MESSmerized - Funny and faith based encouragement in marriage , family , Christian parenting , and finding purpose (Cynthia Yanof)

What comes to mind when someone asks your feelings about church? 

• I feel like an outsider

• Life has gotten busy, and it’s hard to make time

• It’s full of hypocrisy that is sometimes hard to stomach

• Church people have hurt me more than anyone else

• I experience church at places that don’t have a big building and fancy landscapes 

• Sometimes I feel overlooked and undervalued at church

It doesn’t matter which answer(s) you picked, I echo your response with a heartfelt “me too.” 

That being said, I’m a HUGE advocate of the local church, and I can’t imagine my life without it. Every single one of those thoughts (and more) have threatened to keep me from going to the very place where I find the deepest community with other believers, and I’m encouraged to live fearlessly for Jesus. 

I love today’s conversation with Natalie Runion about the hard places in church that we don’t often discuss. She shares her deepest church hurt and how God keeps pursuing her with reminders to stay engaged because he redeems the hard places.  

Take a few minutes to listen today and then share this with anyone who needs a reminder of why church matters—even when it’s hard. 

P.S. - I kick off today’s show talking about the heat in Texas and my inability to “pretty sweat.” It’s really something that needs to be processed. . . so please don’t miss it.

Cynthia's Patreon

All things Cynthia Yanof

Raised to Stay Book

Raised to Stay Podcast

Happy New Year! 🥳🎉🥳🎉🥳🎉

(Said with my most hoarse voice confirming I do in fact have my annual January cold. 🤒)

I don’t know about you, but my social media is jam-packed with everyone’s 2024 resolutions and things they are adding, things they are dropping, and ways they are going to make the most of the new year. And I applaud the ambition!

That being said, I’m wondering what God would have us resolve for this new year? What is he calling us to do and how do we create enough margin to hear his still small voice in the middle of the everyday chaos? 

Today Pastor Libin Abraham is joining us to talk about keeping the awe and wonder in Christmas long after Christmas is over. And as a part of doing that, how do we take moments to pause and consider where God is leading us this year? 

There’s so much packed into today’s show that you seriously cannot miss, but don’t miss these challenging words from Pastor Libin: God moves at the pace of your next yes.

So what’s your “next yes” for 2024? Listen in today and let’s figure it out together. 

P.S. If you love MESSmerized would you consider sharing it with a friend today? Help us continue building our awesome community in 2024 by inviting people to come alongside us. 

All things Cynthia

Remember the time I read a book that rocked my world (in a good way), and I randomly emailed the author to come on the podcast and then cried when I finally met him? Me neither. 

But if that were to happen (which it totally did), the author would be Wade Joye, the book would be This Dream is Not for You, and today’s show is the conversation you must hear. 

We all have dreams, and oftentimes they are not career related. Dreams for our marriage, our family, our kids’ lives and, yes, sometimes for our career. But when those dreams don’t line up with our reality, it’s tricky learning to trust God while loosening our grip. 

There’s so much I could tell you about today’s show because I love it that much—but let me give you a few highlights of what we discuss:

• The difference in calling vs. purpose vs. assignment

• Understanding how dreams that define you it will ultimately destroy you

• Holding loosely to expectations knowing Jesus is the ultimate goal

• Guarding gratitude in our lives and being someone else’s source of applause

I wrote this quote down on a sticky note in my office, and it sort of sums up today’s show: “God’s love is expressed just as much in what he limits as in what he allows.” 

Take a minute to consider those words and then join me in a great conversation about the dreams God has for our lives and the ones we need to let go. 

I can’t wait for you to hear from Wade today!

This Dream is Not for You by Wade Joye 

Dreamers and Disciples Podcast 

All things Wade Joye 

All things Cynthia

It’s May and if you’re anything like me, you’re already tired just thinking about all of the end-of-year conferences, award ceremonies, track meets, class picnics, and everything else headed our way. But don’t worry, we will survive it all together! 

That being said, I’m SUPER EXCITED that May is finally here because TODAY is the day we start a new series on MESSmerized. (And trust me, you’re  going to LOVE it! ❤️❤️❤️)

The next few months we’re examining “how do I _______?” questions on the show. In other words, each week will be conversations with amazing guests who will give their top 5 tips for “how do I” topics like these:

• How do I save money? 

• How do I deepen my friendships? 

• How do I strengthen my marriage? 

• How do I accept my child’s hard diagnosis?

• How do I find joy? 

• How do I survive summer with teens? 

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what’s coming your way. So tune in each week for shorter, summer-friendly podcasts complete with 5 timely, practical, and biblical tips for living out the messy places of life.  

Oh, and speaking of practical and biblical, I can’t think of anyone better than my dear friend Courtney DeFeo to kick-off this series today. Courtney is host of the Pardon the Mess podcast and joins us to talk about cheering on other women in our lives. This is especially near and dear because Courtney has done this so incredibly well in my own life. 

Tune in this week as we kick-off our new series with Courtney DeFeo. Oh, and leave a review and rate MESSmerized pretty please wherever you listen to podcasts!

All things Cynthia Yanof

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All things Courtney Defeo

Christian Parenting

Pardon the Mess Podcast

Hey Friends!

Today we kick-off week number two with Kari Kampakis, and if you missed last week, you’ll definitely want to go back and listen. Today, Kari and I dive into everything from teenage relationships to exploring how crucial it is for our kids to know who they are before stepping into college life.

Kari also shares a much-needed reminder about how social media, friendships, and even a dash of loneliness can fuel resilience—all wrapped up in the broader mission of instilling strong faith, family values, and personal growth.

So whether you’re the household cop for a little one, playing coach to a high schooler, or even wearing the consultant hat for a college kid, remember: our commitment to raising healthy, compassionate, and resilient kids is at the heart of it all.

I can’t wait for you to listen!

All things Cynthia 

Yours Not Hers: 40 Devotions to Stop Comparison and Love Your Life by Kari Kampakis 

IT'S FINALLY FALL! 

The air is crisp (at least for Dallas), the pumpkin lattes are flowing, and the mums are blooming. 

In honor of the change in seasons, this week we’re taking a quick break from our “Trusting God” series to have a few laughs with my dear friend, Heather MacFadyen from Don’t Mom Alone. 

We’re laughing/lamenting about everything from Homecoming Mums, teen language we don’t understand, and even some of the hard things going on in our lives these days. 

I especially appreciate Heather’s thoughts on the comparison trap and how to identify the struggle and make strides to move forward. And we also hit on sibling rivalry and helping our kids handle conflict well. 

Last thing . . . if you don’t already know, Heather and I have a monthly podcast called “Sidetracked” that releases on Don’t Mom Alone podcast the first Friday of every month. Today is a a little peek into that show. If you love it, please subscribe to Don’t Mom Alone where Heather and I will be teaming up the first Friday of every month!

Happy Fall!

All things Cynthia

Don't Mom Alone Podcast

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you’ve had a fun and relaxing weekend. 

Let’s kick-off this week with a keeping it real moment in our house right now (that’s also making me a wee bit crazy). JB, our 6-year-old, has suddenly decided his wake up time is somewhere around 5:45 a.m. That’s a real bad deal in and of itself; however, it’s exacerbated by the fact our teenage son gets his second wind around 11:00 p.m. every night when he’s finally willing to download his day with us. And you better believe I’m not missing that. 

So this little situation, alongside all the “normal life” things, means I have to be super creative and determined to keep my prayer life intact. Can you relate? 

Today’s show is all about the practical aspects of our prayer lives. We’re talking about being purposeful and prioritizing our time with the Lord—along with a few other “P’s” that I pray will resonate with you. 

Thanks for being a part of our spiritual rhythms series each week. I’m hoping these small pivots will make a big impact on your walk with the Lord.

All things Cynthia

Let’s be real—there’s a long list of things I’d rather do than have “the talk” with my kids. Root canal? Yes. DMV with a missing document? Absolutely. 

But since it’s apparently poor form to let TikTok raise our children, I guess it’s time to step up. Enter Jim Burns, who has spent years helping parents navigate the minefield of talking to their kids about relationships, faith and—brace yourself—sex. He’s here to tell us why we need to make these conversations less awkward and more ongoing, why a relaxed approach is better than a full-blown TED Talk, and how to teach kids to guard their hearts without scarring them with the purity culture we grew up with. 

Jim reminds us that parenting in the digital age is next-level complicated, and the internet is shaping kids’ views on sex way before we even think to address it. The good news? We can be the safe place they come to with their questions. We’ll talk about the importance of sexual integrity, biblical wisdom, and even touch on dating relationships. 

So, if you’ve been dreading these conversations, take a deep breath—we’ve got this. And as Jim says, sometimes “No” is the most loving word we can say.

P.S. If you could leave a review here to help others find us, we would SO appreciate that!!

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity by Jim Burns 

HomeWord and all things Jim Burns

Can you believe it’s the week before Thanksgiving? 🦃🍁

Here’s a little Thanksgiving tale that my family loves to bring up this time of year. 

A few years ago I got unreasonably ambitious and made the Pioneer Woman’s pumpkin chocolate pie recipe. Now listen, no shade on Ree as I’m sure her pie is fantastic (done correctly). But somehow I missed a step . . .  and showed up to Thanksgiving with the slushiest pie one has ever seen. Not being ones to let things go, my older brothers had a field day saying it looked like a pie version of diarrhea, or what they now call pie-arrhea. Every single Thanksgiving when I arrive they do a pie check. 

And Let’s suffice it to say I will heretofore check (and double check) the consistency of my pies before heading to Thanksgiving lunch. 🥧🥧🥧🥧

This week we’re talking about worship once again, and how to practically make it something actionable we do everyday, not just for a few minutes before the sermon each week at church. Biblically speaking, worship includes both in the physical posture of bowing down before the Lord, but also the symbolic bowing down our lives before him. 

What are some things in our lives that we can lay down in order to worship the Lord with our lives? Maybe our finances, controlling our kids, our struggles with achievement, or even perfectionism? 

Listen in today and let’s talk about practical ways to worship the Lord, both in our physical posture and also with the way we live our days. 

All things Cynthia

Pre-Order Life is Messy, God is Good

I just got back from a mission trip with my son, and there’s a few stories that need to be told. So we’re kicking off today’s show with a few things that made me laugh, as well as things that made me think from our trip. (And if you think my take-away is going to be uber-Spiritual, sadly it’s not. But it is funny and hopefully makes your summer feel a lot more normal after hearing what’s going on with ours.)

Also, I’m sharing a few thoughts on the subculture of our family and how my husband used a tripod to kick my kids’ attitudes into high gear. 

I’m also super excited about our conversation with comedian Dustin Nickerson today.

Dustin has been on all kinds of impressive platforms as a comedian, not the least of which is being a two-time guest on James Corden. And have we talked about how much I love James Corden’s carpool karaoke? But I digress . . . 

Dustin is talking with us about growing up a redneck, raising teen boys, church subculture, and marriage. And he’s articulating everything we’re thinking, which is super funny and a much needed laugh in these dog days of summer.

Thanks for being here and I hope you’ll share MESSmerized with your friends!

Dustin Nickerson’s YouTube Special

All things Cynthia Yanof 

Callie Nixon is with us today, and you’re going to love her. She’s a sought after speaker, vocalist, and integral part of Jennie Allen’s IF:Gathering. But even more than that, she’s just one of us. 

Callie is no stranger to walking the hard places in faith. And when I tell you the Lord put her in my life at the most unbelievably important time, well, it’s true. Today is a great conversation about how to hear God’s voice. 

We also have a very practical discussion on dipping our toes into the next steps God has for our lives (even when past struggles make us feel not “good enough”). 

I can’t tell you enough how thankful I am that you’re a part of this new adventure with MESSmerized. I would be SO grateful if you would share this show with your friends.

Welcome to Cynthia Yanof’s newest podcast, MESSmerized. 

Each week you’ll hear funny, authentic, and vulnerable conversations around everyday life, parenting, and following Jesus. A variety of guests will challenge us to pursue a life filled with the things that really do matter.

Cynthia Yanof is the host as well as an author, speaker, wife, and mother. She’s relatable, funny, and dead-set on never taking herself too seriously. Whatever mess you’re walking through, odds are she’s right there with you. 

Don’t miss a week as we dive headfirst into faith, family, and everyday ways to be MESSmerized by Jesus. 

Follow Cynthia Yanof 

@cynthiayanof https://www.instagram.com/cynthiayanof/

https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.yanof

Copyright @2023 MESSmerizing Media

I’ve been trying to slow down and enjoy the “moments” this summer with my family. It slips by so quickly if we aren’t careful, and that seems especially true now that we have one in college (and another one going away in a year). 

Tonight we played pickle ball and let’s be clear, my kids get their athletic ability from Mike. But we laughed, watched the sunset, and ended with homemade ice cream. It feels like the perfect night full of pure joy. 

Speaking of joy (how about that transition, right?) . . . ., we’re talking with Jenna Griffith today about finding joy even when it feels elusive. Jenna is the host of the popular Joy Filled Podcast, and has five great tips that you don’t want to miss today. I think one of my favorite things we talk about is figuring out how we best connect with God, because it’s not one size fits all. 

Enjoy every second of time with your people this week. And remember, joy is most often found in the small things!

All things Cynthia

Keep up with Jenna Griffith 

Happy 4th of July week! I’m hoping you have big plans with friends and family to celebrate our country’s Independence Day. I found a new homemade ice cream recipe this summer that’s super easy and has been a fan favorite. I’m linking it here in case you're feeling ambitious and want to give it a whirl.

In continuing our “how do I series,” we have Jessica Hurlbut joining us today talking about the fear and disappointment of facing our kids' unexpected diagnosis. Jessica is a mom, podcaster, author, speaker, and avid runner. Fun fact: she was a contestant on Season 8 of American Ninja Warrior and had the opportunity to share her heart for adoption.

As a mother of five children, several of which have special needs, Jessica has amazing advice on how to walk through the many emotions that come with a diagnosis of ADHD, autism, or any other unexpected diagnosis.  There’s so much great wisdom today, but I think one of my favorite things she says is this: When God doesn’t change our circumstances, he desires to change our perspective. 

I promise you don’t want to miss her five tips today. Also, I would be so grateful if you would send this to a friend or two that could benefit from some encouragement on their parenting journey.

All things Cynthia

Connect with Jessica Hurlbut

Unlimited Motherhood by Jessica Hurlbut

It’s National Adoption Month, and I would be remiss if I didn’t talk at least a little bit about adoption—since it has changed our lives in all of the best ways! 

But today we’re also talking more generally about the God-sized callings that are placed on our lives. It’s those things that God asks us to do as a step of faith and a call to obedience. For some of us it’s adoption, but for others it’s a mission trip, or a financial investment into Kingdom purposes, or even stepping into someone else’s story who desperately needs your friendship. 

Steve Frissell is with us today, and he’s turning the tables a bit to ask me questions about our adoption journey. We are praying you will really be encouraged to chase after the things God is asking you to do right now—using our words as a springboard to encourage you in the things that feel too hard, impractical, or even impossible in this season of life. 

So glad you’re with us today!

All things Cynthia

Pre-Order Life is Messy, God is Good

I come to you today with a slight problem. Okay, it’s a little bit bigger than slight. 

I’m a huge Candace Cameron Bure fan stemming back from Full House and bleeding all the way forward into the Hallmark Christmas movie era and now Great American Family Channel. Not to mention I’m obsessed with QVC and all of that makes me a HUGE Candace Cameron Bure groupie. 

Why is this a problem? Thanks for asking. 

Well she’s on today’s show and let’s say I was a lot. Like a lot too much, and she was ridiculously precious and even played along. And there was this moment at the end where out of nowhere I began channeling my inner Jimmy Fallon and did a “bit” with her. Yes, I did a “bit,” and it’s somewhere between slightly funny and massively cringy . . . and I apologize. 

Nonetheless, Candace is amazing, and today we’re talking about everything from her obsession with sumo citrus oranges to standing up for our faith in today’s culture. Her words about losing dear friend Bob Saget are precious, and the way she met her husband is hilarious. 

So listen in today and prepare yourself to go see her movie Unsung Hero later this month in theaters. We MUST support Christian films, and this one is about the Smallbone family (For King & Country) and will be excellent. 

And as you find yourself thinking “bless Cynthia’s heart” through this episode—just remember that most of the time, I keep it together! Ha. 

Can’t wait for you to listen!

P.S. Can we talk again about how much I love watching QVC? And that Candace is the queen of QVC, and somehow I need to go there with her some day? Who can make this happen? 🤪

Unsung Hero Movie

Great American Family Channel 

The Candace Cameron Bure podcast

This week on MESSmerized, I got to chat again with the one and only Ann Voskamp—and let me just say, if you’re needing a little soul refreshment heading into Easter weekend (and maybe a reminder that God is still in charge even when your week feels like a dumpster fire), this episode is for you.

Ann shared the most incredible story about chasing sheep across the Canadian tundra—yes, actual sheep. It gave us a beautiful picture of Jesus as our Good Shepherd. He never sleeps and He never takes His eyes off us. There’s something comforting about knowing that even when we wander, He’s already coming after us with love. 

Ann also opened up about a really hard season—her son’s house burned down during Lent. Literal ashes. And yet, in true Ann fashion, she invites us to see the beauty in even the most heartbreaking moments. She calls it a “severe mercy”—a reminder that even in loss, God is working something eternal and holy in us.

So as we head into Resurrection Sunday, I hope this conversation reminds you that Jesus is near. He’s the Shepherd who sees you, loves you, and laid down His life so you’d never walk alone—even in the cold, or the ashes, or the chaos.

All things Cynthia Yanof 

Loved to Life by Ann Voskamp

First of all, we've had a bit of a "situation" over here, and I’ll share all the details in today’s intro. But here’s a little teaser: neighbors, overgrown shrubs, and me sneaking out in the cloak of darkness. If that doesn’t paint a picture that’ll make you want to listen, I don’t know what will! 😂😂😂

Today, I’m thrilled to have Lanier Ivester on the show, and we’re talking all things Christmas—decor, recipes, and hosting. Lanier reminds us that the holiday season can feel both joyful and overwhelming. In fact, nine out of ten people experience both emotions during this time of year. Her advice? Acknowledge the tension and remember that Christmas is about rest, not busyness. I loved it when she said, "We work from a place of rest." It’s such a powerful reminder to shift our focus from the never-ending to-do lists to God’s love.

The title of Lanier’s new Christmas book, Glad & Golden Hours, comes from a verse in It Came Upon a Midnight Clear that beautifully captures the hope and peace of Christ’s coming. Today’s conversation really reminded me that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. It’s about slowing down, creating space for rest, and anchoring our hearts in the joy of Christ’s birth.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to listen today and embrace the final days before we celebrate Jesus' birth!

All things Cynthia

Glad & Golden Hours by Lanier Ivester

If you’re anything like me, your heart remains heavy for Israel in these days. It's hard to wrap our heads around the war, God’s bigger plan for their nation, and the hardships so many are facing in the Middle East. 

Knowing this, I am so excited to have JoAnn Doyle from Uncharted Ministries joining us today. She’s got an amazing perspective on Israel through the lens of someone who has been ministering to Jews and Muslims in the Middle East for many decades. 

While the news coming from Israel has been hard, there’s also an encouraging story behind the story that more Muslims have come to faith in Christ in the last 10 years than in the last 14 centuries. And more Jews have come to embrace Jesus as Messiah in the last 20 years than in the last 2000 years. 

All this comes as a much-needed reminder that God continues to pursue his people—and he’s doing it right now in Israel. Take a few minutes to be encouraged as you listen to JoAnn share incredible stories of how God’s working in Israel and Gaza, and ways we can make a difference individually during this critical time. 

P.S. Guys, we are ONE MONTH away from the release of my first book Life is Messy, God is Good. Pre-orders are a ginormous deal and it would be such a blessing if you would consider grabbing a copy (or two or three) today! So grateful for you and can’t wait for you to read it. ❤️

Pre-Order Life is Messy, God is Good

Uncharted Ministries

Brace yourselves!

I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am about today’s show with Dallas Jenkins. Dallas is the genius behind The Chosen and now The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. And let me just say, after this conversation, I walked away ready to ugly cry in a theater over the cigar-smoking Herdman kids finding Jesus. That’s exactly what happened over Thanksgiving, and the movie was a huge hit with our crew.

So how does Dallas go from The Chosen to a story about the most chaotic, snack-loving kids hijacking a Christmas play? Well, it turns out this book has been a part of his Christmas tradition for 20 years. Dallas told me he had to make this movie, even though Hollywood wasn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for him. Spoiler alert: God had other plans.

But here’s the thing: A few years ago, I was in a rough spot—one of those times when you're questioning everything God’s doing in your life. I heard Dallas speak at an event, and he said, “God does impossible math.” It was like a lightning bolt. Fast forward to this interview, and I got him to retell the full story behind that phrase. It involves failure, Romanian Facebook DMs at 4 a.m., and—of course—loaves and fish. God showed Dallas (and now us) that our job isn’t to perform miracles; it’s simply to show up with whatever we have and trust God to do the rest.

So whether you’re a The Chosen fan, invested in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, or someone needing a reminder that God works best when we’re at our weakest—this episode is for you.

All things Cynthia Yanof

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Happy Thanksgiving week!

Are you putting up your tree this week and getting a jump on Christmas decorations? 

Or are you a Thanksgiving loyalist who refuses to address the Christmas chaos until after the bird is consumed? I’m a little bit of both if I’m honest. I’m dead-set on fully embracing Thanksgiving, while also wanting to soak in every single second of Christmas by kicking-off the festivities early. 

Wherever you land, I’m praying this week holds plenty of sweet family time for each of you, with lots of laughs and memorable moments. I’m also praying we find time to remember the One to whom we owe all of our thanks—knowing that Jesus is truly the giver of every good gift (James 1:17). 

Today on MESSmerized, we are wrapping up a month of studying worship. To help us do this, I’m thrilled to have the worship leader from my own church, Caleb Willis, on the podcast. Caleb gives us lots of considerations for real and deep worship, and I love that it comes from the perspective of one who leads corporate worship every week. 

But especially the next few days, remember to worship Jesus by giving thanks for all that he has done in your life .  . . . the big, small, hard, unexpected, significant, challenging, and especially the gift of eternal life to all who believe. 

We are taking December off from our spiritual rhythm podcasts, but we have a GREAT advent series coming out all month on Wednesdays. I would love for you to take time in the midst of the crazy to meet me there the next several weeks. 

Happy Thanksgiving . . . . I’m so grateful for each of you!

All things Cynthia

Just in case you missed the announcement last week, Amy Weatherly is co-hosting MESSmerized with me this month, and gosh, she’s so much fun. Today, we’re continuing our commitment to un-resolutions by chatting with the amazing Kendra Adachi about time management.

This conversation is absolutely not what you think it’s going to be because Kendra is flipping time management on its head. Apparently, we’ve been doing it all wrong—who knew? She talks about creating systems that actually make sense for women. This includes recognizing the beauty of both proactive and reactive time management—basically, having a plan but also being cool with the fact that life is messy and plans sometimes (okay, often) fall apart.

What really struck me, though, was our chat about self-compassion. Why are we so hard on ourselves? We talked about living in the moment, starting small, and letting go of this pressure to do everything perfectly. Spoiler: you don’t have to color-code your planner to be a successful human.

So, if you’re like me—juggling a million things, tired of feeling like you’re never doing enough, and low-key fantasizing about running away to a quiet cabin somewhere—this episode is for you. Let’s ditch the guilt, embrace the chaos, and redefine what success looks like for us.

All things Cynthia Yanof 

The Plan: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi  

The Lazy Genius Podcast

Amy Weatherly’s books: I’ll Be There and Here for It 

Follow Amy on Facebook at Sister I am With You and @Amy Weatherly 

Hello from Colorado!

We’re FINALLY on family vacation, and the high temps are in the 70s and the lows are in the 40s. I basically want to rededicate my life to Jesus, I’m so happy right now. 

But I’m also excited for today’s show because it’s a free-flow of my thoughts around the book I’m reading on vacation (Atomic Habits) and the ways our habits shape our spiritual lives. I also share a little insight into the many ways Colorado has not been our friend over the years–yet we’re back again. 

I cannot stress to you enough that you need to follow me on social to see a video I will be posting of an “incident” that occurred last time we were here. 

As an added bonus, I end today’s show with a conversation that Heather MacFadyen and I recently taped for her Don’t Mom Alone podcast. We talk about communicating with our kids, carpool disasters, and the value of an “easy yes” in parenting. 

This is definitely a summer episode that doesn’t disappoint. Can’t wait for you to listen!

P.S. Did you know MESSmerized has patreon now?

All things Cynthia 

Don't Mom Alone

Remember how I’ve been having lunch every Wednesday with a wonderful group of friends for the last 15+ years? Today’s show is inspired by those lunches—because lately, all we seem to talk about is midlife and menopause. It's a season, let me tell you!

To help us all navigate this wild ride, I’m thrilled to bring in a true expert: Dr. Mikala Albertson. We’re diving deep into everything you never thought you'd need to know about menopause, perimenopause, and all the hormonal roller coasters that come with them. Dr. Albertson has a brilliant way of describing menopause as "puberty in reverse," and her perspective on it is so insightful. 

Don’t worry, we cover all the symptoms we're dealing with—hot flashes, mood swings, anxiety, weight gain, brain fog, and more. This episode is packed with practical tips, a few laughs, and hopefully, some perspective on not just surviving but thriving in this season of life.

Dr. Albertson’s new book, Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife, is out now. And exciting news: she’s coming back on the show in the New Year! If you have questions you’d like us to cover next time, email them to me!

All things Cynthia Yanof

Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife by Dr. Mikala Albertson 

Follow Dr. Albertson on Instagram here!

I’ll never forget the time in high school when Kate and I had a disagreement, and she threw down these inflammatory words: “welllll I am 18 years old.” I believe my response was something like, “yes dear one, you’re an 18-year-old that drives our car, uses our cell phone, lives in our house, wears our clothes, and exists on our money.” (Perhaps I should have paused a bit before responding.) 

Nonetheless, if you have older kids, you’ve probably had similar moments of trying to adjust to kids reaching adulthood-ish while they are still financially dependent and oftentimes making questionable decisions. Thank goodness Lisa Clark is here today!

Lisa is an author, mother, grandmother, and incredible lady who is giving some much-needed advice on parenting our adult-ish children. Some of the topics we cover include: 

• Best advice on sending a kid to college

• How to respect our child’s independence while also giving them important advice 

• Practical ways to connect with older kids

• Recognizing they are adults even when they don’t act like it

Even if you don’t have older kids yet, the day is coming, so tune in for some great wisdom from precious Lisa Clark!

All things Cynthia Yanof 

Lisa Clark

Raising Sinners by Lisa Clark 

Happy Wednesday!

Is it just me, or did January last six months? I cannot handle one more school holiday, winter illness, or ¼ inch of snow canceling school. But I digress.

I’m thrilled to round out this month with an amazing conversation featuring Melanie Shankle. And yes, Amy Weatherly is still co-hosting with me, and I couldn’t be more grateful!

To know me is to know that I’ve been a huge fan of Melanie’s books for years. I was so excited to hear she has a new one coming out, and—spoiler alert—it might just be my favorite yet! Today, we’re covering topics like parenting teenage daughters, the insights we gain through years of motherhood, and the importance of teaching our kids resilience. Melanie also opens up about her strained relationship with her mother and her decision to end generational trauma.

Melanie’s book releases on February 18th, and now is the perfect time to pre-order it. I’ve read it cover to cover, and trust me—there’s something for everyone in this book.

I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation... and I really can’t wait for January to finally end. 😂😂😂

All things Cynthia Yanof

Amy Weatherly’s books: I’ll Be There and Here for It 

Follow Amy on Facebook at Sister I am With You and @Amy Weatherly  

Here be Dragons by Melanie Shankel 

In today’s show we’re talking about the three fundamental questions our kids are asking: 

• Who am I?
• Where do I fit?
• What difference can I make? 

It doesn’t take long to realize these aren’t just questions for kids, but questions we all deal with at different points in life. Knowing this, It’s critically important we wrestle well with these core concepts of identity, belonging, and purpose—and Brad Griffin from the Fuller Youth Institute is joining us to talk about all of it. 

When it comes to identity, Brad helps us understand how our kids are already answering the question of “who am I” — so how can we help them reframe that biblically? 

He also reminds us that belonging starts in our home, and challenges us to consider ways to foster true belonging by allowing our kids to be themselves. 

And then when it comes to purpose, we get practical advice on helping our kids find their own purpose in the context of God’s greater purposes for all humanity. 

All three of these questions stem from a book Brad co-authored called 3 Big Questions that Change Every Teenager. I ran across this book several years ago, and it has impacted so many areas of my parenting. I’m guessing as you listen today, a few things will click as to why your kids are saying a few things you don’t understand. 

I’m so thrilled to have Brad Griffin with us!  

All things Cynthia

3 Big Questions that Change Every Teenager

3 Big Questions that Shape Your Future 

Faith Beyond Youth Group

Have you ever heard a story that not only captivated you, but also changed your entire philosophy on how to live this life? 

Other than the Bible, I had never experienced something like that until I met Darin Kinder. 

Darin is a Secret Service Agent for the United States who has helped protect our last five presidents. He routinely works in over 38 countries and has more stories than the hours we have in the day. But he’s also a survivor of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center where he earned a Medal of Valor for his heroic actions. 

I’ve had the incredible opportunity to interview hundreds of people through the years, but Darin Kinder’s account of 9/11 has single-handedly impacted me the most—which is why I knew from the second I started this podcast he HAD to be my first guest. 

Please trust me when I say that you don’t want to miss this conversation. I promise you’ll be challenged to do the hard things in life even when everything in you wants to back down, give-up, or walk away. His story is MESSmerizing, but more importantly, so is his God.

Links:

Darin Kinder’s Ministry

Sign-up for updates from Cynthia here

I hope you’re taking some time this week to slow down and spend a few minutes pondering Holy Week and all that it means to your faith. My prayer is that we don’t come out on the other side of Easter the same way we went into it. I pray that the very reminder of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross sparks a new hope in our lives, causing us to want more God in our lives than we currently have. 

Every year on Good Friday, my husband pulls out the ol’ “It’s Friday . . . but Sunday’s Coming” message at some point when we’re all in the car together. He gets mocked for this predictable move every year, but gosh it's a message we need to hear on repeat. Take a minute to listen this week and even follow Mike’s lead and throw it on the car radio for the fam. 

On today’s show we have Lisa Whittle talking with us about revival, and how to experience it both on a corporate and personal level. Lisa is passionate about the importance of desiring and wanting more God in our lives—which leads to a personal revival that can literally change everything about how we live. 

I especially appreciate her list of things that keep us from revival, or wanting more God. Things like our need for comfort, control, and even popularity. This is a perfect word for us going into Easter, and I pray it challenges you in the coming days.

Today’s episode is for all those craving deep, authentic friendships but instead find themselves in the spiral of people pleasing, overthinking, and questioning why you weren’t invited to the girls’ night out last weekend.  (Been there, done that ✔️) 

Amy Weatherly is an author, speaker, and hilariously real advocate of deep, authentic friendships no matter the phase of life you’re walking. She chats with us about creating friendships that celebrate others, while recognizing that not every person is “your person,” and that’s totally okay.

I especially love her thoughts on evangelizing through queso and Diet Dr. Pepper, and ways to help our kids navigate challenging friendships. 

Oh, and If you aren’t following Amy Weatherly online—you’re missing out! She somehow articulates everything we’ve been feeling in a way that is hilarious, real, and vulnerable. I can’t wait for you to hear this fun and important discussion on friendships. 

All things Cynthia 

Support MESSmerized and get extra episodes each month!

Amy Weatherly social media

Amy Weatherly & Jess Johnson book on friendship

It’s December and the time of year when we start receiving the perfect Christmas cards in the mail at the exact time as our “friends” start posting their perfectly wrapped presents underneath their fabulously decorated Christmas trees. Sickening, am I right? Ha. 🎄📷🤢

I’m fighting my own battle against the urge to make everything look perfect by sending out quite possibly the worst Christmas card picture any family has dared to mass produce. You’re welcome, and listen to today’s show if you’re interested in getting your own copy of it. 

Now for the real stuff. . . . We’re spending the next few weeks focusing on Advent. Each week we will explore one of the advent themes: hope, peace, joy, and love. Today, Steve Frissell is joining us to consider how Jesus’ birth in a manger brings hope to our world still today. 

Tune in all month as we work to keep our focus on our Savior (and away from the bad Christmas cards like the one I’m sending out). And below are discussion questions if you want to hit this topic during your quiet time or even with your family at dinner.

Discussion questions:

• Where does our culture look to find hope?
• In what areas do you struggle to remain hopeful?
• In what ways did Jesus’ birth bring hope 2000 years ago?
• How is our perspective reframed if we trust in Jesus today as our ultimate hope? 

Verses on hope to consider:

• Romans 12:12
• Romans 15:4
• Psalm 147:11
• Hebrews 11:1

“There’s no fast-tracking the grief process.” - Abby Rike

My good friend Abby is with us today talking about grief and the many forms it takes. Grief is most often associated with death, but it’s also important to acknowledge the grief we face in the loss of a dream, relationships, health, and so much more. Abby reminds us that there is hope in the midst of our deepest grief, and she tackles some of the lies we are tempted to believe when we’re struggling through the hard stuff. 

Interesting facts about Abby include that our dog is named after her, she’s been on The Biggest Loser, and she has walked a near-impossible road the last 20 years. That being said, she’s a beacon of encouragement on days that feel impossible with her message that with Christ as our anchor, we can move forward (not move on) with hope. 

I’m praying today’s show will encourage not just you, but that you will share it with others around you who are walking through grief in their own lives.

All things Cynthia

Keep up with Abby Rike

Abby’s book: Working it Out: A Journey of Loss, Love, and Hope

If you’re in a post-Christmas coma, you’re not alone! Eating cookies for breakfast and watching Hallmark movies instead of entertaining your kids is fine everyone . . . we are doing our best! 

That being said, can I invite you to join me and two of my favorite people for a few minutes to talk about love? Yes, it’s the last week of our Advent series and love is our topic.  

It’s easy to see God’s unrelenting love for his people through Jesus’ life, from the manger to the cross. But how does this kind of love change us practically in our everyday lives? 

Heather and Stephanie are lots of fun, and I promise you will be encouraged as we’re facing a new year and all of the unknowns. And speaking of a new year, I want to thank every single one of you for being a part of the MESSmerized family, and the calling God has placed on my life. 

It’s been a privilege to walk through parenting, faith issues, spiritual rhythms and so much more the last eight months. I can’t wait to see what God is up to in 2024!

All things Cynthia

Pre-Order Life is Messy, God is Good

Sidetracked with Heather and Cynthia

It’s one of those rare times where it’s just me and a mic today with no guest to be found. Be assured, I’m bringing lots of random thoughts laced with humor (and hopefully) wisdom along the way. But with the addition of lots of new listeners the last few months, I’m realizing it’s time to share some of what’s on my heart as well as how Life is Messy, God is Good came to be. 

We’re going to talk very practically today about building our homes on a firm foundation (Matthew 7:24-27). I’m being brutally honest about how that’s looked for our family including practical considerations on living with purpose, perspective, and finding the right people. And spoiler alert, at the end of the day it’s the storms of life that reveal our foundations, making it critical that we build lives that dig deep into the rock of Jesus. 

I can’t thank you enough for supporting me the last many weeks as we’ve been pushing out my first book-baby. I think my two c-sections might have been less stressful than pushing my words and stories into the world for everyone to see. Doing this with you guys, however, has been a great pleasure. Thank you for the support, and please continue praying for this book to fall in the hands of all those who need a good laugh and a hearty dose of biblical truth. 

Enjoy today’s show and please consider sharing it with a friend.

All things Cynthia

Ruth Chou Simons is with us this week, and trust me, I got down to the real investigative questions like how she manages hotel rooms with six kids and what it was like being on *Good Morning America* earlier this year. You’re welcome!

But seriously, it’s the week before Thanksgiving 🦃🦃, and today’s show is an invitation to take a deep breath as we reflect on God’s goodness. We’re diving into Psalm 23 and what it really means to have God as our Good Shepherd—the One who takes care of us, provides for us, and leads us when we don’t even know which way is up.

Here’s the thing about shepherds—they’re not just hanging out, petting sheep all day. They’re out there protecting, guiding, and making sure the sheep are safe and cared for. It’s such a perfect picture of how God watches over us. Ruth reminds us that nothing in our lives is wasted—not the hard stuff, the waiting, or even the complete disasters.

Psalm 23 ends with this beautiful promise that God’s goodness and mercy chase after us every single day. How freeing is that? We can lean into His care, knowing He’s got us covered even when it feels like everything is falling apart. 

Ruth’s latest children’s book, Home is Right Where You Are, is incredible. It’s all about being present and leaning into God’s faithfulness in the here and now. Whether you’re a mom, a grandma, or just someone who needs a reminder that God’s got this, it’s such an encouraging read.

So, let’s take a deep breath and remember that the Good Shepherd is leading us, protecting us, and providing for us—and that’s reason enough to be thankful this week!

All things Cynthia Yanof

Home is Right Where You Are by Ruth Chou Simons 

Now and Not Yet by Ruth Chou Simons

The day has finally come where I get to share something unbelievably exciting that’s going on in my life. And true to form, I come to you somewhere between wildly excited to share the news while also completely nerved-out because it’s vulnerable and so deeply special to me. But here we go! 

Drum roll please . . . . You guys, I wrote a book! 

It’s called Life is Messy, God is Good and it’s the biggest labor of love I’ve had the privilege of being a part of in my life. I say labor of love, because I’ve seen God’s incredible kindness in allowing me to write a book that a publisher actually wants to disseminate to the world at large!

But it’s also been a labor of love over here as I have spent over a year praying over this book, writing, deleting, writing more, deleting more, and asking God to speak truth through my words in ways I will likely never fully understand or appreciate. And now that the time has finally come where I can talk about the book, I wanted YOU to be the first people to hear about it. 

So on today’s show I’m talking a little bit about the book, but also about my heart behind the book and how my life has been impacted by people who have allowed God to use the messiest places of their lives for His bigger purpose. Something he’s longing to do in all of our lives. 

So can I ask YOU for a favor (or two or three)?

1. If you love MESSmerized or love me or even tolerate me but continue to show up each week . . . will you please pre-order Life is Messy, God is Good? It comes out February 6th and pre-orders are a HUGE deal in order for retailers to carry it. 

2. Will you spread the word? It’s as easy as sharing this email and/or my social media posts (make sure you’re following me please) with your friends and family. 

3. Lastly, will you pray? Join me in praying very simply that God will do “immeasurably more”  than we can ask or imagine in paving a way for this message. (Esphesians 3:20)

I’m so grateful for each of you and can’t wait for today’s show. 

All things Cynthia

Pre-Order Life is Messy, God is Good

When am I going to learn? 

Seriously, I’m 20 years into this parenting gig and still insisting on family car rides to look at Christmas lights this time of year. It’s the definition of insanity how I do it over and over again expecting a different result.

In my defense, I’m envisioning a picturesque scene of hot chocolate, pj’s, and a spectacle of lights bringing warmth and joy to my family. In reality, it’s 30 minutes in purgatory in a confined space with unwilling participants yelling “don’t touch me” or “is anyone else having fun?” or “these lights blow.”

If we are completely honest, the family light-looking excursions are just one of the millions of ways we try to create “moments” this time of year, inevitably reminding us that no good deed goes unpunished. 

But even with all the great plans gone wrong, there’s plenty of reasons for joy.  You’ve probably heard it before, but joy isn’t just situational or circumstantial (thank goodness), but deeply rooted in the story of a Savior who left the highest position in heaven to come to earth as a baby . . . for you and for me. 

My good friend Rodney Schell joins us today sharing his thoughts on reframing joy with a spiritual perspective. We talk about a dear friend who, despite walking a life marked by adversity, radiates with joy because his life is anchored in the hope of eternity. 

My prayer this week is for each of us to take a few minutes to remember that joy is available in the midst of the hard. Let’s thank Jesus for the many blessings he’s given us, especially the gift of those who complain incessantly on car rides meant to form bonds and create Christmas memories. 😂😂😂

All things Cynthia

Pre-Order Life is Messy, God is Good

Welcome to week 2 of our Monday podcasts!  Each week we will consider ways to incorporate small daily changes to our spiritual rhythms in hopes of experiencing big faith gains in our lives. 

This week we have Libin Abraham joining us, my Pastor here in Dallas. Pastor Libin has an amazing reminder of the “why-to” behind reading our Bibles. It’s a critical precursor to the “how-to”” of reading God’s Word, which we’ll begin next Monday. 

If you’re anything like me, you have a long history of feeling guilty for not spending enough time in God’s Word or not knowing the ins and outs of the Bible like those around you. Please know that today is not that day. I want to eliminate the guilt factor of studying your Bible and replace it with a newfound excitement around meeting God each day in His Word. 

I read a quote about the “why-to” behind studying the Bible recently from Jen Wilkin. It goes like this: 

“We must make a study of our God: what He loves, what He hates, how He speaks and acts. We cannot imitate a God whose features and habits we have never learned. We must make a study of Him if we want to become like Him. We must seek His face.”

Our goal is to look more like Jesus at the end of this school year, and reading our Bible regularly is a big step in the right direction. So join me today with Pastor Libin Abraham and, if you don’t mind, please share it with a friend! 

P.S. I’m assigning a little homework for next week’s podcast, which is to read John 1. That’s just one chapter with 51 verses. Read a few verses each day, and next week we will talk very practically about how to study (not just read) the Bible.

All things Cynthia

Bent Tree Bible podcast with Pastor Libin Abraham

New year, new resolutions… right? Nope, not this year!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas filled with fun memories! At the beginning of today’s show, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite holiday moments, gifts, and God-moments. But I’m also super excited to let you know that the fabulous Amy Weatherly is co-hosting with me all through January, and we are going to have so much fun!

Amy is a wife, mother, author, and the founder of a huge Facebook community focused on friendship, faith, and loving ourselves well. It seemed only fitting that, in our first episode together, Amy and I are taking a refreshing break from the usual goal-setting chaos. Instead of striving for perfection or adding more to our already overflowing plates, we’re talking about slowing down, embracing who we really are, and focusing on what truly matters.

I think you're going to find today’s show to be the perfect blend of humor, honesty, and relatable moments. We’ll discuss how to find joy in simply being who the Lord created us to be. Whether you're tired of the typical "new year, new me" hustle or you just need permission to take things at your own pace, this episode is for you. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s kick off 2025 with a fresh perspective. I can’t wait for you to meet Amy!

All things Cynthia Yanof

Amy Weatherly’s books: I’ll Be There and Here for It 

Follow Amy on Facebook at Sister I am With You and @Amy Weatherly 

We’re closing in on 12 days until Christmas, and I’m guessing the whole idea of “peace” feels illusive at this point? Or maybe that’s just me. 😂😂😂

Today my dear friend Kay Wyma is joining us on our Advent journey to discuss peace. How does Christmas bring us reminders of peace, especially in a world filled with discord and stress? (Hint: Peace isn’t the absence of conflict, but replacing it with something deeper and more significant.)

I especially appreciate Kay’s challenge to identify the root causes of our unrest, worries, or conflicts and intentionally incorporate gratitude into our daily lives. Gratitude becomes a powerful tool, a "control alt delete," as Kay puts it, that helps us shift our perspective towards peace.

So, friends, as we journey through this Advent season together, let’s find ways to experience the promise of peace even today (as we’re shopping, baking, planning the ornament exchange, and figuring out what to wear to the company party). 

Discussion Questions:

1. Think of a time when you’ve felt most at peace in your life. What was or wasn’t going on that seemed to contribute to this peace? 

2. In what area today are you waiting for God to remove a conflict instead of seeking His peace in the midst of it? 

3. What’s one way you can incorporate gratitude into your life today to reframe your perspective towards peace? 

4. Who comes to mind when you think about someone living in peace despite their circumstances? How can you practically support them today?

All things Cynthia

Pre-Order Life is Messy, God is Good

The Peace Project by Kay Wyma

In honor of Father’s Day, we’re talking about all things related to fathers, and we have none other than Louie Giglio joining us! 

If you’ve listened to me speak much over the years, you know the impact Pastor Louie has had on my faith-walk. I had the opportunity to study the Bible under him in college, and then—full circle all these years later—I've been privileged to podcast him many times. 

I could say so much more, but instead I’ll just give you a few of the topics you don’t want to miss from our conversation today:

• Chasing after dreams that don’t seem to make sense 

• Trusting God because he sees the entire picture (and not just today)

• Why our father’s approval is critical

• When earthly fathers disappoint, God doesn’t 

• How God continually reveals himself to us

• The most important thing about you is how you see God

I can’t wait for you to hear from Pastor Louie and, if I might be presumptuous, this is a great episode to share with your spouse and friends! 

Links:

Seeing God as a Perfect Father by Louie Giglio 

Louie’s Passion + Purpose podcast 

 All thing Cynthia Yanof and MESSmerized 

I know, I know. You’ve read the title of today’s show, and you’re thinking there ain’t a one of us who really wants to think about how much time we are spending on our various forms of technology. Myself included. 

True story, recently I was considering ways I could spend more time in prayer, and I literally convinced myself that I had not one spare second in my day. As if the Holy Spirit worked for Apple, at that exact moment a notification popped up on my phone with my average screen time for the week before. And let’s just say I apparently have plenty of time to pray based on the time I spend on my phone. 

Darren Whitehead is the Pastor of Church of the City in Nashville, and his church did a collective digital fast that was incredibly impactful. He’s talking about it on today’s show, and I love how he suggests a course correction is in order now that we know the impact of excessive technology use. After all, we would do that with anything else in our life. 

His approach isn’t to just throw our phones out the window, but to remove the “distraction” apps and leave only the utility apps. You’ve got to listen today to fully appreciate this concept, but I know for me personally it sounds like exactly what needs to happen this fall. 

Listen today, pray about it, and join me in reading and implementing The Digital Fast. 

Okay, on another note—in case you missed it, Heather MacFadyen and I launched a new show, Sidetracked, many months ago as a part of Don’t Mom Alone. Since that time, it’s gained in popularity and now has a new home with the Converge podcast network as its own show. Do me a huge favor and go listen to the show here, and subscribe and even leave a review pretty please. This is a huge help as we get this new project launched. And you don’t want to miss my Buc-ees story.

The Digital Fast by Darren Whitehead

All things Cynthia Yanof

Sidetracked with Heather MacFadyen and Cynthia Yanof

I’m thrilled to have Amy Weatherly back co-hosting MESSmerized with me for this exciting episode, because we’re chatting with the incredible Annie F. Downs!

Annie is living the dream (and the hustle) part-time in New York City, and let me tell you, she’s not just surviving; she’s thriving. For those of us who’ve dreamed of moving to NYC but stayed safely tucked away in places like North Dallas (okay, maybe that's just me), Annie made it happen. And I’m so excited to share her journey with you!

On a more serious note, we dive into body image, health, and unresolutions. Annie shares how her perspective on health shifted from trying to shrink her body to focusing on living a long, full life. We also talk about her deeply personal new book, Where Did TJ Go?, co-written with her sister. This book is a beautiful resource for families grieving the loss of a child. Inspired by the life and passing of her nephew TJ, it offers gentle hope and reminds us of the faith we hold onto, even in our hardest moments. Raw, redemptive, and a testament to God’s goodness in every circumstance.

If there’s one takeaway from Annie’s journey, it’s this: Don’t shy away from doing the big, scary, or hard things. Whether it’s moving to a new city, embracing your body as it is, or walking through grief, the Lord shows up every step of the way. Annie is living proof that even in the hardest moments, there’s beauty and joy in the unexpected.

Can’t wait for you to listen! 💕

All things Cynthia Yanof

Amy Weatherly’s books: I’ll Be There and Here for It 

Follow Amy on Facebook at Sister I am With You and @Amy Weatherly 

All things Annie F. Downs 

Where did TJ Go? A book for kids on grief and loss (By Annie F. Downs and Tatum Green)

“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Blessed is the king of Israel!’” — John 12:13

We’re coming up on Palm Sunday, and I honestly can’t think of anyone better to join us this week (and next!) than the one and only Ann Voskamp. And if you’re even slightly tempted to skip this episode for any reason, I’m going to have to lovingly—but firmly—ask you to rethink that decision. 😂

Ann and I get real, honest, tearful, and maybe a little silly as we talk about faith, the hard places we’ve been walking through lately, and what this season—especially Palm Sunday—means in the context of our everyday lives. She shares such a beautiful word on making sure what we focus on actually draws us closer to the Lord.

She also talks about how she stays in step with Jesus, reminding us that our ultimate goal isn’t hustle or productivity... it’s just more of God himself. Yes and amen to that.

I’m so excited for you to hear this conversation with Ann (and don’t worry—she’s back again next week!). As we head into Holy Week, will you consider sharing this episode with a friend? Someone who might need a fresh reminder that Jesus is still the Good Shepherd, still turning tables, and still gently leading us home.

All things Cynthia Yanof 

Loved to Life by Ann Voskamp

There’s some exciting news around here I’ve been waiting to share! 

My dear friend Heather MacFadyen and host of the very popular Don’t Mom Alone podcast has asked me to be on her show for the next six weeks. We’re doing a summer of mentorship series and the first episode is out now. We’re covering all kinds of parenting tips as well as “important topics” like the time my son put a cherry bomb exhaust system on his truck and even Heather’s texting habit that needs an intervention. Don’t miss it this summer. 

In honor of this fun announcement I’ve invited Heather to join us on MESSmerized today. We’re taking a deeper look at how to know if you’re in the space God has for you and how to occupy it well. Heather has a great word for us when it comes to dealing with comparison struggles, hearing God’s voice in our lives, and recognizing (and encouraging) our kids’ giftings from the earliest age. Right Where You Belong is her new book out on this topic and a must-read. 

I’m so grateful to each of you who listen each week. I would be grateful if you would share MESSmerized with your people. 

I hope you enjoyed the solar eclipse yesterday and the reminders of God’s majesty and power over all things on heaven and earth. Not to mention, if the stats are accurate I’m guessing you listened to Bonnie Tyler at some point during the day because. . . .  why not?

Her 1983 hit song, Total Eclipse of the Heart, reached number 1 on the iTunes Top Songs chart in the US during the solar eclipse yesterday. Bless our hearts for being so predictable and slightly cheesy when it comes to eclipse protocol. But whatcha gonna do, every now and then we fall apart. (I apologize in advance for my lyrical references throughout this email, it’s stuck in my head now.) 

Monica Swanson is with us today, and she’s a wise friend with lots of wisdom on raising kids, building strong family relationships in our families, and the pitfalls to avoid in each stage of parenting. But what I like the most about Monica is she’s one of us who knows all too well those moments of thinking I don’t know what to do, I’m always in the dark. 

She also has several kids out of the house and great advice for when we worry that the best of all the years have gone by. She suggests several things we can do now to help further our relationship with our kids later. And don’t miss her thoughts on working through body image issues and the importance of rescripting our thoughts to line up with God’s truth. It’s her way of saying turn around bright eyes, and wake up to who you really are. (Okay, that one was a stretch). 

Thanks for listening today, and when you’re finished I need you more than ever to leave a review for MESSmerized and also this episode with a friend.

All things Cynthia

Order: Life is Messy, God is Good

Monica’s book Raising Amazing

The Monica Swanson Podcast

Yesterday was an incredible day and I’m so grateful for your support of Life is Messy God is Good. As we continue the push towards getting this word out, I would be so grateful if you would leave a review on Amazon (or wherever you purchased the book) as well as continue sharing on social media and recommending it to friends. Please accept my deepest and heartfelt THANK YOU!

Today’s show is a continuation of our discussions with friends and family  who made a cameo in my book. Darin Kinder is not only in the book, but his story of surviving the 9/11 attacks as a Secret Service Agent has impacted my life in the messiest and best of ways. 

Darin is with us today to talk about living courageously and raising kids willing and able to do the hard things. And let me assure you, Darin’s words are powerful and unforgettable. In fact, I’m not sure a story outside the Bible has impacted me more than Darin’s account of 9/11 and seeing God show up in the messiest and most tragic of situations. 

Take a listen today and even share with a friend! So grateful for you.

All things Cynthia

Order Life is Messy, God is Good

Darin Kinder's The Valiant Ministries

Darin Kinder's Story in Episode 2 of MESSmerized

It’s August, and Heather and I are still on our summer quest to surprise each other with cool guests on Sidetracked. Today is no exception as Heather comes in hot, surprising me with the one and the only Jess Connolly. 

Let’s be honest, it’s the end of summer and I’m guessing there’s some portion of you that’s tired physically, spiritually, or emotionally trying to do it all? Jess Connolly addresses just that as we talk about her new book and all the research behind the how, where, and why of rest. Jess’s life is full with her being an author, Bible teacher, podcaster, and coach, so she knows the challenges of finding pockets of rest in a full schedule. 

I love how we discuss that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for resting, and we are all made differently by our Creator with unique ways to recharge.  Jess reminds us that Jesus has true rest for us even in busy seasons, leading us to be more awake, alive, and present in our families, ministries, and careers.  We end the podcast by getting sidetracked and talk about everything from theology books to ice machines—join us for tons of truth and fun.

All things Cynthia

Connect with Jess Connolly: 

• Website:  Jess Connolly

• Facebook: Jess Connolly

• Instagram:  Jess Connolly | Author + Bible Teacher (@jessaconnolly)

Links Mentioned:  

• Quiz — Jess Connolly

• Tired of Being Tired: By Jess Connolly

• Breaking Free from Body Shame: By Jess Connolly

• You Are the Girl for the Job: By Jess Connolly

• Dance, Stand, Run: By Jess Connolly

• From Pentecost to Patmos: by Craig Blomberg

• Nobody's Mother: By Sandra Glahn

• Paul Behaving Badly: by E. Randolph Richards

• Nugget Countertop Ice Maker with Soft Chewable Pellet Ice

• Sun Visor Hats for Women Wide Brim Straw Roll-Up

It was hard to figure out how to title today’s show because we cover so much ground. If you are not yet familiar with Pastor Matt Chandler, today is going to be a good day for you! 

Matt Chandler is the Pastor of The Village Church in Dallas, and today he’s bringing the much-needed reminder that we were created for this exact time in human history. That matters because if we were created for the here and now, we can have confidence in God’s plan even when we feel anxious, ill-equipped, or exhausted. 

Not only do we talk about being Overcomers (the title of his new book), but we also talk about parenting, comparison, and the real-life stuff that happens in the midst of suffering. The part of today’s show that I think I’ll always remember is how Pastor Matt talks about having a seizure on Thanksgiving morning many years ago, and later being diagnosed with a brain tumor. I was blown away with his encouragement and hope that’s found only in Jesus even when the bottom falls out. 

Last thing—one of my favorite parenting quotes comes from the last time I interviewed Pastor Matt on the show, and he said these words: we’re working for a thank you at 18, not 15. I go back to that often when the parenting decisions that Mike and I make aren’t popular with our kids. I love how he follows up those words today as we talk about his grown kids and finally seeing the fruits of the labor. 

Take a few minutes to listen and please forward to your friends. So grateful for each of you!

The Overcomers by Matt Chandler 

The Village Church

All things Cynthia Yanof

This week we have a fun show as Heather and I continue surprising each other with guests on Sidetracked. I was in charge of our guest today and I’m so excited for you to hear our conversation with Makayla Noble. If you don’t know Makayla, here’s a little background:

On September 20, 2021, Makayla Noble, a world-champion cheerleader, suffered an injury that resulted in a severe spinal cord injury. People from all over the world joined together to pray for  her life and follow alongside her healing journey. Makayla has overcome almost impossible odds and has an amazing story of faith on the other side of her accident. 

Today Makayla shares how from the moment of the accident she felt the overwhelming peace of God, that He was going to take care of her and had a plan. She has mourned her physical body and what she thought the future would look like but remains in the truth that “God is not done with me yet”.  

This is an awesome conversation today and it’s always super fun when Heather and I get Sidetracked with you!

All things Cynthia

Connect with Makayla Noble: 

• Website:  Makayla Noble | Mak's Warriors

• Youtube: Makayla Noble - YouTube

• Instagram:  Makayla Noble (@makaylamnoble)

Links Mentioned:  

• Joni and Friends | Sharing Hope Through Hardship

• ATF Official Home Page | AdaptiveTrainingFoundation.org

• The Chosen TV Series

We are full-service here on MESSmerized as we transition out of back-to-school topics and jump to the other end of the age pendulum with aging parents. 

Dr. Mary Norman joins us today with an incredibly wise and practical discussion on loving our aging parents well. She gives us considerations for immediate action if our parents are healthy today, as well as ways to be helpful if they require more assistance. 

Don’t miss her advice on these important topics: 

• Legal documents and conversations to have now if your parents are doing well 

• How to gracefully get involved in your parents’ healthcare 

• What is “normal” and what deserves further consideration with memory loss

• Thoughts on medical care facilities and choosing the right one 

This show is jam-packed with wisdom for those of us caring for parents now, or those who will be doing it in the coming years. Oh, and fun-fact: Dr. Norman and I are related, but we don’t really know how so we just call each other cousins. More on that in the show. 

All Things Cynthia Yanof

Dr. Mary Norman

Dementia:  

Alzheimer’s Association

Aging Topics, dementia, advance care planning: 

National Institute on Aging

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

For Texas specifically:

Area Agency on Aging (AAA)- Texas Health and Human Services

For Dallas placements: 

Senior Living Specialists- Paul Markowitz - founder 

Happy Thanksgiving Eve! 🦃🦃🦃  

Are you hosting?  

Are you roasting a turkey in the oven or deep frying it?  

Do you call it stuffing or dressing?  

Will you use china or paper products?  

Is your weird aunt bringing a gelatin dish?  

Canned or homemade cranberries?  

Are you a pecan or pumpkin pie kind of girl?  

I have so many pressing questions. 😂  

One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving Day (thanks for asking) is the Macy’s Day Parade. Back in the day, I’d watch the parade and pore over all the Black Friday ads in the paper before the day’s festivities began. I’ve never sounded older, right? And another fun fact: I’ve ALWAYS wanted to go to the parade in NYC, but that hasn’t happened yet (and it’s fully discussed on today’s show).

I’m so thrilled to have Nicole Zasowski with us on MESSmerized today. Not only is she a marriage and family therapist, but she also lives in Connecticut and has been to the parade several times. (Somehow, that seemed more relevant than it probably is, and don’t think for a minute that I didn’t grill her about the parade and cover that in depth.)

Nicole and I also dive into the intersection of mental health, identity, and the holiday season. We all know that the holidays have the potential to put us on the struggle bus emotionally, but Nicole reminds us that it’s possible to balance joy with the realities of what’s difficult, experiencing both simultaneously. I love the message and powerful reminder in Nicole’s new book not to not dwell on our fears and anxieties, but instead to ask ourselves, “What if it’s wonderful?”

There’s no promise that your turkey will be wonderful tomorrow or that your husband will help with the dishes instead of watching football—but I do know that we have so much to be thankful for, and I pray you have plenty of time to reflect on that.

All things Cynthia Yanof 

What if it’s Wonderful by Nicole Zasowski

In the last few weeks, many of you have shared how much you loved praying for our kids together the last few years. I have loved that too, and I’m so happy my friend Courtney DeFeo is continuing that legacy on Pardon the Mess. Be sure to check it out!

But I feel strongly that my calling this year is to help us very intentionally consider our spiritual rhythms. Why? Because our culture desperately needs us, as Christians, to live out our faith in tangible ways every single day. And those faith-inspired moments come from the behind-the scenes time we spend in prayer, worship, and yes . . . reading our Bible.

So today we’re talking about how to read our Bible. There’s no way a 15-minute podcast can completely cover this subject, but we’re going to walk through the do’s and don’ts today as well as look at a portion of John 1. 

Let’s be honest, the right way to read the Bible is however it works for you. That being said, many of us (myself included) need to habit ourselves into a routine that includes hearing from God through his word. (Did you catch my Atomic Habits reference there?) 

That’s why I hope you’ll take a few minutes to listen today. Grateful for you!

P.S. Many of you have asked how to support MESSmerized in this season. A great way is to share this podcast with your friends and help grow it by word of mouth. Another huge way is to leave a review wherever you listen to MESSmerized. Lastly, you can also provide support through our Patreon to help us with production and other related costs. Thank you for being a part of this ministry! 

All things Cynthia Yanof

Atomic Habits 

The Bible Project

With all the kids heading back to school, there’s always the anxiety that goes with unknowns and new beginnings. And that’s just for us as parents! Joking. 

Sissy Goff and David Thomas from Daystar Counseling are with me today, and they are bringing the heat. They are literally the wisest, kindest, and dearest people you’ll ever meet. I could go on and on, but instead I’m giving you a few of the topics we cover today:

• What your kids wish you knew

• How anxiety presents in girls vs. boys 

• Thoughts on teenage dating

• Kids friendships and the value that can come from loneliness

Sit back and take a deep breath as Sissy and David answer our back-to-school questions while simultaneously bringing us peace and perspective. And do yourself a favor, if you don’t listen to Raising Boys and Girls (their podcast), do that ASAP. Fun fact, they were unbelievably kind to allow me to be a guest on their podcast last spring—and that may have been my life highlight! 😊 

All things Cynthia Yanof

Daystar Counseling

Raising Boys and Girls 

Oh my goodness, I can’t wait for you to hear today's show with Billy Rodgers! And despite the weird wording of the title of this show, we're talking about sharing our faith with friends and family (and not just sharing our faith with Billy Rodgers. ha!) 

Billy and his wife, Brandie, are some of our very dearest friends in the world. They are amazing people with a heart for evangelism. When Billy recently shared the statistic with me below, I knew we had to have a conversation on MESSmerized about it:

It’s estimated that 95% of believers go through their life without sharing their faith even one time. 

Heartbreaking yet not hard to believe, because so many of us (myself included) feel so inadequate and ill-prepared to share our faith with a culture desperately seeking hope. 

Because I REALLY want you to tune in to today’s show, I’m giving you a sneak peek of some of the top five tips today so you can see how do-able this is: 

1. Speak of God’s goodness

2. Pray not just for people, but WITH people

3. Simply be willing and ready to share why you believe what you do

Let’s not be a part of the 95% who never share their faith. As we start a new school year, it’s a perfect time to start thinking and praying about who we’re being led to have faith conversations with in the coming months.

All things Cynthia

Billy Rodgers

You Have Purpose videos 

Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

Find an Alpha group in your area

I mentioned it last month, but as a little reminder, Heather MacFadyen of the Don’t Mom Alone podcast and I have a super fun show we do together called Sidetracked. As a part of this little venture, this summer we’ve decided to surprise each other with a guest and then release the episode on both of our shows. It’s been super fun so far, and we’d love to know how you’re liking it and if you want more of these shows! 

On today’s Sidetracked episode, Heather surprises me with author, speaker, teacher, podcaster, and enneagram expert . . . Beth McCord. We love Beth because she approaches the enneagram from a biblical perspective and helps us learn how to better navigate our personalities and figure out what makes us tick. 

I think you’ll especially love the real-life example at the beginning of our conversation about Heather firing off a frustrated email to Beth, and how their enneagram knowledge facilitated healthy conflict resolution. We also discuss how the enneagram intersects with our parenting, and the reasons not to “guess” your kids’ number and instead have your older kids take the test themselves. (Which I’m so going to have my older kids do sometime this summer!) 

Can’t wait for you to hear today’s show! Leave a review and share it with a friend pretty please.

All things Cynthia Yanof

Connect with Beth McCord: 

• Website:  Your Enneagram Coach | Free Enneagram Test, Courses, and Coaching

• Facebook: Your Enneagram Coach

• Instagram: Beth McCord | (@yourenneagramcoach)

"If politics is robbing you of peace, you might have misplaced your trust."

Mic drop please for the quote above from today’s show. 

Today the Pastor of my church Bent Tree Bible, Libin Abraham, joins us to dive into the tricky (but important) topic of Christians engaging in politics. We talk about how it's not just about showing up—it's about being prayerful, peaceful, prophetic, powerful, and purposeful. But the big reminder here? Our top loyalty is to Jesus, not any political party. We’re here to make disciples, not stir up more division.

Aside from talking about Christians engaging in politics, Libin also encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness, and that stepping out in faith is key as we do that—I love how Libin says that God moves at the pace of our next “yes.” So if you’re feeling pulled to act, trust that God’s right there with you. And don’t let politics, fear, or anything else get in the way of your gospel influence. 

I can’t wait for you to hear today’s show and I’d love for you to share it with friends.

All things Cynthia Yanof

Bent Tree Bible Fellowship

Libin Abraham’s sermons on Christians engaging in politics: 

Jesus and Politics: The Way of the Cross

Jesus and Politics: The Way of the Church

Jesus and Politics: Rules for Engagement

I dropped JB off for his first day of second grade yesterday. He’s still at the age where he’s super excited to go back to school. I’m currently at the age where I’m happy to drop him off. Will I miss him? Absolutely. Does he need the structure? 100%. Do I pray like crazy for him to be seen, loved, and have good friends this school year? Daily. 

Going back to school always brings lots of emotions, but especially for our neurodivergent kiddos. As parents, we pray they can learn effectively, that they are seen for the incredible kids they are, and that they have friends who are kind to them (quirks and all). 

Today author, podcaster, and adoptive mom Somer Colbert is joining me to talk about how to best support our neurodivergent kids. I want to assure you that even if your kids don’t have neurodivergent struggles, there are kids all around us who need support and love as they (and their parents) try to best navigate their uniqueness. Somer challenges us with practical tips for establishing healthy expectations, building up our parenting toolbox, and finding ways to become a student of your child. 

Would you take a minute with me today to pray for all of our kiddos who struggle socially, academically, or emotionally? Pray with me that they will be valued, loved, and have a great school year academically. Can I also encourage you to talk to your kids about how to love kids who might be different from them? It might be that one of the kindest things your family can do this school year is to notice and love the kids you encounter who are working through unique struggles. 

Please listen to today’s show and even share it with some friends. There’s so much great information on supporting your kids, neurodivergent or not.

All things Cynthia

Somer Colbert 

Somer’s podcast

TBRI Method and Karyn Purvis

I’m so excited to kick off a two-week series with Kari Kampakis on raising girls! We dive into everything from the drama of friendship struggles and those classic mean girl moments to the surprisingly powerful role that loneliness plays in building resilience. These topics are just a few highlights from her new girls’ devotional, Yours Not Hers—an absolute must-have for girls from junior high through college!

I couldn’t help but laugh (and sometimes cringe) as we unpacked how social media has turned even the simplest interactions into epic battlegrounds of comparison and envy. I shared my own struggles with setting boundaries—not just for our kids, but for myself—and we both agreed that teaching our daughters to be kind, resilient, and open about their feelings is more crucial now than ever.

Today’s conversation with Kari is equal parts funny, heartfelt, and downright honest—reminding us that while the digital age may complicate parenting, our commitment to nurturing strong, compassionate girls remains timeless. Enjoy the episode!

All things Cynthia

Yours Not Hers: 40 Devotions to Stop Comparison and Love Your Life by Kari Kampakis

Hey Friends,

It’s February, which means Valentine’s Day is upon us—but more importantly, it marks the one-year anniversary of my first book, Life is Messy, God is Good!

Looking back over the past year, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the friends and family who have walked this journey with me. Whether you bought the book, shared it with a friend, left a review, hosted a book launch party, or prayed for my words to make an impact—you’ve been part of this crazy adventure, and I couldn’t be more thankful.

Maybe it’s the nostalgia of this milestone, or maybe it’s just menopause brain fog (let’s be honest, probably both), but I’m feeling all the feels. So, this week on MESSmerized, I’m doing something a little different—no guest, just me and the mic! That’s right, I’ll be having a conversation (with myself, as one does) about three key areas where I believe we need to give ourselves permission to pivot.

These thoughts stem from a women’s leadership conference where I recently spoke about the importance of:

✅ Redefining success
✅ Reprioritizing our days
✅ Doing things that don’t always make sense

And since we’re celebrating my book’s anniversary, I’ll also share a few stories straight from its pages—because what better time to reflect on this wild ride?

So, tune in, laugh with me, and let’s get personal. And if this episode speaks to you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend.

Thanks for showing up each week and walking this road with me. I’m in it with you!

All things Cynthia Yanof

Grab your copy of Life is Messy, God is Good!

With Thanksgiving around the corner, many of us are thinking about what we’re thankful for, what we might be taking for granted, and what gratitude really looks like. Today’s show comes at the perfect time, as Mark Batterson helps us reframe everyday miracles and see God in the midst of our daily lives.

Mark encourages us to “change your pace and place to change your perspective.” Sometimes, to wake up to wonder, we need to step outside our routines—whether that’s by taking a walk or going on a “two-foot field trip,” like moving from the living room to the backyard, to see God’s creation from a fresh angle.

Mark also gets real about the hardships of life. His wife, Laura, has faced her two bouts with cancer. I love how he says that sometimes we have to “forgive reality” for not lining up with our plans. But Mark reminds us that even though life here can be hard, it doesn’t mean we’re forgotten or forsaken. We have a God who is with us and conquers all things—even the grave.

So, whether you’re feeling a million miles away from a miracle or right in the middle of one, today’s conversation with Mark Batterson will give you hope and renewed reason to be thankful. Miracles may not always be big and flashy; often, they’re just one of those “million little miracles” happening all around us.

All things Cynthia Yanof

A Million Little Miracles by Mark Batterson

I’m writing to you from the airport in Dallas on my way to Nashville for book interviews. You guys, Life is Messy, God is Good is two weeks out from making its debut. YIKES! If you don’t follow me on social, be sure to do that now so you can see my fun updates. 

As you know, on MESSmerized we’re doing a little series called “behind the mess.” We’re bringing some folks on the show that are featured in the book, and today it’s two of my favorite people! My two older kids, Kate and Brett, are the featured guests, and I can’t wait for you to hear from them. 

Kate is sharing a little bit about the transition from high school to college and how she’s seen God show up as things have gone off-script at times. Brett and I have a conversation about learning to drive, cherry bomb exhaust systems, and the pressures of figuring out who you are in high school and what you want for the future. 

Can’t wait for you to hear from them. Oh, and if you haven’t already, today is a GREAT day to order my book. Okay, off to board and cram everything I own in a tiny space under my seat! 

Pre-Order Life is Messy, God is Good

All things Cynthia

Jim Burns is back for round two on Messmerized! If you missed last week’s episode, stop what you’re doing (unless you’re driving or getting a colonoscopy) and go listen—we talked all about raising kids with sexual integrity, which, let’s be honest, is not the easiest thing in today’s world.

This week, we’re shifting gears and talking about what happens when those kids actually grow up and start leaving—which is equal parts freeing and terrifying. Jim and I dive into the emotional rollercoaster of empty nesting, why it can feel like an identity crisis (especially for moms), and how to reinvent ourselves when our house suddenly gets a little too quiet. 

We also cover the tricky art of parenting adult children—supporting them while letting them live their own lives. And yes, we discuss the very important truth that we cannot, in fact, pick their partners for them, no matter how many “I told you so” moments we see coming.

If you’re anywhere on the parenting journey—knee-deep in school drop-offs, staring down an empty nest, or already there wondering what to do next—this episode is for you. And please share this with your friends who need reminders that God is in the details, even when those details involve hard goodbyes, big life transitions, and resisting the urge to correct our adult children’s life choices. 

Can’t wait for you to listen!

All things Cynthia

Doing Life with Adult Children by Jim Burns

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity by Jim Burns

Prayer should be the most important conversation you have everyday. —TobyMac 

Can we be honest? It’s not often that we think of prayer as the most essential or important conversation we will have in a given day. It’s also not often that I kick-off a Monday morning quoting TobyMac, but he does make a great point. 😂 

We started last week covering some of the obstacles we face in praying. Things like not making time, wondering if it really makes a difference, and even feeling like God is distant. This week we’re following it up with Jesus' instructions on prayer. He gives practical advice like not praying with fancy words or trying to impress others, but also provides us a model for prayer that goes like this:

Our Father in heaven, 

Hallowed be your name, 

Your kingdom come, 

Your will be done, 

On earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread. 

And forgive us our debts, 

As we also have forgiven our debtors. 

And lead us not into temptation, 

But deliver us from the evil one. 

— Matthew 6:9-13

Take a few minutes with me to dig a little deeper into the spiritual rhythm of prayer, and let’s work to give it the priority it deserves in our day. 

All things Cynthia

Here’s a fun little podcast update for you. 

As most of you (hopefully) know, Heather MacFadyen of the Don’t Mom Alone podcast and I have a little sideshow we do once a month called Sidetracked. Basically, it’s an unfiltered conversation between the two of us discussing life’s goings on, parenting, faith, etc. It comes out the first Friday of the month on Don’t Mom Alone, and It’s been a big hit. 

So, spinning off from that concept this week, we’re doing a second episode of Sidetracked in the summer months that includes a surprise guest aired on both of our shows. And today is the day we kick it off with our friend Toni Collier. Please hear me:  You do not want to miss a second of this conversation. 

If you don’t know Toni, she’s  the author of Broken Crayons Still Color as well as a podcaster, speaker, and mom of two sweet kiddos. Toni chats with us about everything from getting tattoos with Ann Voskamp to seeing God show up through “God winks.” 😜

Next week we will be back to our “How do I _____” series that will continue through the summer. But once a month I hope you enjoy these little editions of Sidetracked with various surprise guests!

All things Cynthia

Life is Messy, God is Good

My Amazon Must Haves

Connect with Toni Collier: 

• Website:  HOME | Toni Collier

• Facebook: Toni J Collier 

• Instagram:  Toni Collier (@tonijcollier)

• PODCAST | Toni Collier

• Brave Enough to Be Broken: by Toni Collier

• Broken Crayons Still Color: by Toni Collier

• Ironman movie

“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”

- Martin Luther 

I’ve spent most of my life agreeing philosophically with the words above; but I’ve also spent much of my life very practically wondering how to pray correctly. Or most effectively. Or the way that everyone else does so that God will really hear me. 

Can you relate? 

The next few weeks, we’re focusing on the spiritual rhythm of prayer. Yes, we’re going to talk about the “why” questions behind prayer as well as the “how.” But more than anything, I’m asking the Lord to remind us that the same God who heard the bold prayers of Elijah, David, Solomon and Daniel—is the same God who is inviting each of us into real and authentic conversations with him today. 

So let’s kick-off this week talking about all things prayer, and consider ways to habit ourselves into a life filled with bold and audacious prayers.

All things Cynthia

It’s starting to get embarrassing how much I gush each time I interview Pastor Max Lucado. But my goodness, after today’s show I promise you’ll understand why he’s often referred to as “America’s Pastor.” He has the kindest, most relatable presence even when he’s tackling something as complex as the end times in his new book What Happens Next. 

If you are like me and grew up a little bit nervous thinking about the end times and what it might look like when Jesus returns, please grab a latte and get ready for a new perspective. I think you’ll feel differently after you hear us talk about whether this is the end times we’re living in, the biblical signs of the end times, how we should view the rapture, and even whether the antichrist is alive today. I mean, we cover it all people, and it’s enlightening and reassuring. 

But I must say one of my favorite parts of our conversation is when I ask him to share how he tends to hear from God in his own life. It’s a sweet story with a critical reminder that God is still moving, speaking, and working in our lives. And yes, the end times can be scary if we don’t center it on God’s word, but when we do we know how the story ends—and it’s a good one. 

Can’t wait for you to listen today! Be sure to share it with your friends please. 

All things cynthia

What Happens Next by Max Lucado

Yep, it's November and we are turning our focus to worship.

If you’re anything like me, you probably think of worship as that 20 minute span of music on Sundays before the sermon. And that is part of the story for sure, but definitely not the whole story.  

Louie Giglio defines worship this way: It’s our response, both personal and corporate, to God for who He is and what He’s done—expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live.

Take a minute to read and reread that definition and consider how worship isn’t limited to a type of person who is more emotional, or a certain time of the week on Sundays, or even to a specific activity in a limited aspect in our lives. 

We were created to worship and, when done correctly, it naturally overflows into every area of our lives. 

Psalm 150:6 says it this way: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”

Let’s dive in together this month and figure out how to make that happen!

 In today’s episode, I chat with Dr. Mikala Albertson about menopause, hormone therapy, and all the things we need to know to feel better in midlife. We kick things off by debunking some common myths around hormone replacement therapy and why it's not as scary as we once thought. Mikala explains how estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect our bodies and what happens when we lose them. And as a girl who is fighting some serious night sweats, you better believe I was tuned in. 

We also dive into supplements, with Mikala sharing the four key ones she recommends. (I take the sum total of zero supplements, so this part was particularly interesting to me.) We discuss how to navigate the overwhelming supplement market and what to avoid. Spoiler: Not all supplements are created equal!

Then, we talk about ADHD in adults—the struggle is real. Dr. Mikala breaks down how many women might mistake stress for ADHD and how to figure out what’s really going on. We also touch on the decision fatigue we face as we juggle midlife responsibilities.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the changes happening in your body and mind, this episode is for you. It’s full of practical tips, real talk, and a little humor to help you manage the chaos of midlife. 

Don’t forget to tune in next week as we continue talking to Dr. Mikala about stress vs. anxiety, preventative care, and loving our bodies in midlife.

Thanks for listening!

All things Cynthia Yanof

Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife by Mikala Albertson, MD

MESSmerized with Mikala Albertson Episode 76

Dr. Albertson’s Website

I’m so excited to have my friend Kristen Hatton with us today. Not only is she a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, but she’s also a brand new empty nester with a great perspective on fostering relationships with our kids now in preparation for when they live away from our homes. 

We talk a lot about communication in today’s show, with Kristen highlighting several reasons why our kids may not feel safe or comfortable talking to us. Even with the best of intentions, there are things we inadvertently do each day that close the lines of communication with our kids. She may or may not have stepped on my toes in this area as I realize I’m guilty of several of them. Ha! 

I especially love her list of seven ways to “parent ahead” (also the name of her book), which includes things like active listening, setting boundaries, normalizing awkward topics, and avoiding the temptation to nag. Listen in to get the complete list and her explanation as to why these things matter. 

Kristen is one wise mom, and I can’t wait for you to hear our conversation today!

Parenting Ahead by Kristen Hatton

All things Cynthia

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And busiest . . . 

There’s truly nothing like Christmas and the anticipation of fun activities, family gatherings, and celebrating the birth of our Savior. But there’s also the practicalities of shopping, cleaning, hosting, and wrapping that bring chaos to our lives if we aren’t super intentional. (Not to mention that JB is already burning up the speakers of my SUV with Kidz Bop Christmas. Bless it.) 

I’m so thankful to have Lee Cordon of Do Say Give with us today! She’s bringing us practical considerations on the best ways to get things accomplished for Christmas, while also keeping the main thing the main thing. 

Today’s show covers everything from specific gifts for teachers and the postman, to family traditions and decorating our trees. We’re hitting the whole gamut of Christmas and having a lots of fun along the way. 

Listen to MESSmerized today for all things Christmas, and also be sure to check out Lee’s website for the very best gift-giving and Christmas planning ideas!

All things Cynthia

Pre-Order Life is Messy, God is Good

I hope you’re enjoying our “Trusting God” series as much as I am. So far we’ve talked about trusting God with our failures and our future self, and this week we’re talking about trusting God with our resources. Don’t worry, this isn’t a discussion of giving away all your money. (Although we definitely are called to live generously with all aspects of our lives, including our finances.) 

Pastor Libin Abraham is my Pastor at Bent Tree Bible Church here in Dallas. My family attends this church, and I’m so excited that he’s sharing ways to identify our resources and use them to impact our culture. He challenges us to leave the “shallows” of our faith and take  a deeper dive into God’s plans and purposes for our lives. (See Luke 5 for context)

I have to be honest with you, today’s conversation spoke directly to my heart and reminded me why I’m doing some hard things that don’t make sense outside of God. Libin calls these life decisions our “irrational acts of obedience,” and gives two questions to consider when it comes to trusting God with our resources. 

I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation! 

All things Cynthia Yanof

Bent Tree Bible podcast with Pastor Libin Abraham

First of all, look at all the amazing guests coming our way this fall on MESSmerized! Seriously, the Lord has been so good to provide opportunities to talk with so many of my personal heroes of our faith and hear their words of encouragement. So, if you’re not subscribed to MESSmerized, will you do so today? Also, will you consider sharing your favorite episode(s) with your friends, your small group, and even on social media? What a blessing it would be to have your help getting this show out to more and more people. 

Today Emily Freeman joins us to discuss her new book, How to Walk Into a Room. She is a New York Times bestselling author of six books with a masters degree in Spiritual Formation and Leadership. She has a true passion for teaching us how to listen well and hold grief and silence with those who need it most. I love how Emily says that silence can teach us a lot about ourselves—it can uncover fears we need to deal with or be aware of. (I’m not very good at silence, so perhaps this was intended just for me. 😊)

This is a big day for Sidetracked because we officially announce our new home and tell you all the details on following us there. So listen today for a great word from Emily Freeman and also lots of Sidetracked laughs.

Connect with Emily Freeman: 

• Website:  Emily P. Freeman (emilypfreeman.com)

• Facebook: Emily P. Freeman | Facebook

• Instagram:  Emily P. Freeman | Spiritual Director (@emilypfreeman)

Links Mentioned:  

• Feastables MrBeast Original Chocolate Bars

• How to Walk into a Room: by Emily P. Freeman

• The Next Right Thing: by Emily P. Freeman

• NEW HOME for Sidetracked! Follow along!

My family is on vacation this week, and in honor of family trips gone wrong, here’s a little summer travel excerpt from Life is Messy, God is Good:

I appreciate how Home Alone completely lowered the bar on family travel expectations after the parents left Kevin at home TWICE. Not to mention that biblically speaking, Jesus’ parents lost Him for more than three days while returning home from Jerusalem.

I’m encouraged that if Joseph and Mary had a parenting fail and lost the Messiah, I can calm the heck down about the Colorado trip where we lost all of our groceries (and most of our hanging clothes) out the back of our car in the middle of the Breckenridge roundabout. And then several days later, my husband went all Evel Knievel off a bike jump, which landed him in the ER with broken ribs and a punctured lung (all of which I weirdly got on video in slow motion). 

Good memories, that trip, but may it never be called a vacation. 

As much as I love a good family trip, it’s DEFINITELY not a vacation when the kids are involved. (Oh, and if you want to see the cringy bike accident video, follow me on Instagram and shoot me a DM.)

But I digress. 

On today’s show we’re talking with Molly Stillman about why laughter matters. Molly’s a podcaster, author, wife, mother, and just a hilarious individual. She has a great reminder on the physical and spiritual benefits of laughter. If you’re anything like me, this is a much-needed message as summer continues to go on (and on and on and on). 

All things Cynthia

Check out Molly’s new book, If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry: How Death, Debt, and Comedy Led to a Life of Faith, Farming, and Forgetting What I Came into This Room For.

We’re answering “how to” questions these days on MESSmerized, and today we’re tackling the awesome yet complex topic of friendships. I think of all the things I’m asked to talk about from my book, most often I’m asked about the topic of friendships and how to cultivate the really deep, meaningful ones. 

Thankfully the queen of friendships (I made that up on the spot by the way) is with us today. Amy Weatherly is covering the good, bad, and ugly of doing life with others, and why it’s so important we prioritize friendships. 

Amy gives us five great take-aways on friendship today, but I’m going to give you just a few below and let you listen to the rest on the show:

1. Deep friendships require time

2. Deep friendships mean creating rituals and traditions

3. (DO NOT MISS the rest of her amazing points)

I also want to mention that summer is a GREAT time to show some intentionality by gathering friends and strengthening relationships. I’ve done several book clubs in the past and always been grateful I put myself out there.  

If you’re interested in a book club this summer with friends, I’ve got an amazing idea for you. My publisher, Esther Press, has named Life is Messy, God is Good as their summer book club book, and you can join today and receive book club questions, videos for each chapter, and lots of other fun things. 

This is a great way to do a book club with either an online community, or with friends in your neighborhood that you hope to bond with this summer. So jump in today and listen to Amy’s friendship fine points today and then consider who might want to join you for a summer book club on Life is Messy, God is Good. 

So grateful for you guys!

Sign-up for the Life is Messy, God is Good summer book club!  

All things Cynthia Yanof

Here for it by Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnston

"I strongly suspect that if we saw all the difference even the tiniest of our prayers to God make, and all the people those little prayers were destined to affect, and the consequences of those effects down through the centuries, we would be so paralyzed with awe at the power of prayer that we would be unable to get off our knees for the rest of our lives. Peter Kreeft."

- Peter Kreeft

This is one of my favorite quotes on prayer, one you are probably familiar with. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could pinpoint the results of every prayer we’ve ever offered up to the Lord? If we could see how circumstances changed, health was restored, finances were spared—wouldn't that change the priority we give prayer each day? 

Yet whether or not we can see the results, we know God hears and answers our prayers. (1 John 5:14-15) And so this week we’re wrapping up our month of prayer by considering a few biblical examples where God faithfully answered the prayers of his people. They are definitely worth studying and are powerful. 

But I’m also sharing a few personal examples of times when God has shown up and answered prayer in my own life. Because we can talk academically about prayer all day and try to logically work our way into being more consistent. Yet in my experience, what’s most impactful is the stories we share of God’s faithful response to our deepest needs. 

So join me today as we wrap up our month of prayer with some encouraging reminders that God is still moving. And get ready as we prepare for a new spiritual rhythm next week, worship. This will be perfect as we head into Thanksgiving. 

So grateful for you!

All things Cynthia

Have I told you this week how much my family loved Duck Dynasty? It was/is such a genius way to get people laughing while still instilling biblical truth and good old fashioned family values. The prayers around the table at the end of each show still get me. 

Today I have the privilege of chatting with Willie Robertson about all things Duck Dynasty, and it’s far past due since I’ve interviewed basically everyone in his family except for him. 

Willie’s stories are amazing, including how he tried to fire Cy, how Duck Dynasty got started, and how he got Phil signed on to the idea of reality TV.  

But Willie is really passionate about sharing his faith, and that’s a big part of our conversation today. He talks about how his parents instilled this in his life, and how he’s trying to do that for his children as well. Willie’s new book Gospeler (which I mispronounced all throughout the show 😅) challenges us to let go of our excuses and get bold about sharing our faith to a culture who desperately needs it. 

When I think about fun interviews I’ve had the privilege of being a part of—this one definitely lands somewhere near the top! I can’t wait for you to listen.

Cynthia Yanof 

P.S. For those interested, I’m currently booking speaking engagements for the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025. I would love to be a part of your next event, so click here and fill out the form if you’re interested.

Gospeler: Turning Darkness into Light One Conversation at a Time 

All things Cynthia Yanof

Life is Messy, God is Good

I’ve had the unbelievable fortune of interviewing Bob Goff several times over the last few years, and he never disappoints. Yes, he’s an author, podcaster, philanthropist, attorney, and much more. But I think my favorite thing is how he gives the most ordinary situations a “Bob Goff spin,” showing us how to live out the gospel in ways that are simple yet profound. 

Today we’re discussing how he got talked into writing books and the details behind that little career pivot. He also shares some insight on discerning when God is leading us into new callings. If you take nothing else from this interview, I hope you’re challenged to consider what your “next brave step” may be in following Jesus in today’s culture. 

I realize it’s Spring Break for many and there’s lots of traveling. This is a PERFECT podcast for the whole family. So listen in—you won’t regret it.

Order Life is Messy, God is Good

Support MESSmerized 

All things Bob Goff

I’m going to keep this short because, well, listen to the intro and you’ll understand. But somewhere between trying out a new spray tan and finding our trampoline in our front yard after a storm—it’s gotten kinda weird over here. 

But thankfully, on the show is one of our faves, Dr. Ken Wilgus. We’re talking about how we survive summer with teens, and below is a preview of a few points that are coming your way: 

1. Set absolute limits on screens in advance 

2. Establish household expectations

3. Require some level of outside activity

And this is just the tip of the iceberg on the wisdom coming your way on today’s show. 

Thanks for being a part of the MESSmerized community, and PLEASE take a minute and leave a review so more folks can find us.

All things Cynthia

Feeding the Mouth that Bites you by Ken Wilgus

Ken Wilgus' Podcast

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed a few weeks of episodes where we’ve dug deep into reading our Bible. I think the takeaways are many, but mostly the key is the intentionality in doing it each day by having a time, place, and plan for reading. 

This week we are talking about different tools that can help us study our Bible. By no means are these a must-have, but the resources available can be helpful in gaining deeper understanding. Mary DeMurth is joining me today to talk about the various resources available for Bible study, and she’s a great person to join us because she’s written close to 50 books in the faith genre. 

Mary and I both share our favorite resources today, which include commentaries, online concordances, Bible reading plans, and Bible studies. Mary has a brand new book out that gives a 90-day plan for reading through the entire Bible (in about one hour a day). As a part of this 90-day reading plan, she encourages us to incorporate “brisk” reading into our Bible study. 

Take a few minutes to listen today, and even consider doing some research on which tool(s) might help you get more out of your daily Bible reading. 

Bible Study Resources Mentioned in Show: 

Mary Demuth

90 Day Bible Reading Project 

The Bible Project

The Bible Recap

Wiersby Commentaries

N.T. Wright Books

Coffee Cup Bible Study Series

Precept Austin 

Logos

All things Cynthia

Patreon for MESSmerized

Today I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Jon Acuff! If you don’t know Jon, he’s like the fun friend who makes you laugh but also slips in the kind of wisdom that makes you go, "Huh... I really needed to hear that." We covered everything from goal-setting and personal development to parenting in a way that doesn’t drive us or our kids completely nuts. But what really hit home was our conversation about helping our teens win in life.

Jon had a lot to say about recognizing that every kid’s path is different. As parents, it’s easy to think there’s one formula to follow, but Jon reminds us that sometimes our job is simply to help our teens define their own version of success. Whether that’s landing a part-time job or surviving Algebra 2, the goal is to meet them where they are and celebrate the small wins. He also emphasized the importance of creating space for kindness—because kindness isn’t just a cute personality trait, it’s a skill. And if we want to raise kind adults, we need to teach kindness now, even when it feels inconvenient (like when your teen is being throwing it down while unloading the dishwasher).

Jon also introduced me to something he calls "performance zones." Basically, it’s all about learning to function well even when life feels chaotic—which, let’s be real, describes parenting perfectly. He reminded me that it’s okay to embrace the craziness and find small ways to move forward. No need to have it all figured out today—or any day, really. And as parents, showing our kids how to handle that kind of chaos with grace is a huge part of preparing them for life.

Whether you're looking to grow as a parent or just as a person, this episode is packed with insights you can use. Trust me, you’re going to love it—and who knows? You might even feel a little more prepared to help your teen win at life, one messy, beautiful day at a time.

Cynthia Yanof

Jon Acuff 

How Teens Win by Jon Acuff

Molly Stillman Podcast

I couldn't be more hyped-up for you to hear our guests today as a part of the “trusting God” series. We have Cary and Cara Pierce joining us, and I’ve been hoping to make this happen for a LONG time. Not only are they dear friends, but they are hilarious and “real” people who know a thing or two about trusting God when your dreams change. 

Cary is a part of the band Jackopierce, traveling across the country entertaining millions of fans over the last 30 years. His wife, Cara, is an attorney and amazing woman of faith. Cary hit it big by the world’s standards shortly after college, with every rock band dream seemingly in front of him. But the Lord had plans to draw Cary closer to him, a plan that was not without hardship and loss before healing and redemption. 

Today’s conversation is about fame, disappointment, blended families, using your platform for the Lord, and seeing God’s goodness even in the midst of dream changes. 

Take a few minutes to listen, and then please share this with a friend. 

Jackopierce band

All things Cynthia

Patreon for MESSmerized

Dr. Mikala Albertson is back, and we’re diving into all the fun midlife surprises—stress, anxiety, preventative health, and why our bodies suddenly have a mind of their own. We’re breaking down the difference between normal stress and full-blown anxiety, and whether medication is the right move. If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “Am I dying, or is this just midlife?”—this episode is for you.

We also get into the stuff we love to avoid: preventive health. Turns out, regular check-ups and blood work actually matter (who knew?!). Mikala shares what we need to be monitoring and why taking care of ourselves now saves a lot of stress later. Plus, we talk about the midlife body—how it’s changing, why that’s okay, and how to shift our focus from unrealistic expectations to real health and self-acceptance.

And because no midlife conversation is complete without discussing food and sleep, we unpack intuitive eating, the dangers of disordered eating, and why freedom in our choices matters. Plus, if your sleep is suddenly a disaster, you’re not alone—tune in for ideas on what might help.

This episode is full of laughs, real talk, and practical advice to help us navigate midlife without losing our minds (or at least, not completely). So grab your coffee, your reading glasses and let’s figure this out together. 

All things Cynthia Yanof

Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife by Mikala Albertson, MD

MESSmerized with Mikala Albertson Episode 76

Dr. Albertson’s Website

We’re down on all fours and crawling towards the finish line of summer over here. 

Barely scraping by. 

It’s not all that surprising, except that every year my idealistic May-self is convinced this will be the summer where my dreams and expectations line up perfectly. The summer of family walks, lemonade stands, nightly devotionals, and a physical and spiritual renewing of our hearts and minds. 

But it’s August and all of that’s shot to  . . . the ground. And now it’s just survival. Want new school shoes? Not my concern, go thrifting. Need school supplies? Look in the junk drawer. Summer reading? Pretend you didn’t get the assignment. 

I’m assuming I’m not alone in this? The heat dome has shut me down, and it’s time to send the people back to school in a few weeks. So in honor of our impending freedom (scratch that) school starting, we’re spending the next few weeks in August talking about all the back-to-school basics. 

Today. Kay Wyma is chatting with us about comparison, competition, and how to become cheerleaders for those around us. Next week, I’ll be sharing a few critical conversations to have with your kids before school starts. And then Sissy Goff will round us out with some critical thoughts on anxiety in our kids and how to stay in front of it. 

I’m grateful you’re here each week, and in the event you’re having the summer of your dreams . . . let’s just keep that preciousness to ourselves. 😂

Grateful for you!

All things Cynthia

Joni Eareckson Tada had a diving accident as a teenager, leaving her a quadriplegic. Since that time God has used her life in incredible ways to impact millions of people all over the globe for Jesus.

Joni has an incredible word for us today on finding peace in our lives by abiding with Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I know how to spend time with Jesus, praise Jesus, and even talk about Jesus. But sometimes “abiding” with him feels complex and needs a little more explanation. Joni’s doing that for us today.

Also, can I suggest that if you or someone who has been walking through a hard time, waiting for God to answer and it seems he’s silent—today’s show is a great one to share? Joni knows all too well how to trust Jesus in seemingly impossible circumstances. 

I truly can’t wait for you to hear more from Joni today!

Joni and Friends

The Practice of the Presence of Jesus by Joni

All things Cynthia

Order Life is Messy, God is Good

Summer . . . I love you, but you’re chaotic and expensive. 

Kids . . . I love you, but you’re chaotic and expensive. 

Vacation . . . I love you, but you’re chaotic and expensive. 

Feel free to join in on my mindless chants of summer. 

I’m super excited about today’s show and talking about ways to save a little money. To be clear, I’m not talking about it from the 401K and investment perspective for the long-haul, but literally what can I do TODAY to get the budget back on the rails. 

Crystal Paine is with us, and she has some GREAT advice today. She’s built an entire brand called The Money Saving Mom and has the best tricks and tips for making ends meet. Her suggestions are so great that I wanted to give you a few of her points as a sneak-peak:

1. Your income is not your biggest issue; it’s your mindset

2. Your grocery budget is the best place to start saving money

There’s a lot more coming your way for saving money and changing our perspective, and it’s so so practical and necessary. 

Take a minute to listen today, and please please share the show with a friend. Heck, get crazy and even take a minute and leave a review. I’ll be forever grateful.

Happy Valentine’s Week! 💗💗💗💗💗

First, I want to say thank you for the kind words and incredible response to last week’s episode, where I went rogue with a solo show. I’m so glad it encouraged you! Yes, I’m hoping to do more episodes like this after I finish the book I’m currently working on. 

I’m excited for our show today, because I’m chatting with Jess Johnston and Amy Weatherly about a topic that hits home for so many of us—perfectionism, vulnerability, and the beauty of authentic friendships. We talk about the impossible standards we set for ourselves, the way societal expectations can warp our self-worth, and how true growth happens when we stop pretending and start being real. 

Jess and Amy open up about their own struggles with perfectionism and how learning to embrace imperfection has led to deeper, more meaningful relationships. We dive into the importance of community and why letting people in—even when it feels messy—can be the most freeing thing we do. If you've ever found yourself exhausted from trying to have it all together, this episode is for you. 

So, take a deep breath, let go of the need to be perfect, and join us for a conversation that just might change the way you approach your friendships, identity, and lots more! 

All things Cynthia 

Perfect is Boring (And it Tastes Like Kale) by Jess Johnston 

Amy Weatherly’s books: I’ll Be There and Here for It 

Follow Amy on Facebook at Sister I am With You and @Amy Weatherly  

It’s week two of our new series asking “how do I _____” questions. Each week we’re bringing in amazing guests with practical advice for all areas of life. If you missed last week with Courtney DeFeo, we talked about cheering on other women, and you definitely need to go back and listen if you missed it. So so good. 🎉

This week we are tackling marriage, and I’m so excited for you to meet Dave and Ann Wilson. They are pastors, speakers, and hosts of the nationally syndicated radio show Family Life Today. But more than that, they are hilariously honest and real as they talk about marriage and how they’ve gotten it wrong over the years, and the lessons they’ve  learned along the way. 

Today Dave and Ann are giving us five tips for improving our marriage, and you don’t want to miss them. I’ll give you two of them to peak your interest (but definitely go listen to the show for all five points and lots of fun discussion around them): 

1. Don’t run away from conflict

2. Deal with your family of origin baggage

Yep, that’s just the beginning, and I promise you will leave encouraged and full of practical ways to work on your marriage this week. 

So grateful for you guys and I would be incredibly grateful if you would leave a review for the show so that others can find us!

Have a great week!

All things Cynthia Yanof

Life is Messy, God is Good

Dave and Ann Wilson

Art of Marriage by Family Life

A show of hands for those who love Sissy Goff? (Picture me with both of my hands up. 😂) 

Sissy is a Licensed Counselor from Nashville, Tennessee, and although she’s a frequent guest on CNN, GMA, and NBC Nightly News, she’s also just an amazing woman with an abundance of wisdom around anxiety and worry. 

Recent statistics show that 5.6 million kids have been diagnosed with anxiety. And if a parent has anxiety, research shows their child is seven times more likely to experience it as well. In other words, today’s conversation is pretty much on point for every single one of us. 

Sissy and I have a great conversation coming your way about identifying anxiety in our kids, coping techniques, and what’s normal versus what might need a little more attention. She also covers ways to show empathy without overplaying unreasonable fears. 

Her new book is just out, The Worry Free Parent, and it’s a great resource. Let’s take time as summer wraps up to have some intentional family conversations around anxiety and how to work through it.

All Things Cynthia Yanof

Raising Boys and Girls Podcast

The Worry Free Parent by Sissy Goff

Daystar Counseling, Nashville, Tennessee

This week we’re continuing our back-to-school series with some key conversations to have with our kids before school gets rolling again. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of interviewing many of the top authorities in parenting, and I’m always reminded of the importance of knowing and speaking directly into our kids’ core needs. 

With this in mind, I came up with three topics I want to cover with my kids and also share with you. Spoiler alert: they include belonging, perspective, and kindness. I can’t think of more important reminders for our kids at the beginning of a school year considering the inevitable highs and lows that are coming their way. 

Oh, and a BIG bonus for today’s show is that Heather MacFadyen is with us. As always, she gives lots of wisdom while making me laugh all the way through. 

Job 42:5 is one of my favorite verses in the BIble and I’ll end with this:

“My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”

My prayer this school year is that our kids will not just hear of our faith, but truly experience it with their own eyes. Let’s kick-off the year with words that will lead them in the right direction.

Welcome to our first season of MESSmerized!

We’re kicking off this shiny new podcast with a real and humorous conversation around the ways God unsettles us in order to gently move (or shove) us into new seasons. 

The definition of mesmerized is “to hold the attention of someone to the exclusion of all else.”  So how do we focus on something more than our everyday struggles with approval, busyness, achievement, image, and everything else that so easily captures our hearts? 

That’s exactly where we are headed with today’s show and I promise you don’t want to miss it. 

One of my favorite quotes is by Louie Giglio: 

“Faith thrives in holy discontent. The greatest moments in life can often result from some of the most uncomfortable decisions. Nothing worth having comes without a cost.”

What uncomfortable decision is God asking you to make? 

Why do we say “yes” in the face of the unknown?

How do we stop weighing the costs and take that first step of obedience? 

If you’re anything like me, you’ve felt an unsettling in life that’s getting louder and louder. Let’s break it down together. 

It’s hard to believe that we’re approaching THREE weeks until my book releases on February 6th (small panic attack as I’m typing this). In honor of the big day coming up, we’re going to do a fun series on MESSmerized the next few weeks where I interview people who are written about in the book. It’s a behind the scenes look at the ways life gets messy for so many of us, and how to find God in the midst of it. 

This week my dear friend Sharon Haynes is joining us. If you have not heard our story about fat camp and the french fry, you MUST LISTEN today. Aside from Sharon’s hilarious story, she has a poignant word on the hard places of losing our parents, raising kids who make rogue decisions, and keeping it real with our closest friendships. I can’t tell you how much I love today’s show and Sharon’s willingness to lay it all out there. 

On a side note, I’m going to be sending out an email later this week with some ways you can help me promote Life is Messy, God is Good in the coming weeks. I would be so grateful if you would take a minute to read that email and consider sharing news of my book with your friends, family, and small groups. And of course, if you haven’t already ordered a copy can I ask you to do that today? 

So grateful for you and can’t wait for you to listen to our series on going “behind the mess.”

Pre-Order Life is Messy, God is Good

It’s summer and let’s be honest . . . . someone needs to start doing a little better job raising the kids in our house. (Or maybe that’s just the current situation in my house 😂). At some point over here we decided a swim in the pool constitutes bathing, and slushies are a food group. An intervention probably needs to be staged. 

Either way, in honor of the dog-days of summer parenting we’re hitting some important topics today with the much-loved Dr. Ken Wilgus. 

For over 30 years Dr. Ken has helped parents prepare and launch their kids into adulthood. And today we’re talking about current trends in parenting, good parenting vs. Christian parenting, and even the changing nature of our relationship with our kids as they grow up. 

I especially appreciate his thoughts on must-have summer conversations with our kids, and hills to die on in parenting (and the things we really need to let go). 

Oh, and an effort to be full-service on MESSmerized, I kick-off today’s show by breaking down some of the words you’re probably hearing in your kids’ vocabulary (and you have no idea what they mean). For example, “ris” “cap” “bussin” . . . . you get the point. 

All things Cynthia Yanof

Support MESSmerized

Feeding the Mouth that Bites You book

Feeding the Mouth that Bites You podcast 

Today we’re talking about body image, learning to love our body, and calling out the false narratives we’ve bought into from culture and other places relating to our physical body. 

Talking about body image kinda feels like no-man's land, and I’m thinking I might as well hit politics and money while I’m at it. Joking. But having a discussion around how to love our body is something that is important, and I believe it is not discussed enough in Christian circles. So we’re doing it here today! 

Liz Rodriguez and Rebecca Carrell from the Honestly, Though podcast are with us today. Liz is currently on her own personal health journey after receiving some tough diagnoses a few years ago. She speaks honestly about the physiological aspects of losing weight and working through the well-intentioned but hard comments she receives from others. 

Rebecca is healed from an eating disorder that she struggled with for many years. She has a great word on loving and accepting our God-given bodies while also raising daughters who can hopefully do the same. 

I understand this can be a touchy topic, and I assure you that we will do our very best to encourage you wherever you are in your health journey. Take a minute to listen and also share with your friends.

Also, if you enjoy MESSmerized will you please consider rating and reviewing the show? This helps others find us and hopefully encourage people to chase after Jesus even when everything around us. 

Sign-up for the Life is Messy, God is Good summer book club!  

All things Cynthia Yanof

For more of their discussion on body image listen to Honestly, Though here.

The Body Project by Joan Jacobs Brumberg

Catch up with Rebecca and Liz below:

Rebecca Carrell

IG: @RebeccaCarrell 

Twitter: @RebeccaACarrell 

FB: Rebecca Ashbrook Carrell

Liz Rodriguez

IG: @lizannrodriguez 

FB:  Liz Rodriguez

We’re just a couple of weeks out from Christmas 🎄🎄🎄 and it feels like there’s more to be done than hours in the day. Yet, I often find myself on Instagram cracking up at all the random Christmas humor. Last week, I came across this little gem that made me laugh much harder than it probably should have:

"I accidentally used mom’s fabric scissors to cut wrapping paper, and now the cops are here." - Unknown Author

But I digress.

Today on MESSmerized, we get to hear from Pastor Louie Giglio (and you guys know how much I love Pastor Louie and the impact he’s had on my life since I was in college a million years ago).

We have such a great conversation about the powerful truths in Psalm 84:11 and what it really means to walk in God’s grace, reflect His glory, and trust in His goodness—even when life feels really, really hard.

Pastor Louie offers a fresh perspective on God’s grace, showing us it’s not just for salvation—it’s for the carpool lines, parent-teacher conferences, and every messy moment of life. He also discusses why living for God’s glory can flip the script on how we see ourselves, our work, and our calling.

If you’re struggling to see God’s goodness in the hard seasons or wrestling with what it means to truly live for His glory, this episode is for you. I believe Pastor Louie’s words will inspire, challenge, and encourage you to live differently, wherever God has placed you. And as an added bonus, this conversation is perfect entertainment for those long hours of present wrapping.

All things Cynthia Yanof 

Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio

We’ve got a new show out today, and I’m so excited for you to hear this important conversation with Natalie Runion. We’re going deep into the messy but important topic of church life and the realities of church hurt, how to spot an unhealthy church, and when it might be time to walk away—or stick around.

We also explored the idea that ministry isn’t just for pastors and church staff. Every believer has a ministry! Whether it’s through serving, worshiping, or simply being a witness in your community, you’re making an impact. And if you’re raising kids, it’s crucial to show them the importance of the church by staying involved—whether it’s through serving or just building friendships within the church community. What we do now can have a big impact on their views of church, and how it is incorporated in their lives as adults. 

This episode is for anyone who’s felt the sting of church hurt or struggled with whether it’s time to leave a church that no longer feels like home. It’s a reminder that God calls us to obedience, even when things get messy. If you need some encouragement to keep showing up—or if you're figuring out how to walk away without bitterness—this one’s for you.

Make sure to listen, share with a friend, and leave a review if this resonated with you! Let’s keep these conversations going because the church matters—and so do you.

All things Cynthia Yanof

The House That Jesus Built by Natalie Runion

My name is Cynthia Yanof and I’m addicted to my phone (and my watch, and Netflix, and Diet Dr. Pepper, and Mahjong . . . . too much?)

Good thing Joey Odom is with us today! We’re coming in hot with a grace-filled word for those of us all of us who need to be reminded that we can’t allow technology to trump our relationships. We’re talking about navigating our phones in a world where they are so helpful and critical, yet can also be harmful and a crutch. 

Joey’s thoughts on untethering ourselves from our phones is sobering and practical. He gives very do-able suggestions that we can start implementing today. He also reminds us that we’re all learning to navigate phones together for the first time, so don’t beat yourself up. 

I know it may be a hard topic to get excited about because the majority of us have guilt around our lack of technology boundaries . . .. however, this is a 30-minute conversation you won’t regret!

Have you read Life is Messy God is Good yet? If so, post yourself with your book and/or a favorite quote and tag us on social media. We would be love to repost stories of MESSmerized listeners loving this book!

All things Cynthia

Seeing as though I have a first-grader and all, empty nesting seems a lifetime away. But for so many of us it’s one of those things that sneaks up in an instant leaving us and wondering what’s next and how to parent these new adults in our lives.

Jim Burns is an absolute delight and comes today with lots of practical information on how to prepare for the empty-nesting years. We discuss how women tend to cope with kids leaving home versus men, and he shares plenty of super relatable insights from his own experience. 

We also talk about how to parent our adult children and when to give advice and when to shut-up and smile until called upon. I think one of the mic drop moments in this interview for me came was the reminder that “our words have the power to bless and to curse.” (Remind me to buy a gag for my mouth.) 

Please take a few minutes to listen to this fun conversation with Jim Burns, and then share it with your friends who are approaching this same empty-nesting road.

All things Cynthia

Life is Messy, God is Good

Jim’s ministry: HomeWord

Finding Joy in the Empty Nest

Doing Life with Your Adult Children

Hey Y'all!

I'm back from vacation and let's just say the Yanof family did not return unscathed. There may or may not have been a fall, a black eye, and a little (lot) of humiliation amidst the fun of family vacation. 

Nonetheless, I'm so excited about today's show because we've got the super hilarious and wise Steve Frissell joining us. Pastor Steve helps us walk through the concept of grace, and how it changes everything we do if we really understand it and apply it. 

Spoiler alert: Pastor Steve also has the most incredible story of grace in his own life with endless parenting applications and reminders to embrace the messy moments with love and compassion. 

So take a minute to tune in this week and laugh, learn, and even enjoy the visual picture of me face planting in Colorado last week.  Oh, and PLEASE share MESSmerized with a friend and help us build our sweet community. 

Let's do this!

P.S. I am SO EXCITED to announce that our first Patreon episode is out and I'm particularly fond of the guest. My teenage son, Brett Yanof, is joining us to talk about all things high school and giving us insights into the mind of teenagers. Support MESSmerized below and get bonus content each month! 

All things Cynthia Yanof

Support MESSmerized on Patreon

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably thinking “ain’t nobody got time to worry about my own well-being.” After all, we’re trying to keep everyone else above water on any given day, right? But that mindset is exactly what gets us into trouble and is something I’m super excited for us to dive into today. 

Mia Mbrow is an LPC as well as my dear friend. She’s joining us today to talk about this notion of well-being. She has a good word on the importance of assessing where we are individually, before attempting to love others effectively. She breaks down well-being into six facets: intellectual, occupational, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual. 

When one of these areas gets wonky, all of the other areas of our lives tend to suffer. I especially love her three well-being questions and the practical challenge not to add more, but find ways to do less in order to be more to our families. Many of us have a tendency (especially women) to feel like we have to be all things to all people—which leads to exhaustion and a performance-driven mindset. Let’s talk about this today as we’re approaching the stress of the upcoming holiday season. 

Can’t wait for you to meet Mia Mbroh!

All things Cynthia

All things Mia Mbroh