co-author of Reimagining Church as Family, for a conversation to help us think differently about how to help others feels seen, welcomed, and truly included in our churches!
Listen in as JJ shares how years of research and ministry experience led him and his co-author Rich Griffith to rethink some of the traditional approaches to family ministry. Too often, as he discusses, our programs, language, and even the ways in which we structure church life assume a traditional nuclear family, and that can unintentionally leave single parents, divorced parents, single adults, foster and adoptive families, families raising children with disabilities, and others feeling like they don’t quite belong.
The two of us talk about what it looks like to move beyond simply supporting someone during a crisis and actually walking with them for the long haul. We discuss the importance of examining the words that we use, listening to people’s stories, and asking what the church can do differently so that people don’t feel like outsiders in God’s family..
We also get practical about what church members and leaders can do to enact change such as creating more intergenerational spaces, inviting someone to sit with you, sharing a meal, making accommodations, mentoring younger believers, and simply being willing to have the sometimes-awkward conversations that lead to real connection!
Maybe most importantly, we talk about following Jesus toward the people who may feel overlooked or pushed to the margins, and I truly hope this conversation encourages you to look around your own church community with fresh eyes and ask: Who might be here but still feel alone, and what could I do to change that? Enjoy my conversation with JJ, and, as always, please feel free to reach out with your thoughts!
In This Episode
[0:36] - I introduce my friend Dr. JJ Jones and explore the inspiration behind his book Reimagining Church as Family.
[1:15] - JJ explains how research exposed gaps in traditional family ministry and inspired a more inclusive approach for him.
[4:24] - Hear me highlight the church’s responsibility to support nontraditional families.
[6:41] - JJ shares how churches often initially support nontraditional families but then fail to follow up.
[7:55] - JJ challenges churches to embrace nontraditional families and help everyone experience belonging within God’s family.
[10:05] - I highlight how harmful labels such as “broken home” can undermine hope, dignity, and belonging..
[13:04] - JJ encourages churches to listen directly to diverse families and rethink how their messages could unintentionally exclude them.
[15:55] - Intergenerational groups can help create a sense of belonging by bringing believers of different ages and experiences together.
[18:30\ - JJ recommends intergenerational groups and shared worship as some practical steps toward becoming a more inclusive church family.
[20:11] - JJ explains how apprenticeships and shared worship can connect generations while helping overlooked families experience real belonging.
[23:16] - JJ urges churches to empower single parents and other families to lead worship and contribute gifts.
[25:21] - Listen as JJ explains how simple invitations and listening can help newcomers and single parents feel welcomed into a church community.
[28:34] - JJ highlights specialized communities which support isolated special-needs families while also meeting their unique needs.
[30:47] - I encourage listeners to embrace awkwardness, extend kindness, and take first steps toward connection.
[32:16] - JJ calls upon churches to build relationships and support families through difficult, ongoing journeys.
[34:59] - I reflect upon how curiosity, prayer, and compassion changed my judgment into love and understanding.
[37:12] - JJ points to Jesus’ example of extending grace to marginalized people and welcoming them as family.
Links & Resources
Books
Reimaging Church as Family by Various Authors
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE348 - 39m - Aug 25, 2026 - 347: Back Up and Running (All About My 10K)
The podcast has been MIA for a bit, but I am so happy to be back to share a story I have been excited to share on the show!
Earlier this year, my daughter Kathrynne asked if I wanted to run a 10K with her, but there was one minor problem: I wasn’t a runner. I had never run more than a couple of miles without stopping, and running had never really clicked for me. In fact, I had spent years believing I simply wasn’t capable of running, but I said yes to her before I really had time to think about it and then had less than ten weeks to figure out how to run 6.2 miles.
Tune in as Jesse and I talk about what happened between that phone call and crossing the finish line. I talk about the training plan that helped me go from barely running two miles to completing a 10K without stopping, why most of my training runs were intentionally easy, and the research that I did to figure out everything from running shoes to hydration and fueling.
I also share what surprised me most about race day. I expected the physical challenge, the nerves, and the uncertainty of running in an actual race, but what I didn’t expect was how much I would enjoy running alongside other people and how different the experience would feel from all those quiet solo runs I had grown to love.
Ultimately, however, this episode isn’t really about running. It’s about the things we tell ourselves we can’t do and what happens when we stop accepting those assumptions as facts. For years, I had told myself, “I’m not a runner” and “I can’t do that.” Completing the 10K challenged those beliefs in a way I didn’t expect and gave me a newfound confidence that has spilled into other areas of my life, and believe it or not, now I am training for a half marathon!
Come listen in as I share what this experience taught me about preparation, persistence, our bodies, and being willing to discover that we’re capable of far more than we may realize! As always, please feel free to reach out. Maybe you have a running story of your own you’d like to share? I’d love to hear it!
In This Episode
[0:36] - We explain why we have been absent for a while, but we are happy to be back!
[2:09] - I recently ran a 10K, and Jesse took part in a Crossfit competition!
[3:11] - Hear me narrate the circumstances that led to me participating in the 10K.
[6:46] - I reflect on how I never considered myself a runner despite growing up with runners in my family, including my dad.
[9:00] - I reveal how proper fueling, quality gear, and easy runs helped me build a sustainable running foundation.
[11:23] - I talk about how helpful the Runna app was for me and also offer two weeks of it for free with the code “Crystal2.”
[14:00] - Gradual training and careful preparation gave me the confidence to complete her first 10K successfully.
[17:50] - Hear how I minimized race-day surprises by carefully planning my gear, hydration, pacing, and expectations.
[20:01] - Running with others made the race unexpectedly exhilarating and helped me celebrate a long-held personal achievement!
[23:01] - Completing the 10K gave me the newfound confidence to challenge limiting beliefs and pursue a half marathon.
[26:36] - Jesse commends me for my newfound motivation to participate in running.
[27:19] - Jesse and I strongly encourage listeners to challenge limiting beliefs and discover what they’re capable of accomplishing.
Links & Resources
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE347 - 30m - Aug 18, 2026 - 346: Grieving the Loss of the Life You Thought You’d Have with Jodi Snowdon
Today’s topic is a bit emotionally heavy and difficult, but it’s nonetheless incredibly important. I am joined by Jodi Snowdon, author of Depth: Growing Through Heartbreak to Strength, and she joins me for a very vulnerable conversation to reflect on how grief shows up in many forms of life - miscarriage, divorce, loss of loved ones - and how often people feel unsure of how to support someone in those moments. Listen in as she shares her own experiences of devastating loss and how they helped reshape her faith, emotional resilience, and understanding of God’s presence in suffering. Together, the two of us discuss the importance of allowing space for grief instead of avoiding it and how honest emotional processing, support from your community, and spiritual struggle can become a part of healing over time.
Jodi also explains the STRENGTH acrostic from her book and offers some practical ways to walk through heartbreak by seeking God in the middle of pain, allowing yourself to fully grieve, and resisting the urge to numb or suppress emotions. She speaks openly about how healing is not linear and how counseling, community, and even simple daily practices such as prayer and journaling helped her begin to heal. We also discuss how suffering can shape character in unexpected ways, deepening empathy and even becoming a place where purpose can grow.
A big part of our conversation focuses on how to support others who are grieving, especially in moments when people often feel afraid to say or do the wrong thing. Jodi and I talk through miscarriage, divorce, and other griefs, highlighting the importance of directly acknowledging loss, avoiding well meaning but ultimately minimizing and unhelpful language, and showing up with acts of care rather than silence. We also touch upon the power of remembering important dates, checking in long after the initial loss, and recognizing that grief doesn’t follow a timeline that others can see or understand, especially since everyone grieves differently.
By the end of my conversation with Jodi, I truly hope that listeners will walk away after listening with both compassion for those in pain as well as a clearer sense of how to show up in small, meaningful ways that remind someone that they are not forgotten. I hope that you enjoy and get some insight from my conversation with Jodi, and, as always, please feel free to reach out with your thoughts! I would love to hear from you!
In This Episode
[0:35] - Welcome Jodi Snowdon to the podcast!
[2:08] - Through some truly devastating losses, Jodi discovered healing, deeper faith, and purpose in helping others.
[4:32] - Jodi believes that suffering can deepen faith when people honestly seek God instead of withdrawing from Him.
[6:40] - Jodi explains grieving honestly, seeking God, and processing emotions instead of numbing pain.
[9:08] - Learn how support groups can transform pain into meaningful purpose and connection.
[11:08] - Jodi has come to believe that heartbreak can build empathy, self-awareness, and freedom from shame.
[13:36] - Hear how gratitude, forgiveness, and sharing personal pain can help others heal through their own grief.
[16:01] - Hear how supporting miscarriage grief requires validating the loss and offering compassionate, thoughtful, and practical care.
[19:13] - Jodi explains how compassion, acknowledgment, and presence help validate miscarriage grief and prevent isolation.
[22:03] - Memorializing miscarriage through rituals and naming can help parents process enduring grief and loss.
[24:40] - Jodi asserts that nonjudgmental support and inclusion reduce divorce-related shame, rejection, and loneliness.
[27:11] - Jodi believes that intentional boundaries, support, and truth help divorced parents deal with loneliness and family transitions.
[30:48] - I point out that clear, specific offers of help make it easier for grieving people to accept support.
[31:51] - We talk about how divorce brings layered grief, rejection, and ongoing emotional triggers that support can help ease.
[34:26] Listening and practical ideas empower better support for people experiencing grief!
[36:13] - Jodi and I discuss how consistent support and remembering anniversaries can help grieving people feel seen, loved, and not forgotten.
[38:15] - God redeems heartbreak, using grief to grow and equip people with empathy.
Links & Resources
Casting Crowns - “Praise You in the Storm”
Depth Podcast Episode 53: Hopelifter - Kathe Wunnenberg
Books
Depth: Growing Through Heartbreak to Strength by Jodi Snowdon & Kathe Wunneberg
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE346 - 40m - May 26, 2026 - 345: Our Glamping Adventure
Jesse and I welcome you this week as we reflect on our recent glamping trip, an anniversary trip that Jesse had secretly planned and that nearly didn’t happen! Hear all about how, after finally figuring out childcare for the kids, we were ready to leave when everything unraveled all at once: sore throats, emergency doctor appointments, positive strep tests, and even an unexpected COVID diagnosis.
We suddenly found ourselves trying to decide whether to cancel a trip we had been looking forward to for months while also making sure everyone at home would be okay. Thankfully, the Airbnb hosts were unbelievably kind and let us reschedule which turned out to be the best thing that could’ve happened!
What waited for us a few months later was truly one of the most unique places I have ever stayed. Jesse booked this incredible glamping dome tucked into the Tennessee hills overlooking Center Hill Lake, and the entire place felt almost unreal, with clear curved walls open to the sky, decks hanging over the hillside, a hot tub in the middle of nature, and a shower that somehow made me feel like I was outside while still enjoying modern comforts.
Listen in as we talk about the hilariously overheated first hour after arriving, the clever sprinkler system that cooled the dome down, and why we immediately understood why people become obsessed with glamping. We also share the quieter parts of the trip that ended up meaning the most: playing Scrabble, watching the sunrise over the water, hiking down to the lake, sitting around the fire with nowhere else to be, and realizing how rare it is to experience true quiet. There was no packed itinerary, no distractions - just space to talk, laugh, process life, and reconnect after years of constant responsibilities.
Also, because apparently every memorable trip needs at least one disaster, we also tell the story of how Jesse managed to put a massive scrape down the side of my car while leaving the property, something that I will probably reference forever considering my long history of being the one who usually hits things. Enjoy our conversation all about this truly unforgettable trip, and, as always, please feel free to reach out! Maybe you have your own glamping story to share?
In This Episode
[0:36] - Jesse and I are finally sharing the story of our recent glamping trip!
[2:53] - Unsure whether to cancel or not with kids being sick, we debated traveling while juggling sick kids and mysterious packing instructions.
[4:49] - Hear how, after rescheduling, I was amazed by the surreal glamping dome overlooking the Tennessee hillside!
[7:31] - Hear about how our unique glamping dome offered stunning lake views, outdoor luxury, and an unexpectedly hot interior.
[9:51] - Jesse shares having discovered the dome’s greenhouse-like heat required sprinklers and repairs to cool the interior.
[11:16] - Once the high temperatures dropped, we fully embraced the peaceful hot tub retreat and unplugged outdoor atmosphere.
[13:38] - Hear how, between stargazing, Scrabble, and luxurious showers, we officially became devoted glamping fans!
[16:35] - Surrounded by silence and nature, we reconnected without distractions and embraced the slower pace.
[18:51] - I share how our peaceful getaway ended abruptly when Jesse scraped the car pulling out of the property.
[21:04] - Despite my dented car, the relaxing overnight escape still felt restorative and memorable.
[23:19] - Jesse and I reflect on our restorative glamping getaway and invite listeners to share future trip recommendations!
Links & Resources
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE345 - 24m - May 19, 2026 - 344: Raising Capable & Confident Kids with David Thomas and Sissy Goff
This episode's guests might take the cake for most frequent guests on the podcasts – Sissy Goff and David Thomas! Throughout this insightful conversation with them, there is a question that I keep coming back to - are we protecting our kids or are we accidentally preventing them from becoming capable? That is the primary focus of not only our conversation today but also of their book – Capable: How to Teach Your Kids the Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience!
Listen in as we unpack why so many loving, thoughtful parents are exhausted from carrying responsibilities their children are actually ready to begin taking on themselves. From chores and homework to conflict resolution, independence, and even sleeping in their own beds, we talk honestly about how resilience is built, and it is not through perfection or pressure but instead through practice, discomfort, and trust.
One of the most eye-opening parts of this conversation is our discussion around “coddling.” We don't talk about it in a judgmental way but in the very real sense that fear can quietly shape our parenting more than we realize. We talk about why boundaries do not damage attachment, why kids need opportunities to safely take on challenges, and how confidence grows when children are allowed to solve problems instead of being rescued from every single difficult moment.
We also get practical, with Sissy and David sharing some simple, age-appropriate ways that parents can begin shifting responsibility to their children, whether they’re toddlers, elementary-aged kids, teenagers, or even young adults. We discuss natural consequences, teaching children to ask for help, encouraging self-advocacy, and how overmonitoring can unintentionally communicate, “I don’t think you can handle this.”
This episode is all about becoming a steadier parent, and we discuss the importance of modeling courage ourselves, letting our kids see us try new things, fail, recover, and grow. If you’re listening as a parent thinking, “I didn’t do this soon enough,” I think you’ll find a lot of hope in this conversation too. I hope that you enjoy this conversation with Sissy and David, and, as always, please feel free to reach out to me with your own thoughts!
In This Episode
[0:35] - Welcome Sissy Goff and David Thomas back to the podcast!
[1:43] - Resilience grows when children face manageable challenges instead of parents constantly preventing discomfort.
[4:06] - Sissy and David point out that healthy boundaries and accountability build secure attachment without coddling.
[7:39] - Sissy asserts that overprotection based on fear can unintentionally limit children’s confidence, independence, and emotional growth.
[10:08] - Parents should gradually shift everyday responsibilities onto their children that they're already close to being able to do on their own.
[13:38] - It's important for parents to manage their own anxieties as a model for their kids.
[15:08] - Hear David exemplify how trying unfamiliar things helps parents model resilience, perseverance, and empathy for struggling children.
[18:34] - Simple everyday responsibilities help young children discover their abilities and build lasting confidence.
[20:02] - David argues for the importance of honoring each child’s developmental pace and trusting that they will grow into capabilities in their own time.
[22:35] - I discuss how teaching children to communicate needs and ask for help builds lifelong emotional and problem-solving skills.
[24:01] - David and Sissy believe that children build confidence and resilience via independence, responsibilities, and experiences outside of their comfort zones.
[26:11] - I add that encouraging self-advocacy helps children build confidence and handle challenges independently.
[29:37] - It's important to remember that each parent-child relationship carries unique dynamics that impact expectations, behavior, and emotional growth.
[32:01] - Sissy explains how kids benefit from experiencing natural consequences alongside empathy, encouragement, and supportive guidance.
[33:44] - Small, gradual lessons in responsibility help children become confident, capable, and adaptable adults.
[37:04] - Children ultimately thrive when parents nurture their existing strengths instead of putting extra pressure on them.
[38:36] - David reminds us that growth happens at different paces and that it’s never too late to encourage independence.
Links & Resources
Books
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE344 - 40m - May 12, 2026 - 343: The Surprising Lessons I’m Learning from Training for a 10k
Funnily enough, this episode of The Crystal Paine Show was originally supposed to be about my 22-hour getaway with Jesse and then naturally became much more an episode about running and how I have been training for a 10k! Listen in as Jesse and I share how a two-week break from the podcast turned into a reflection on just how full life has been lately! From the chaos of baseball season to the unexpected intensity of my 10K training, things have truly been hectic. Between juggling travel ball schedules and long practices with Jesse and Silas, I have also been dealing with a completely new challenge for myself: running longer distances than I ever thought I could! What began as a simple goal has turned into a deep learning experience around pacing, breathing, fueling, and even rethinking how I understand my own body, and I talk openly in this episode of the show about how I’ve had to slow down, correct my breathing habits, and even explore things such as mouth taping after dealing with laryngitis and realizing how much my old habits were holding me back from my full potential.
I share how, as I have trained, I have been so surprised by how much running has changed not just my fitness but also my mindset. I am really learning that endurance is just as mental as it is physical and that sometimes finishing a run is less about speed and more about choosing to keep going one small step at a time. I also share how tools such as the RUNA app and Strava have helped me structure my training and actually understand what it means to train smart instead of just hard. It has been such a fascinating journey discovering firsthand how much strategy goes into something as simple as going for a run!
Beyond the physical side, I also reflect on what it means to take on something new in my forties and how running has unexpectedly opened up new ways of seeing my neighborhood, my routines, and even my own limits. From exploring unfamiliar streets to learning how to manage discomfort, this journey has become about more than just race day. It’s about growth, curiosity, and learning to trust myself in the process. Jesse and I also discuss how this experience connects to bigger life themes such as stepping into new and even initially uncomfortable challenges, embracing uncertainty, and letting our kids see us do hard things. I hope that you enjoy this episode, and, as always, please feel free to reach out with your thoughts! We would love to hear from you!
In This Episode
[0:35] - Baseball season overwhelmed our schedule, pausing the podcast temporarily.
[3:37] - Hear how training for a 10k has been exhausting but also has taught me pacing and breathing.
[6:02] - I talk about how running has also exposed poor breathing habits, leading to Laryngitis and a shift toward nasal breathing and better pacing.
[9:39] - I explain how mouth-taping has helped me retrain nasal breathing and has improved sleep and morning symptoms.
[12:01] - Jesse and I discuss how conscious nasal breathing improves congestion, sleep quality, and overall stress regulation.
[15:38] - I enthuse about how running has become transformative for me via consistency, endurance building, and mindful pacing over speed.
[18:09] - I reveal how the Runna app creates personalized training plans that highlight structured pacing and prevention of injury.
[19:32] - For me, running has become a deeply mental challenge where fueling, hydration, and self-talk determine whether I finish strong!
[22:07] - Jesse and I talk about how training beyond race distance helps build endurance, confidence, and better performance on the day of the race.
[25:12] - Hear how post-race plans will be decided later on but will focus on growth, exploration, and flexible running goals!
[28:11] - I reflect on how what began as a casual activity has turned into a truly meaningful way to explore surroundings and daily life more intentionally.
[30:28] - Jesse remarks that embracing uncertainty in challenges can be motivating, but lack of preparation can also cause setbacks.
[33:32] - Hear how race strategy focuses on maintaining a steady personal pace using training data and body awareness instead of competition.
[36:28] - My running journey has truly grown into a broader reflection on self-growth, balance, and learning to “run your own race.”
Links & Resources
Books
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE343 - 38m - May 5, 2026 - 342: Discovering Your Communication Type with Jason VanRuler
I am truly so excited for this episode because, honestly, it felt like a little therapy session for me, and I really hope that it gives you some aha moments too! I am talking with Jason VanRuler about his book Discovering Your Communication Type: The Five Paths to Deeper Connections and Stronger Relationships, and right from the start as I read it, I was hooked. I could see how the insights would help me with my husband, my kids, and my friendships because it’s practical, relatable, and so surprisingly accessible - like someone finally saying, “Here’s how this actually works,” without all the jargon!
Jason walks us through the five communication styles that make up his PATHS model - Peacemaker, Advocate, Thinker, Harbor, and Spark - and he explains how our words are driven by different motivations: maintaining peace, standing up for what’s right, being logically correct, protecting feelings, or bringing energy and momentum. He and I get into how knowing your style (as well as the styles of those around you) can truly change your conversations, especially when conflict or stress shows up. I had one of those aha moments when I realized that I have been showing up in relationships in ways I think are expected of me, instead of who I am actually wired to be, and yes, that includes my husband and me missing each other mid-conversation more than I’d like to admit.
We also discuss how these patterns can also have strong impacts on parenting, friendships, and even self-care, and one story that hit me hard was realizing that holding out my “I got this, let me help you” sign often keeps people at arm’s length because vulnerability feels too risky. Learning to express my needs without fear has been such a huge game-changer. Listen as Jason shares some practical tips for seeing differences as gifts, understanding where misunderstandings come from, and how intentional awareness can make every conversation more meaningful. By the end, I felt so inspired to rethink how I show up, listen, and allow people in without expecting them to mirror me exactly. If you have ever wanted a roadmap for connecting more authentically with the people in your life (family, friends, colleagues, or even yourself), then this episode is full of insights that really stick, and be sure to grab a copy of Discovering Your Communication Type!
In This Episode
[0:35] - Today’s conversation is with Jason VanRuler, author of Discovering Your Communication Type.
[2;28] - I open up and admit that Jesse and I sometimes misunderstand one another mid-conversation.
[3:47] - Jason explains his five paths.
[5:19] - I reflect on having realized that I balance advocacy with a learned harboring to meet others’ expectations.
[7:49] - Early-life communication patterns often resurface during stress, helping to explain misunderstandings in adult interactions.
[9:14] - Jason notes that awareness of our communication style allows us to give and receive meaningfully.
[11:58] - Hear how I have recognized that accepting care for myself felt as vulnerable as asking for it.
[14:07] - Hear how Jason realized expressing needs clearly allows others to love and support more fully.
[17:02] - Sharing vulnerability with multiple people enriches life and strengthens relationships.
[19:43] - Jason and I talk about how understanding and valuing different communication styles strengthens relationships and lessens conflict.
[22:02] - Effective communication requires listening, understanding others’ perspectives, and adjusting your approach for each situation!
[25:45] - Jason reflects that healthy relationships require patience, mutual effort, and embracing others’ timelines.
[29:08] - Hear how writing prompted Jason to recognize the value of outside perspectives for self-awareness.
Links & Resources
Books
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE342 - 30m - Apr 14, 2026 - 341: Five Exciting Updates at Our House
Listen in this week as Jesse and I share five exciting updates from the Paine house as of late! Some of our updates are more practical, some are deeply personal, and a few honestly caught me completely off guard, and Jesse comes into the conversation without knowing what I am going to share, which makes it even more fun as we walk through what’s been happening behind the scenes in our world!
I start off with something that might sound minor but honestly felt pretty significant to me - a recent dentist visit that went surprisingly well after years of being told something was wrong with my teeth. After working with a functional medicine doctor and trying oil pulling (something that I was very skeptical about), I had a completely different experience at my last appointment. It made me think more about the connection between oral health and overall health and whether some of the small habits that I have added might actually be making a difference.
From there, we share an update about our son David as he prepares to start kindergarten this fall. If you have been following our story, then you know how remarkable that moment feels for our family. David's team has been working closely with us to create a plan that supports his unique needs, and hearing the goals that they have set for him is both exciting and emotional. David continues to surprise everyone with his determination and personality, and we talk about some of the ways that he’s already showing just how capable that he is!
Another unexpected development is that I agreed to run a 10K with our daughter. That decision has launched me into a whole new world of running, training, and learning far more about shoes and socks than I ever expected. I also share how an unexpected invitation is taking me to Guatemala this summer, something that’s been on my heart since we adopted David, and finally, the biggest update of all: I finished writing my next book! I reveal the title, share the story behind how it came together, and explain why this project feels especially meaningful to me. I hope that you enjoy this episode, and please feel free to reach out with your thoughts!
In This Episode
[0:35] - Jesse and I are sharing five recent updates from our home!
[2:30] - Hear how, despite brushing obsessively, discussing my dental history revealed more serious oral health concerns.
[3:52] - I share how, after months of oil pulling, my dentist visit finally showed unexpectedly healthy teeth.
[7:26] - Realizing oral health affects overall health, I have begun flossing far more often.
[8:28] - David will start kindergarten with extensive support, continually surprising everyone with his determination!
[11:57] - Although full days can be tiring, we are so excited for David’s growth and the support surrounding him!
[13:58] - Hear how I impulsively agreed to run a 10K and am now learning how to train.
[16:37] - I discuss how a salesperson encouraged me to try specialty socks, and I loved them so much that I bought two pairs!
[18:14] - Hear how new running shoes improved my comfort and endurance, helping me run three miles without stopping.
[20:59] - Unexpectedly invited on a church trip, I’m finally visiting Guatemala, a longtime personal dream!
[23:46] - I reveal that, after nearly two years of work, I finally completed the manuscript for my upcoming book.
[26:43] - I also reveal the title of my new book – The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women.
[29:22] - Early preorders of the upcoming book include access to a live Q&A call with me!
Links & Resources
Books
Sign up for the free live Q&A call with Crystal when you pre-order!
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE341 - 31m - Apr 7, 2026 - 340: How to Love Your Morning Even If You’re Not a Morning Person with Jennifer Dukes Lee
I am so thrilled to have today’s guest on the show because not only does she have brilliant insights to share, she is also a very dear friend as well as my acquisitions editor! Jennifer Dukes Lee is the author of the book How to Love Your Morning: Faith-Filled Habits to Build a Life of Joy and Purpose One Day at a Time, and she joins me for this episode to talk about just that - how to love your morning!
Jennifer offers a truly refreshing perspective that mornings aren’t about the time on the clock but are rather about the mindset that you bring into the day. You don’t have to wake up at 5 a.m. or have two hours of quiet to start well. It’s about the little intentional choices that you make such as greeting God in prayer, practicing gratitude, or reflecting on scripture. She reframes mornings as sacred opportunities even on the hardest days and gives practical ways to create rhythms that fit your life, whether you’re caring for kids, grieving, exhausted from night shifts, or just overwhelmed.
We talk about how small, realistic habits such as setting out clothes the night before, keeping a prayer list by the coffee (or, in my opinion, espresso) maker, or even just stepping outside for a moment of sunlight can truly change your day by setting it on the right track. Listen in as Jennifer shares stories from women across different life stages, as well as historical and everyday figures, showing that there’s no one “perfect” morning routine. I especially love how her book makes it so accessible; it’s permission-giving, practical, and so encouraging!
We also discuss the accompanying six-session Bible study that helps you explore mornings in scripture, offering a chance to go deeper, alone or with friends. Jennifer’s insights reminded me why approaching the day with intention, hope, and God at the center can reshape not just your mornings but your overall life! If you have ever wished that mornings felt less stressful, more meaningful, or simply more joyful, then this episode is definitely for you! Tune in, and please, as always, feel free to reach out to me with your thoughts!
In This Episode
[0:35] - I welcome my good friend Jennifer Dukes Lee to the show to talk about her book How to Love Your Morning!
[1:52] - Jennifer explains how being a morning person is mindset-focused, not defined by the hour you wake.
[4:05] - Jennifer encourages shifting stressful routines into meaningful rituals such as prayer, gratitude, or scripture reflection.
[6:23] - Even during grief or sleepless nights, morning rituals can help you face the day with presence and strength.
[9:52] - I point out that impactful mornings rely on small, realistic habits, not two-hour perfect routines.
[11:13] - Simple, sacred practices like prayer and stepping outside invite God into the start of each day.
[14:49] - I reflect on how stacking small, accessible habits onto daily tasks helps create meaningful morning rhythms.
[17:39] - I also reflect on how giving up coffee was initially difficult because it felt like giving up part of my morning ritual.
[19:00] - Jennifer encourages listeners to begin their mornings with meaningful habits, movement, nourishment, and healthy sleep routines.
[22:55] - Preparing for my morning the night before has been a big gamechanger.
[25:16] - Jennifer highlights how even just one intentional habit can create calmness and inspiration for the whole morning.
[28:28] - Mornings don’t need to be the same for everyone; effectiveness depends on what fits your life.
[31:19] - Scripture reveals mornings to be spiritually important; starting the day with hope aligns us with God’s design.
[34:54] - Doing morning practices with friends can help strengthen accountability and boost everyday joy.
Links & Resources
Books
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE340 - 36m - Mar 31, 2026 - 339: Jesse Chaperoned a Trip to Denver
Although we inadvertently took a few weeks off from the podcast, we are back, and overall, the most accurate way to describe life lately is “full.” Between spring breaks, kids popping in and out of the house, and multiple trips layered on top of one another, quiet moments have been pretty rare around here.
Listen in this week as Jesse and I do something we hadn’t actually had time to do yet: sit down and process everything that’s happened over the past few weeks. We talk about the whirlwind of travel – his father-son ski trip to Utah with Silas, my church retreat, and, of course, the titular school trip to Denver that Jesse chaperoned, which he describes as “the most servant-oriented trip I’ve been on.”
Of course, though, life did not slow down when the trips ended. In fact, we walked straight from the airport into a memorial service for three young men whose lives were tragically cut short. One of them had been very close to our family, and the loss really hit our girls – and all of us – deeply.
A big part of this episode, however, as previously mentioned, focuses on Jesse’s time serving alongside students at the Denver Dream Center. Hear how they spent their days hiking in the mountains and their evenings working in inner-city Denver, sharing meals with people experiencing homelessness and connecting with people who were rebuilding their lives after incarceration. Listen as Jesse shares and reflects on some stories about the conversations that happened there such as moments where the goal wasn’t to “fix” anyone but simply to listen, learn names, and recognize the humanity in front of you!
Jesse and I also discuss how even just small choices can shape the direction of a life (for better or worse) and how courage often looks like doing something that feels strange, risky, or unsupported. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments come when we step outside the safe little spaces we’ve built for ourselves and choose to do the thing that scares us most. I hope that you enjoy this heartfelt conversation with Jesse!
In This Episode
[0:35] - We have been absent for a few weeks because of a lot of chaos!
[3:45] - Jesse notes how we haven’t recorded since the trips, which became a major part of his story.
[4:00] - I reflect on how, after returning home, we attended a tragic memorial before juggling several trips and retreats.
[7:26] - Hear how Silas chose a Denver school trip where students hiked Colorado and served the homeless.
[10:24] - What is the ultimate goal of the Denver Dream Center?
[13:24] - Jesse and I talk about how serving others begins with seeing their humanity, learning their stories, and offering dignity and hope!
[16:35] - Serving others ultimately means seeing people’s humanity, learning from them, and connecting without superiority or judgment.
[19:33] - I express my belief that experiences such as Silas’s trip help young people rethink priorities and what's truly important.
[20:16] - Even small choices and courageous ones can reshape the direction of someone's life.
Links & Resources
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE339 - 24m - Mar 24, 2026 - 338: Do This First Thing Every Morning with Addison Bevere
I am so excited to be bringing this conversation with repeat guest Addison Bevere to you! Addison is the author of the book Words with God: Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection, and his work has really stayed with me since our last discussion. I have, in fact, told so many people about how his heart for faith feels grounded, honest, and alive, and, in this new episode, we talk about his new prayer journal that accompanies his book which is designed as a 40-day invitation to build a more real rhythm with God rather than trying to achieve perfect performance. After all, prayer should not be performative!
One of the themes that keeps coming up throughout our conversation is the idea that prayer isn’t about getting the words right, and I reflect a bit about my own experience learning to slow down and practice rest as a spiritual discipline, something I never really thought much about before. Addison explains how many people feel they are “bad at prayer” because they approach it through shame or expectation rather than connection, and, instead, he frames prayer as simply showing up honestly and paying attention.
We also unpack how quickly our mornings can be hijacked by screens, anxiety, or the pressure to immediately start producing, with Addison sharing a simple but powerful practice: when you wake up, breathe, rest in the moment, and allow your mind and heart to settle before grabbing your phone. He explains how early morning brain states may be uniquely open to reflection, creativity, and spiritual awareness, and I also reflect on how this practice has helped me move from feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands to seeing them as opportunities to respond with love and intention. Addison highlights the importance of writing down fears, burdens, or questions that can help name what we are carrying and create space for clarity.
If you have ever felt unsure how to pray, struggled with slowing down, or longed for a deeper sense of closeness with God, this conversation offers a gentle, practical framework for beginning. I hope that you enjoy this conversation with Addison, and, as always, I would love for you to reach out with your thoughts!
In This Episode
[0:35] - Welcome Addison Bevere back to the show!
[2:07] - Addison believes that prayer thrives on relationship, not performance, and frees us from shame.
[5:48] - Showing up honestly before God each morning is more important than fighting distraction or cultural pressure.
[8:16] - Addison asserts that morning openness invites rest and awareness, while phone use often replaces calm with anxiety.
[11:02] - Listeners are encouraged to breathe, rest, and avoid phones after waking to help nurture creativity.
[13:24] - Surrendering control each day leads to clarity, compassion, and wisdom.
[16:57] - Addison reminds us that remembering answered prayers and embracing limits helps foster humility, trust, and deeper spiritual growth.
[19:39] - I describe relying on the Holy Spirit to guide parenting and daily conversations for me.
[21:58] - Hear how morning listening helps Addison speak compassionately rather than react from a place of insecurity.
[24:49] - I reflect on how starting the day slowly helps me reflect and reconnect with God and my body.
[25:51] - According to Addison, writing fears or pain gives language to emotions, helping awareness and release.
[27:22] - Hear how anxiety can help signal inner needs, helping discern God’s guidance vs. condemning voices.
[30:44] - True prayer invites closeness with God and others, avoiding religious rigidity.
Links & Resources
The Crystal Paine Show - 211. Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection (with Addison Bevere)
Books
Words with God: Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection by Addison D. Bevere
Words with God Prayer Journal: 40 Days of Getting Real with God by Addison D. Bevere
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE338 - 33m - Mar 3, 2026 - 337: My First Colonoscopy
Just as a forewarning, this week's episode might be a little bit TMI, but I did mention it coming up in a recent episode – my recent colonoscopy! While I don't get into the especially gritty details, I talk openly with Jesse about my experience because I really wanted to share the full story. I kept hearing from people who were scared of the procedure or avoided it because of what they’d heard about the prep, and I was nervous too, especially after reading all the horror stories online, but I found that preparation and good guidance made a bigger difference than I had expected!
Listen in as I walk you through why I had the procedures in the first place, including my long history with chronic anemia and how my doctors wanted to look for possible root causes rather than just treat symptoms. A big part of the episode is the prep experience because honestly, that’s what people tend to dread the most. However, I talk about starting a low-residue diet days early, sticking to very bland foods, and what it actually felt like to move into the clear-liquids phase. I share how hunger, brain fog, and low energy showed up for me and how surprisingly manageable the laxative process was compared to what I feared. I also mention small practical things that helped such as choosing certain drinks and realizing that some flavors quickly became unappealing once prep started.
I then walk you through the procedure day itself - checking in, getting an IV, anesthesia, and what it felt like waking up after sedation. The sedation was so strong and peaceful that I can understand why people describe it as a really good nap. In fact, I kind of didn't want to wake up! I also reflect on how disorienting that it felt trying to talk afterward when my brain wasn’t putting words together correctly.
I also, of course, touch upon recovery, what my results looked like so far, and why I truly believe that these screenings are worth it, so if you have been afraid of getting a colonoscopy, I really hope that this episode with Jesse makes it feel a lot more approachable!
As always, please feel free to reach out! I would love to hear your thoughts!
In This Episode
[0:35] - This episode shares my colonoscopy and endoscopy experience, addressing fear, prep, and cancer detection.
[4:44] - Hear how I underwent procedures mainly because chronic anemia persisted since childhood and pregnancy complications occurred.
[7:16] - Hear how low hemoglobin and ferritin levels led my doctor to recommend colonoscopy and endoscopy for diagnosis.
[10:42] - I reflect on how I began a strict low-residue diet early, avoiding fiber, fruit, vegetables, and acidic foods.
[13:52] - Hear how the clear-liquid phase felt surprisingly difficult, causing intense hunger, weight loss, and constant emptiness.
[16:36] - I share how clear-liquid days drained my energy.
[18:39] - I avoided mixing Miralax with my favorite drinks because prep may have made those drinks unappealing later.
[20:32] - Preparing for laxatives, I found the worst fears exaggerated; one nauseous hour passed and then relief.
[23:49] - Hear how mixing Miralax with Gatorade surprisingly tasted fine, and calories plus electrolytes improved my energy.
[26:00] - I share how I chugged 36 ounces of prep fluid over two hours, experienced mild thirst, and slept mostly well.
[29:43] - I describe how the anesthesiologist warned of a “spicy” feeling before sedation, and I instantly lost consciousness.
[32:47] - Hear how I was completely out under propofol sedation, awakening groggy but unaware of the procedure.
[34:56] - Waking from propofol felt hypnotically peaceful, and my body stayed unusually difficult to rouse.
[37:18] - Hear how I wanted more sleep after waking, felt groggy, spoke coherently, but couldn’t fully process conversation.
[39:27] - Hear how, post-procedure, I was so disoriented that I dropped food in the car but still ate it!
[42:22] - Recovery was quick, and results looked good, although biopsies and stool tests are still pending.
Links & Resources
Crystal’s Colonoscopy Instagram Highlights
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsE337 - 45m - Feb 24, 2026
