EPISODES
  • 212. How to Help Your Kids Have an Intentional Summer

    It’s summer vacation for a lot of kids right now, and because of that, I have been getting a lot of questions from parents who are feeling overwhelmed having their kids home, not knowing what to do to keep them occupied. We are covering that today, providing ten questions that you should ask before summer. These questions are to mainly help your kids make a summer goals list so that they have things to do and things to accomplish.

    Boredom can be a really good thing, so if you have kids who complain throughout the summer months of being bored, use it as an opportunity to help them come up with a list of goals that they want to achieve throughout the summer. Again, Jesse and I walk you through ten questions to ask your kids to help them plan for the summer, including but not limited to what they want to learn, where they want to go, who they want to help, what they might want to read or cook, and so much more!

    These are just ten examples of many, many questions that could be asked. If you have other ideas, please feel free to reach out!


    In This Episode

    [00:35] - Feeling overwhelmed by having kids home over summer?

    [01:55] - Hear some family updates.

    [04:16] - Kathrynne invited over 170 people to her graduation party!

    [07:32] - Things will be slowing down for us next week.

    [09:03] - I have been reading Listen to Your Day by Paul Angone.

    [10:41] - Learn what has been saving my life.

    [13:36] - The deodorant that I’ve been using is at a great price.

    [15:48] - Boredom can be a good thing.

    [17:20] - The first question: what’s one thing I want to learn how to do?

    [17:41] - What is a new idea I want to try?

    [18:34] - What do I want to read?

    [19:04] - Where is one place I want to go?

    [19:55] - Who would I like to help?

    [20:22] - What life skill do I want to learn and/or practice?

    [20:55] - What do I want to learn to cook or bake?

    [22:55] - What would I like to organize better?

    [23:26] - What goal would I like to accomplish?

    [24:03] - The final question: what is a business venture I’d like to take?


    Links & Resources

    Crystal Paine


    Books

    Listen to Your Day by Paul Angone


    Social Media

    Crystal Paine on Instagram

    Crystal Paine on Twitter

    Crystal Paine on Goodreads

    Money Saving Mom

    Money Saving Mom on Facebook

    Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

    crystal@moneysavingmom.com



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    27m | May 30, 2023
  • 211. Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection (with Addison Bevere)

    Okay, full disclosure: I'd never heard of Addison Bevere until his publisher reached out and asked if he could be on my podcast. I did some research and was so impressed with what I found, that I said yes. And I'm so grateful I did because I was absolutely blessed by the time I got to spend with him.

    Not only did he share so much wisdom on our podcast episode, but I loved getting to know him more in our conversations before and after we recorded. He was so humble and I would have never known that he was leading this huge organization had I not kept asking question after question until he finally shared more!

    Addison is the author of a brand new book titled Words with God: Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection. In this episode, we talk about growing up with parents who were both public figures, what his parents did well and what he wished they had done difference, the difference between doubt and disbelief, why prayer matters and how it might be different than what you think it looks like, and how it can impact and influence our every day life.

    In This Episode

    [01:05] - Learn about today’s guest, Addison Bevere.

    [03:22] - Addison gives examples of things his parents did well and things he thought they could have done better.

    [05:15] - Hear more about Addison’s parents and his upbringing.

    [06:32] - Humility creates safety.

    [07:07] - Why Addison wrote his new book and how important silence is when it comes to prayer.

    [16:14] - The different types of prayer.

    [20:30] - What does prayer look like for Addison in his every day life?

    [22:54] - Addison gives us examples of practical prayers.

    [26:32] - How can we identify whose voice we’re hearing when we listen?

    [28:30] - Addison identifies how having words with God has been helpful to him.

    Links & Resources




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    31m | May 23, 2023
  • 210. Kathrynne shares surprising lessons she learned in high school

    Listen in to this week's podcast episode as I welcome our daughter, Kathrynne, back to the show! She joins me today to discuss her high school experience -- a topic inspired by a recent night where she spoke at youth group. She had such wisdom to share there and I wanted her to get to share some of that on the podcast.

    In this episode, Kathrynne talks about how she was really dreading going into her senior year. She decided to focus on loving the younger kids and looking for ways to serve them and make them feel loved. She's ending the year so thrilled by the friendships she made, the the memories she's carrying with her, and the many opportunities she had to love the younger kids and hang out with them. It ended up being a GREAT year!

    Kathrynne tells us about a teacher who inspired her and made a difference in her life by going out of her way to show kindness to her -- something that made her want to do the same for others. She gives some great advice to parents and other adults who want to connect with their teens, emphasizing the importance of making them feel like their interests and ideas matter.

    She also talks about how the idea of selling pizzas and sodas at lunchtime have led her to plan to major in business in college. This likely wouldn't have happened had she not decided to make the most of her senior year rather than be miserable or just sad.

    My hope is that this conversation with her will inspire you to make the most of your opportunities and make a difference in the lives of others!

    In This Episode

    [00:35] - Our daughter Kathrynne is today’s guest!

    [02:19] - Kathrynne feels bittersweet about high school being over.

    [03:41] - Hear about Kathrynne’s rough transition between junior year and senior year.

    [05:48] - Kathrynne reflects on Back-to-School camp.

    [08:24] - Senioritis hit Kathrynne hard.

    [12:14] - Hear about a surprise party that was thrown for Kathrynne.

    [15:15] - What would Kathrynne say to adults who want to inspire teens?

    [17:21] - Kathrynne gives advice to parents who want to connect deeper with their kids.

    [18:35] - Kids are probably communicating with you even if it’s not verbally.

    [20:52] - Kathrynne has realized that she loves things related to business and earning money

    [22:50] - In addition to helping run pizza sales, Kathrynne began selling drinks at lunch.

    [24:18] - Kathrynne is considering majoring in business.

    [26:53] - Gratitude and attitude are the biggest takeaways here.

    Links & Resources



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    28m | May 16, 2023
  • 209. Hope For When Motherhood is Really Hard (with Katie Faris)

    Mother’s Day isn’t always flowers and chocolate and handmade cards. For many women, it’s a hard reminder of something that isn’t, something that once was, or something that might never be.

    Maybe you’ve lost a child.

    Maybe you’re estranged from your mom.

    Maybe your child has a life-threatening disease.

    Maybe you’ve lost your mother.

    Maybe you’re single and longing for marriage and motherhood.

    Maybe that adoption you thought was going to go through didn’t.

    Maybe you never really had a mother figure in your life.

    Maybe you’re desperately longing for a child and struggling with infertility.

    Maybe you are estranged from your grown child.

    There are many, many reasons why today might be painful for you. I don’t know your exact circumstances or the burdens you are carrying today. But if Mother’s Day is hard for you, I want you to know this: You are not alone.

    I can’t be there physically to hug you and pray with you like I wish I could, but I want you to know that I care about you and others in this community here do, too.

    You are loved. You are not alone. You are not forgotten.

    I recorded a special Mother's Day episode of my podcast a few weeks back with Katie Faris, the author of the book God Is Still Good: Gospel Hope and Comfort for the Unexpected Sorrows of Motherhood.

    Katie has walked through really devastating times as a mom: miscarriage and three of her children being diagnosed with a genetic condition that has caused many difficult health struggles and will impact her kids for the rest of their lives.

    In this episode, she shares more of her story and how she has clung to God and relied upon Him during the hard and dark seasons. I appreciated her honesty and vulnerability, but also her empathy and compassion. If you're walking through a really difficult season related to motherhood or if Mother's Day is really hard for you, I think this episode will encourage your heart.

    In This Episode

    [01:01] - Today’s guest is Katie Faris!

    [05:02] - Katie shares the story of walking through the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency diagnosis with three of her kids.

    [13:14] - How has Katie held on to the belief that God is good?

    [16:25] - Why having a go-to list of Bible verses has made such a difference.

    [21:49] - Encouragement for the woman feeling discouraged and hopeless.

    [26:08] - What would Katie say to women for whom Mother's Day is hard?

    Links & Resources



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    31m | May 9, 2023
  • 208. Slacker Parenting (AKA How to spend less time micromanaging and more time enjoying your kids)

    Jesse and I are talking about "slacker parenting" this week on the podcast. This term might seem a bit odd or like the opposite of the kind of parent you'd want to be, but hear us out... because it's not exactly what it sounds like!

    I recently read a pre-release copy of Alli Worthington’s upcoming book Remaining You While Raising Them and that's where I got the phrase from. Alli talks about how kids are often much more capable than we think they are. What would it look like for us to give them more opportunities to be in charge of their own responsibilities -- such as getting up and getting ready to leave for school, making their own lunches, managing their own homework, etc.

    I so agreed with what she jokingly called "slacker parenting" because it's about raising our kids to be adults, to take ownership of their life and decisions, and to learn personal responsibility from a young age.

    In this episode, we talk more about what this has looked like in our home, how it frees us up to enjoy our kids more, why it's a gift we give our kids, and how it helps prepare them more for life and their future.

    In This Episode

    [01:35] – We are talking about slacker parenting today.

    [02:38] – We just got back from a camping trip!

    [05:23] – We learned that our kids like to sleep in very cold temperatures.

    [06:25] – Our girls went to prom -- and we also sort of went to pom for the first time!

    [08:29] – I have been back on the reading train.

    [11:47] – I am almost done listening to The Book Woman’s Daughter.

    [13:59] – Jesse is looking forward to the book The Watchmaker’s Daughter.

    [16:52] – Iron in a Bottle has been saving my life!

    [20:23] – Mamava pods also saved my life last week.

    [23:53] – What inspired the topic of slacker parenting?

    [26:19] – Hear an example of how we practice this.

    [28:31] – Kids are a lot more capable than we give them credit for.

    [31:00] – Jesse emphasizes that kids will even ask to help at times.

    [32:39] – We also try to avoid solving problems for our kids.

    [35:06] – It’s also important to teach kids to ask for help rather than expect it.

    [38:30] – This is a gift to your children and to yourself.

    Links & Resources



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    40m | May 3, 2023
  • 207. How God Brings Beauty & Purpose to Your Story (with Anne Neilson)

    I am so honored to have Anne Neilson on today’s show! Anne has a brand new book out titled The Brushstrokes of Life: Discovering How God Brings Beauty and Purpose to Your Story, and she joins me today to discuss her life such as her general background, her family, how her childhood was a bit difficult and rocky, how she became interested in art, and more.

    Anne is very candid about how she spent a good portion of her life feeling unworthy of pursuing her dreams and touches upon how she has worked to overcome that, giving really inspirational advice to any listeners who might be struggling with something similar. She also offers up some beautiful examples of how God has been a source of guiding light for her.

    If you have a passion in your heart and a calling to do something creative such as painting but struggle with feeling like you aren’t good enough to pursue it, like you don’t have what it takes, then this conversation with Anne Neilson is for you! Be sure to also check out The Brushstrokes of Life to dive even deeper into Anne’s story!


    In This Episode

    [00:35] - Today’s guest is Anne Neilson!

    [01:33] - Anne shares some background information about herself with us.

    [02:47] - Anne discusses how she got interested in art.

    [04:02] - Learn about some difficulties during Anne’s childhood.

    [06:07] - Anne’s ability to be creative as a child was a bit stifled.

    [07:34] - Hear about Anne’s life in her twenties.

    [10:04] - How has Anne worked to overcome feeling unworthy?

    [12:23] - Anne gives advice to anyone who is afraid to pursue a dream.

    [14:23] - Anne takes us back to when she turned thirty.

    [17:33] - Anne still has to surrender regularly.

    [18:57] - What does being still look like to Anne?

    [21:45] - Hear Anne read a quote from the first chapter of her book.

    [22:51] - Anne encourages us that we are never too broken.

    [26:23] - How has God been a guiding light in Anne’s life?


    Links & Resources

    Crystal Paine


    Books

    The Brushstrokes of Life: Discovering How God Brings Beauty and Purpose to Your Story by Anne Neilson


    Social Media

    Crystal Paine on Instagram

    Crystal Paine on Twitter

    Crystal Paine on Goodreads

    Money Saving Mom

    Money Saving Mom on Facebook

    Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

    crystal@moneysavingmom.com



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    31m | Apr 25, 2023
  • 206. How Do I Get My Spouse to Change Their Mind?

    I have been getting a lot of questions lately asking for advice on how to get your spouse on board with your budget plan and/or how to get them to stop spending too much money, so we decided to address that on the podcast today. 

    I share some of the questions and comments that listeners have sent in and offer some advice, such as implementing what I call the three C-O-Ms - (1) compassion, (2) communication, and (3) compromise.

    When it comes to getting your spouse on board with an idea of yours, such as wanting them to be on the same budget plan as you, the idea should not actually be to get them onto your board but rather to create a whole new board together that you stand on together.

    At the end of the day, you can only truly change yourself. You can’t entirely change someone else, and that’s part of the reason why doing things together is so important. I hope that this discussion is helpful to you!


    In This Episode

    [00:35] - Discover that today’s topic is how to get your spouse on your budget.

    [01:49] - Kaitlynn has been learning to drive!

    [06:11] - I have been doing a series on Instagram about what I am loving on Wednesdays.

    [10:10] - I am reading Every Woman a Theologian by Phylicia Masonheimer.

    [12:26] - Jesse just finished reading Leadership as an Identity by Crawford Loritts.

    [13:30] - I am on day 11 of 75 Hard!

    [14:31] - Learn how I have modified 75 Hard for my own needs and limitations.

    [18:02] - Jesse argues that looking at food as fuel requires a mindset shift.

    [19:10] - I move into talking about how to get your spouse on board with your idea.

    [21:27] - I discuss the importance of compassion in a marriage.

    [23:09] - Hear me give an example of how I struggled with listening.

    [24:57] - I address why communication is essential.

    [27:30] - My third point is compromise.

    [30:36] - Jesse argues that the key word of this whole episode is together.

    [32:59] - The only person you can truly change is yourself.


    Links & Resources

    Crystal Paine


    Books

    Every Woman a Theologian by Phylicia Masonheimer

    Leadership as an Identity by Crawford W. Loritts


    Social Media

    Crystal Paine on Instagram

    Crystal Paine on Twitter

    Crystal Paine on Goodreads

    Money Saving Mom

    Money Saving Mom on Facebook

    Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

    crystal@moneysavingmom.com




    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    36m | Apr 18, 2023
  • 205. Trading Fear & Anxiety for Unshakeable Peace (with Katie Davis Majors)

    Today’s guest has deeply impacted my life, so it is such an honor having her on the show. Katie Davis Majors’ book Kisses from Katie had a profound impact on me when I read it years ago, and she now has a brand new book out, Safe All Along.

    Katie's story of moving to Africa right out of high school, starting a nonprofit (Amazima Ministries), and eventually adopting 13 girls while living in Uganda is incredible and you can't help but be moved in hearing it. And you would think she must have a rock solid faith and never struggle with fear or anxiety. But that's not the case.

    In this episode, she shares openly about her struggle with anxiety. We talk about what she has learned through it, how even writing this book was a challenge, and what it looks like to entrust our kids to God, even when the world feels so full of unknowns and scary things. I loved how she practically shared what it looked like for her recently to walk through a situation where she found herself spiraling into psychoanalyzing a situation.

    Katie also gives some helpful advice on how to find time during your day to devote to God and be with Him -- something that I found so helpful because she definitely knows what it's like to have a full house and be pulled in many different directions! Her deep faith -- despite her journey with anxiety and so much upheaval in her life in the past two years -- shines through in this conversation and I love how she pointed us back to Jesus and to the truths of God's Word again and again.

    In This Episode

    [00:35] - Today’s guest has deeply impacted my life.

    [01:49] - Katie shares some background information about herself and her family.

    [07:34] - Learn about Katie’s journey struggling with anxiety.

    [14:43] - The hardest thing that Katie has to trust God with is her children.

    [17:48] - What it looks like to replace fear with trust in God.

    [20:28] - Katie emphasizes that her process is not a magical fix-all.

    [21:41] - How to interrupt her anxious thoughts.

    [22:50] - Katie has gotten into the habit of asking God questions.

    [27:04] - How does Katie find time to spend time in God's Word?

    Links & Resources




    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    34m | Apr 11, 2023
  • 204. Kathrynne's College Decision (+ a funny story!)

    Today’s episode is a fun and informal one! And it actually took a turn down a path I hadn't planned and we just rolled with it. I honestly think I've never laughed this much while recording a podcast ever! I hope it maybe makes you laugh... or you can just laugh at us laughing so hard (I literally had tears streaming down my face I was laughing so hard!)

    In this episode, we not only share about Kathrynne's college decision and what led to that decision (and why she's going about things in a creative and non-traditional way), but we also share about a few crazy things that happened on my book launch day. (Note: you might not want to listen to this section if you have a weak stomach.) Plus, we talk about Jesse doing the 75Hard program

    In This Episode

    [00:35] - Welcome to our virtual living room -- this is a very informal episode where we share some updates and stories.

    [01:44] - The day of my book launch was definitely eventful, starting with a flat tire.

    [06:15] - And then I ended up in the urgent care for an infection in my finger and an excruciating procedure.

    [14:44] - Sharing this story sparked me to tell a funny story of my mom taking me to a medical procedure.

    [16:27] - Jesse has been working on 75Hard.

    [19:20] - We shift the conversation to Kathrynne's college decision.

    [22:22] - Why we had Kathrynne apply to 10+ colleges.

    [26:55] - We did things "backwards" and Kathrynne applied to colleges and got accepted before doing college visits.

    [28:56] - Why Kathrynne has decided not to live on campus and the college she chose to go to for the first year.

    Links & Resources



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    34m | Mar 28, 2023
  • 203. Kathrynne and Kaitlynn share about their trip to London & Amsterdam

    Our two oldest girls, Kathrynne and Kaitlynn, returned to the podcast today to talk all about a recent trip to Europe, specifically London and Amsterdam! They share why they went on this trip, who they went with, what the highlights were, and some of the lessons they learned.

    We talk about them seeing Big Ben, stage productions of Newsies and Mouse Trap, a soccer game, how beautiful Amsterdam was, the food, visiting the Anne Frank house, and their canal tour. This was such a great, character-building experience for them and I loved that they got to experience it together (even though I really wish I could have squeezed myself into their suitcase and joined them!) And I'm so happy they were willing to record this episode with me since so many of you asked for more details on their trip!

    In This Episode

    [00:35] - My two oldest daughters Kathrynne and Kaitlynn are on the show today!

    [01:28] - Why the girls went on a trip to London.

    [05:17] - What were a few of the highlights of the trip?

    [09:24] - What food in London was like.

    [10:52] - A soccer game was another highlight.

    [12:11] - Their experience in Amsterdam.

    [17:41] - Kaitlynn and Kathrynne agree that the food in Amsterdam was better than London.

    [19:58] - What were some of the biggest lessons learned from this trip?

    Links & Resources




    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    24m | Mar 21, 2023
  • 202. Disability and Discovering God’s Image in Every Person (with Laura Wifler)

    Have you ever wondered how to talk to your kids about disabilities? Do you want your kids to not feel awkward around those who have special needs or disabilities, but you aren't sure how to interact or what to say and don't want to say or do the wrong thing?

    In this week's episode of The Crystal Paine Show, I have a really fantastic conversation about with Laura Wifler about this very topic. We not only share practical ideas of how we've appreciated others approaching and interacting with us and our children who have disabilities, but we talk about the gift that our children have been to our homes and families and how it has deeply changed and impacted us -- in spite of the really hard parts.

    Laura Wifler is the author of the new children’s book titled Like Me: A Story About Disability and Discovering God’s Image in Every Person and is also the Executive Director of Risen Motherhood, a nonprofit organization that helps mothers connect their faith to their motherhood.

    Laura shares ideas of how to respond when your kids are curious about children with disabilities, giving great pointers about how to behave and what to say when your child asks questions about children they perceive as different. She also opens up and powerfully proclaims God's truths when it comes to processing through the struggles and hard things that come along with having a child who has disabilities. We also talk about how culture often defines success in one way, but how our children have given us such different perspective.

    Whether you have a child with disabilities or whether you know someone who does or whether you just want to know how to better understand and walk with someone who has a child with disabilities, this is a really important conversation to listen to and I think you'll come away from it deeply moved and encouraged.

    ,In This Episode

    [01:09] - Laura Wifler is today’s guest!

    [01:43] - A little about Laura and her family.

    [02:48] - How long has Risen Motherhood existed?

    [03:24] - Laura discusses what inspired her new book Like Me.

    [07:31] - How to engage with people with disabilities.

    [12:50] - Laura reminds us that life isn’t always about our own comfort levels.

    [16:08] - Hear some examples of questions that Laura often gets.

    [17:55] - How Laura gets through difficult days.

    [21:34] - Laura discusses how she has processed through wondering how God could allow disabilities.

    [25:02] - Success is not measured by abilities.

    [29:43] - Only one thing in common is needed to build a friendship.

    Links & Resources



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    32m | Mar 14, 2023
  • 201. It's Launch Day! Why I wrote The Time-Saving Mom

    Today is the big day - the release of my new book, The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most! We're switching things up a little as Jesse interviews me!

    I touch upon what makes this book unique, what tools and resources are in the book, how it changed and developed over time, and so much more. I also, as promised last week, I also read more of the introduction from the book.

    It is my hope that this book helps others live with more intention, peace, and joy!

    In This Episode

    [00:33] - Jesse is interviewing me about my new book!

    [02:34] - Learn why I initially resisted writing this book.

    [04:17] - Did I learn anything from writing this book?

    [08:16] - The last chapter of the book is one I never expected to write.

    [10:22] - I explain why I pushed to not have a word count.

    [12:12] - I describe the book’s appendix.

    [13:39] - What was most surprising about writing the book and its aftermath?

    [16:55] - The way you look at saving time is important.

    [19:38] - I reveal my main goal behind writing the book.

    [22:00] - I read more of the introduction of the book.

    Links & Resources

    Crystal Paine

    Books

    The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most by Crystal Paine

    The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most by Crystal Paine (Buy via Baker Publishing Group)

    Social Media

    Crystal Paine on Instagram

    Crystal Paine on Twitter

    Crystal Paine on Goodreads

    Money Saving Mom

    Money Saving Mom on Facebook

    Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

    crystal@moneysavingmom.com



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    25m | Mar 7, 2023
  • 200. Why We Stopped Fostering

    In this week’s episode of The Crystal Paine Show, Jesse and I share why we made the decision recently to close our home (at least for the next year or two) to fostering. It was a really difficult decision to make — and it wasn’t the decision we were expecting to make right now. But we spent a lot of time praying and had a lot of conversations and are grateful for the clear direction God gave us and the peace we have.

    While the need for foster families is so great right now, we also know that loving and caring for our six children is our highest priority — despite our heart to make a difference in the lives of children in foster care. The beautiful thing we’ve learned the past few years is that there are many ways to make a difference without actively fostering.

    In this episode we talk about decision-making, prioritizing, and why there are seasons for saying yes and seasons for saying no and both can be a good thing. This process of making this decision is part of what I talk about in my new book, The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most and I close out the podcast reading a section from it.

    In This Episode

    [00:36] – We are sharing about a difficult decision we made recently.

    [02:23] – But first, what has been saving my life lately?

    [07:57] – The story behind our decision.

    [10:32] – Two of our daughters will soon be graduating.

    [11:50] – Our three little ones need a lot right now.

    [14:45] – Our family is currently not equipped to meet DCS’s needs of us taking in teens or large sibling groups.

    [17:25] – We talk about celebrating someone’s yes and someone’s no.

    [20:53] – I segue into my new book.

    [21:51] – I read a section from the introduction from my book.

    Links & Resources



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    28m | Feb 28, 2023
  • 199. Raising Amazing Kids (with Monica Swanson)

    I loved getting to have this conversation with Monica Swanson, an experienced mom of four boys who has so much wisdom to share! Her new book is called Raising Amazing: Bringing Up Kids Who Love God, Like Their Family, and Do the Dishes Without Being Asked -- I mean, I'd buy the book just to have someone share how to get your kids to do the dishes without being asked! :)

    In this episode, I asked her to share more about this book, we talk about her book Boy Mom, too, and how she has fostered in her kids friendship with each other, love for God, and a sense of responsibility.

    She also gives some helpful advice such as how to motivate kids who are failing in school, how to be an effective parent while also taking care of yourself and your marriage, how to maintain a loving relationship with teenagers who are quickly approaching adulthood, and more!

    If you are a parent, if you ever plan to be a parent, or if you interact with kids and teens, I think this episode will really encourage you!

    In This Episode

    [00:46] - Today’s guest is Monica Swanson, author of Raising Amazing.

    [01:27] - Monica shares about her life in Hawaii raising four boys.

    [04:15] - How did Monica encourage her sons to be friends with each other?

    [05:25] - What it looks like to set an example of loving Jesus with our kids.

    [06:35] - The million dollar question: how do we teach our kids to do the dishes -- without being asked?!

    [11:29] - What does all-in parenting mean practically?

    [12:59] - But what if my kids are unmotivated?

    [14:26] - How to set boundaries well, even if our kids resist them.

    [18:34] - Is it possible to parent well without making our kids our entire identity?

    [20:46] - All-in parenting isn’t getting our self-worth from our kids’ successes.

    [22:59] - All-in parenting is not a formula or raising perfect kids.

    [26:15] - How to nurture your marriage in the midst of raising kids.

    [27:44] - What does fun look like at Monica's house?

    [29:13] - Monica offers insight into having kids on the cusp of adulthood.

    Links & Resources



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    31m | Feb 21, 2023
  • 198. How to Identify What's Keeping Us Stuck (with Megan Hyatt Miller)

    I have a lot in common with this week's podcast guest -- and we have many mutual connections! Author of Mind Your Mindset: The Science That Shows Success Starts with Your Thinking (which she co-authored with her father Michael Hyatt) as well as C.E.O. of Full Focus, Megan Hyatt Miller joins me this week to share about how our mindset impacts all areas of our life.

    She talks about how she got into her business, what it’s like working with her dad, and the story behind this book and how personal it was. She shares about her struggle with false beliefs surrounding public speaking and how this held her back for years and took her on a journey to ultimately discovering that the stories we tell ourselves can either propel us forward or hold us back in a big way and keep us stuck.

    Megan not only discusses her own story, but also how to stop listening to a story that could keep your stuck, how to recognize if you're believing a false narrative, how to help our kids (especially teenagers) when they say things like, "I'm terrible at xyz!" or "Everyone else is so much better at xyz!). I loved the very relatable illustration she shared from parenting her son recently when he was really frustrated in a situation in his life.

    This episode has a lot of takeaways that we can apply immediately to: (1) identify the story we're believing, (2) interrogate the story to see what's true or false, and (3) imagine a new story. We talk in-depth about what each of these steps entails and how to walk it out practically -- and how it can change your life!

    In This Episode

    [00:35] - I am excited about today’s guest, Megan Hyatt Miller!

    [01:52] - Megan shares a little about her background and her family.

    [04:37] - I asked her about working with her dad.

    [11:53] - How did Megan identify her false narrative around public speaking?

    [13:16] - How do people identify their false narratives?

    [17:12] - Megan touches upon how we can help teenagers mind their mindsets.

    [20:50] - The three-step process for minding your mindset.

    [21:33] - How do people get from realizing that something isn’t working to identifying their story?

    [26:49] - Megan addresses interrogating your story with someone else.

    [29:46] - Megan explains how to imagine a new story.

    Links & Resources



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    33m | Feb 14, 2023
  • 197. 4 Things We've Learned After 18 Years of Parenting

    We had a big milestone happen recently: our oldest child, Kathrynne, turned 18 and is officially an adult!! Today, we reflect on the last 18 years of parenting and four important lessons we've learned.

    If I could go back, I would work less and chase numbers and business growth a whole lot less, I'd be more present and take time to really notice and celebrate the small things, I'd stop trying to fix my kids and just walk with them, and I'd worry a lot less about what other people think.

    I hope our honest reflections in this episode really encourage you -- no matter where you are in your parenting journey.

    In This Episode

    [00:35] - We are now the parents of an adult!

    [02:45] - I got a copy of my new book!

    [05:49] - I am currently listening to Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict.

    [06:55] - Jesse has been reading George Orwell’s Animal Farm.

    [08:23] - What has been saving my life recently?

    [12:28] - We dive into lessons we’ve learned over the last eighteen years of parenting.

    [15:37] - I touch upon fear being a reason I may have worked too much.

    [18:39] - Learn about what happened when I finally stopped chasing numbers.

    [21:10] - Jesse realizes there is a lot he doesn’t remember when our bigger ones were small.

    [25:03] - I wish that I would have cared less about what others thought.

    [27:05] - I wish I’d have spent more time walking with my kids rather than trying to “fix” them.

    [31:25] - There is always still time for redemption.




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    32m | Feb 7, 2023
  • 196. Discovering Hope & Healing After Brokenness (with Toni Collier)

    Today’s guest Toni Collier is the founder of Broken Crayons and is also the author of the new book Brave Enough to Be Broken: How to Embrace Your Pain and Discover Hope and Healing. Toni shares her journey, discussing how her life took a turn for the worse when she was a child. She defines what brokenness means to her and how that led to her getting counseling and seeking change.

    Toni discusses her belief in the importance of hope, arguing that it’s not pain that causes the most damage to us but rather hopelessness. She emphasizes that, even though she found redemption and love, her journey toward a happier, healthier life did not happen overnight and was a real struggle that involved a great deal of roadmapping and anxiety.

    Her book also has some practical things at the back, including gratitude practices, and she emphasizes the importance of practicing gratitude, how to get out of a toxic and difficult situation when we feel trapped in it, why building a healthy community is crucial, and so much more! This was such an amazing and emotional interview, and I encourage you, especially if you enjoyed this interview and are struggling to find hope and healing in your life, to purchase Toni’s book!


    In This Episode

    [00:35] - This was today’s guest’s second attempt to be on the show!

    [02:16] - Toni tells us a little bit about herself.

    [03:24] - What does brokenness mean and look like to Toni?

    [05:49] - Toni had to become more self-aware to realize why she was being abused.

    [07:37] - From where did Toni find hope?

    [09:01] - How does one go about embracing pain?

    [10:28] - I point to a specific quote from Toni’s book about trauma leakage.

    [12:49] - Toni reveals how she had the courage to step into a second marriage.

    [15:29] - Healing is not linear and is very painful, Toni asserts.

    [18:14] - Fear can either lead us to wisdom or cause us to hide, Toni argues.

    [20:02] - Toni emphasizes counseling, reading

    [21:30] - Learn why Toni included gratitude practices in her book.

    [23:40] - It’s very difficult to heal in the place and with the people that broke you in the first place.

    [26:53] - Toni points out that pain and hope can coexist.


    Links & Resources

    Crystal Paine

    Toni Collier


    Books

    Brave Enough to Be Broken: How to Embrace Your Pain and Discover Hope and Healing by Toni Collier


    Social Media

    Crystal Paine on Instagram

    Crystal Paine on Twitter

    Crystal Paine on Goodreads

    Money Saving Mom

    Money Saving Mom on Facebook

    Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

    crystal@moneysavingmom.com




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    29m | Jan 31, 2023
  • 195. A Faith That Will Not Fail (with Michele Cushatt)

    Michele Cushatt returns to the podcast today to talk about something that we didn’t get to dive into last time - her personal story and journey! Michele has a brand new book coming out in March called A Faith That Will Not Fail: 10 Practices to Build Up Your Faith When Your World Is Falling Apart, and if anyone knows what it’s like for your world to fall apart, it’s definitely Michele.

    Michele dives into her journey and talks about all of the devastating loss that she has endured throughout her life. She describes her life over the last three decades as being “riddled with suffering” which includes cancer repeatedly coming back.

    She touches upon the importance of lament and why grief is an important part of healing, why we need to anchor ourselves to something static other than the outcome, the importance of forgiveness and how refusing to hurts only ourselves, and so much more.

    One of my favorite parts of Michele's book are the Five-Minute Faith Builders at the end of each chapter. These give you really practical tools for what to do next when you feel sucked into the vortex of grief and loss and don't know how to cope or function.

    In This Episode

    [00:35] - Michele Cushatt returns to the show today!

    [01:37] - How Michele’s world fell apart.

    [06:43] - What does the word lament mean to Michele?

    [08:23] - What lamenting looked like when Michele was diagnosed with cancer.

    [10:18] - Grieving is the necessary first step to new living.

    [10:36] - How do we avoid getting stuck in grief?

    [15:40] - How do we anchor ourselves to something other than the outcome?

    [18:35] - Overwhelming suffering can lead to panic.

    [19:42] - What forgiveness has looked like in Michele's life.

    [21:39] - Forgiveness always comes at a cost.

    [22:16] - How do people learn to forgive when they don’t want to?

    [24:02] - Michele explains how she goes into the next day knowing it will be hard.

    Links & Resources




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    29m | Jan 24, 2023
  • 194. 6 Lessons We've Learned from 20 Years of Marriage

    Jesse and I celebrated a milestone anniversary recently – twenty years of marriage! In some ways, it feels like it hasn’t been that long, and in other ways, it feels like we have been married even longer than that, and we thought that we spend today discussing the biggest lessons that we have learned over the past two decades.

    The last few years have stretched us more than ever. Walking through foster care licensing, fostering 6 precious kids of differing ages, saying goodbye to the beautiful boy C who stole our hearts for 8 1/2 months, continuing to love and walk with his mama and be involved in his life for the past two years, saying yes to David and being thrust into the world of special needs and medical complexities, countless doctor’s appointments and therapies, many scary medical moments, surgeries, saying yes to adoption, having a senior and walking through all the college stuff and preparing to launch a child, saying yes to our daughter dating, countless sporting events, two miracle pregnancies, so many nighttime wake-ups with three little ones… life is full and never dull.

    There are constantly opportunities to trust the Lord and work together. Some days we do it better than others.

    Having three teenagers and three little ones and a full-time business from our home is always an adventure. Every day requires organization, communication, adaptability, creativity, flexibility, and patience.

    We have our moments when we are really irritated and annoyed with each other, but we’ve learned more and more that it’s worth it to fight for our marriage and for each other instead of just fighting to be right or to prove the other person wrong.

    Some days we are tired. Some days we wonder how it’s all going to work out. Some days we miscommunicate.

    But we keep choosing each other. We keep choosing to love, even on the days when we don’t feel like it or when it’s hard or when there are tensions.

    A few things w’ve learned in the last 20 years:

    Say I love you often.

    Go out of your way to make each other laugh.

    Give your spouse time and space to do things that they love and that bring them life.

    Flirt every day.

    Find the good and call it out.

    A strong marriage doesn’t just happen, but it’s so worth the time, intention, & sacrifice.

    Happy 20th anniversary, Jesse! Thank you for continuing to choose me and love me — even on the hard days! I’d marry you all over again! I love you so much!

    In This Episode

    [00:35] – We recently celebrated a milestone anniversary.

    [01:56] – We are sharing lessons we’ve learned in twenty years of marriage.

    [02:22] – Don’t believe everything you dream.

    [04:09] – I just finished listening to the audiobook The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.

    [06:49] – There is a sequel to that book as well.

    [08:09] – What’s saving my life this week?

    [09:40] – Pre-order my new book coming out on March 7th — lots of fun freebies coming for people who pre-order!

    [11:33] – Baker Publishing Group is offering the best deal on my new book.

    [13:14] – I have learned to tell Jesse that I love him often.

    [15:43] – Jesse defines love as commitment, action, and feeling.

    [16:00] – We have learned to go out of our ways to make each other laugh.

    [16:59] – Give your spouse time to do things that they love.

    [20:36] – We flirt every day.

    [22:44] – Be cognizant of the good, and be grateful.

    [23:44] – A strong marriage doesn’t just happen on its own.

    [26:37] – Any strong relationship requires work and sacrifice.

    Links & Resources




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    29m | Jan 17, 2023
  • 193. The Long-Awaited Adoption Day (all the details)!

    As promised in last week’s episode, we are giving more detail today about the newest addition to our family whom, after fostering for 21 months, we have officially adopted!

    We have been referring to him as Baby D on social media and on the podcast, but we are now finally able to reveal that his name is David, and we touch upon the Biblical significance of his name and how it coincidentally (given that his mom named him) follows our pattern of boys’ names.

    In this episode, we share a lot of never-before-shared stories of David's early months in our home and share about our interaction with his mom. Although we are sad that reunification was ultimately not an option, we also are so grateful for the gift of David.

    Be sure to check out my Instagram page if you want to see pictures from the ceremony!

    In This Episode

    [00:35] - Introducing this episode.

    [01:15] - Jesse reveals Baby D’s name.

    [03:11] - Hear how his name follows our predetermined pattern of boys’ names.

    [05:19] - Jesse shares how he felt about adoption day.

    [07:15] - We never sought this; we went into foster care knowing that adoption isn’t the goal.

    [12:21] - David’s biological mother always assumed that we were going to adopt him.

    [14:58] - Jesse explains why we kept David’s middle name.

    [16:40] - We shift the conversation toward the adoption ceremony.

    [19:26] - Hear about the actual adoption itself.

    [20:46] - I touch upon one of the most special moments of the adoption day.

    [23:42] - Knowing that David is our legal son still feels surreal.

    Links & Resources




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    24m | Jan 10, 2023
Crystal Paine Show
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