Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast MESSmerized - Funny and faith based encouragement in marriage , family , Christian parenting , and finding purpose

Remember the time I accidentally killed off a guest? Me neither. 😬 Okay...so I confidently announced on another podcast that sweet Dr. Kathy Koch had been dead for years. Turns out she's very much alive, incredibly gracious, and has a fantastic sense of humor.

If you're wondering how to parent your adult children without driving them—or yourself—crazy, this episode is for you. We talk about the practical, biblical wisdom in Dr. Kathy's new book on navigating relationships with adult children. From knowing when to speak up (and when to zip it), to letting your kids struggle without rescuing them, navigating prodigals, kids moving back home, boundaries, and conflict, this conversation is packed with wisdom. Best of all, it's one of those conversations that will leave you encouraged instead of guilty.

And one little programming note: thank you for spending time with me each week. I never take that for granted. We'll be taking a little break over the next few weeks for some much-needed rest and relaxation. (Okay...who are we kidding?) Around here, it's more like moving kids back to college, buying elementary school supplies, and wondering why I live in Dallas with the ridiculous heat. 

But don't worry—we'll be back in late August with meaningful conversations, plenty of laughs, and some guests I absolutely can't wait for you to meet. Thanks for being here. I can't wait to catch up with you then.

How’d I Miss That

All things Cynthia

Kathy Koch’s New Book

Kathy Koch’s Website 

Last night I had my Wednesday lunch girls over to celebrate a few birthdays, and as I looked around the table, I found myself feeling incredibly grateful. We've done life together through babies, college kids, aging parents, health scares, marriage struggles, celebrations, disappointments, and all the ordinary moments in between. It reminded me how much we were created for community. We need people who know our stories, tell us the truth, laugh with us, pray for us, and show up when life gets hard.

Which is exactly why I loved this week's conversation.

I sat down with author Becky Harling to talk about friendship—the lifelong kind, the complicated kind, and the kind that takes a whole lot more work than any of us expected.

We talked about loyalty, why assuming the worst about people rarely ends well, how to have hard conversations instead of quietly disappearing, and why every friendship eventually needs a little grace.

Becky also shared how her cancer journey reshaped the way she thinks about relationships, including loneliness, jealousy, misunderstandings, hurt feelings, unmet expectations, and all the other things that can make friendship feel harder than it should.

It was one of those conversations that left me thankful for the women God has placed in my life and reminded me not to take those relationships for granted. Deep friendships don't happen by accident—they're built over time, through showing up, extending grace, and choosing to stay connected even when it's hard.

If you have a friend who's walked through a season with you, checked in when you needed it most, or simply makes your life better by being in it, would you do me a favor? Send this episode to her. Friendship is something worth celebrating, and my hope is that this conversation encourages both of you.

I have a feeling you'll see yourself somewhere in this episode. Can't wait for you to listen!

All things Cynthia

Friend-Wise by Becky Harling

This week, Cynthia and Melissa catch up on everything from ambulance rides and college move-out day to porch geese, peptides, protein goals, and why neither of them can pretend to care about the World Cup anymore.

Melissa shares the story behind her recent car accident (and the surprisingly attractive ambulance crew), while Cynthia relives her own ambulance horror story involving a stretcher apparently designed for someone much smaller than either of them.

They also compare notes on life with college kids home for the summer, including questionable fashion choices, suspiciously healthy savings accounts, and the sudden realization that their children now have better electronics, better clothes, and possibly better lives than they do. 😂😂😂

Along the way they discuss moving crews for dorm rooms, porch goose culture, Little House on the Prairie, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, lip flips, jelly shoes, hair perfume, outdoor furniture covers, and Melissa's plan to one day travel to Turkey for a facelift.

But beneath all the laughter is a meaningful conversation about gratitude. Melissa shares a simple phrase that has been challenging her lately: We are rich. Not because of what's in the bank account, but because of all the gifts God has already given us.

Come laugh with us. Summer is weird, our kids are grown, and apparently we're now at the age where facelifts and peptides are legitimate conversation topics.

Sign-up for our email list

All things Cynthia

Melissa’s Website

Chicken-Fried Women by Melissa Radke

Well... this was supposed to be our Father's Day episode. Then summer happened. Life got a little unhinged (in the best of ways), and Father's Day came and went before we could get it out. Which, as it turns out, is fitting for a conversation about parenting, grief, family, and trusting God when things don't go according to plan.

This week I sat down with my friend Jonathan Pitts, and we talked about fatherhood, grief, remarriage, blended families, raising daughters, and the things we've learned (and unlearned) over the years as parents.

Jonathan shares what changed after losing his wife, Winter, how he navigated raising four daughters through unimaginable loss, and what it looked like to build a new family after remarrying. We talk about the challenges of blending families, the gift of resilience, letting our kids experience hardship, the pressure dads feel to get everything right, and why we often spend so much energy trying to protect our children from the very things God may use to grow them.

One of my favorite moments was when Jonathan shared a phrase he and his wife repeated often while blending their family: Everything's not on the line.

What if we actually believed that?

This conversation is full of wisdom, encouragement, and practical reminders for parents in every season. And even though we missed Father's Day, I think it's exactly the conversation many of us need right now.

Can’t wait for you to listen!

For Girls Like You

Welcome to MESSmerized! 🎤🎉

A quick note before we begin . . .

If you're one of the many new friends who recently joined us via email, I'm so glad you're here. Every week we talk about faith, family, relationships, and all the messy places where real life meets God's goodness. My hope is that you'll leave encouraged, challenged, and reminded that God is at work—even in the ordinary moments.

Welcome to the community. I'm so grateful you're here.

— Cynthia

Hey Friends,

What if the biggest threats to your marriage aren't the major crises—but the tiny daily choices you barely notice?

In today's show, part two of my conversation with Arlene Pellicane, we talk about the practical habits that help couples stay connected long after the wedding day. From misplaced Capri Suns and forgotten water bills to exercise equipment taking over the living room, we share honest stories from nearly three decades of marriage and why learning to laugh together might be one of the most important skills a couple can develop.

Together, we explore the power of gratitude, why so many marriages drift into a transactional roommate relationship, and how simple acts of service can transform a home. Arlene explains why happiness isn't found in perfect circumstances, social media comparisons, or expecting your spouse to meet every need. Instead, she shares practical ways couples can choose gratitude, support each other's dreams, put their phones down, and create rhythms of connection that strengthen a marriage over time.

If you've ever looked at your spouse and thought, I love you, but today I don't particularly like you, this conversation is for you. You'll walk away with simple, doable ideas for making marriage easier this week (and forever).

All things Cynthia 

Arlene’s Website

Making Marriage Easier by Arlene Pellicane

The Happy Home Podcast with Arlene Pellicane

If you've ever looked at your marriage and thought, We're fine... but this could be better, this two-part series is for you. Today, Arlene Pellicane reminds us that small actions repeated over time create big results and that healthy marriages are usually strengthened—or weakened—not by dramatic moments, but by the little things we do every day. 

Arlene shares some surprisingly doable ways to create more connection in everyday life, including the importance of putting down your phone, having realistic expectations, and learning how to cheer each other on. We also discuss the power of pre-deciding—making intentional choices ahead of time about how you'll prioritize your marriage before life gets busy and distractions take over. We also discuss why so many couples drift into roommate mode and the surprising power of simple appreciation.

Whether you're newly married, celebrating decades together, or somewhere in the middle of raising kids and juggling responsibilities, this episode is full of practical encouragement. Be sure to come back next week for part two of this conversation with Arlene, where we'll continue exploring simple ways to make marriage easier, stronger, and more connected.

Arlene’s Website

Making Marriage Easier by Arlene Pellicane

The Happy Home Podcast with Arlene Pellicane

This is the last week of our Mother’s Day Month of episodes, and we’re ending with a conversation that I think so many moms need to hear. This week I’m joined by my friend Somer Colbert to talk about parenting, expectations, fear, faith, and what it looks like to trust God when the journey doesn’t unfold the way we imagined. Whether you're raising a neurodivergent child or walking closely alongside someone who is, I know you’re going to appreciate today’s show. 

Somer shares such practical wisdom about letting go of unrealistic expectations, learning to celebrate small victories, and trusting God with the parts of our children’s stories we can’t control. We talk honestly about mom guilt, the temptation to compare our kids to everyone else’s, and why saying the hard things out loud is often the first step toward freedom. One of my favorite parts of our conversation was the reminder that different does not mean less than—and that success may look very different than we once imagined.

I also share a personal story about a recent moment with my son that completely reframed what really matters at the end of the day. If you've ever worried about your child’s future, questioned whether you’re doing enough, or simply needed someone to remind you that you’re not failing, this conversation is for you.

All Things Cynthia 

Called to Love Podcast 

Somer Colbert 

The Gift of Limitations by Sara Hagerty

More than a Conqueror Workbook

8 Great Smarts by Kathy Koch

It’s Mother’s Day Month on Messmerized, and this week I’m bringing on one of my very favorite mom friends, Stephanie Martin. If you’ve ever wondered what it actually looks like to follow Jesus in the middle of real life—busy schedules, motherhood, distractions, exhaustion, comparison, guilt, and all—this conversation is for you.

Stephanie is one of those people who genuinely loves being in God’s Word, and honestly, I’ve always admired that about her. So I wanted to sit down and ask her all the questions I think a lot of us wonder: What if Bible study feels intimidating? What if your quiet time doesn’t look like everyone else’s? What if you’re in a season where you feel dry, distracted, or just plain tired?

We talk about the freedom of realizing there’s not one perfect formula for spending time with God, why some of us have carried unnecessary guilt around faith for years, and how God meets us in all kinds of different ways. Stephanie also shares practical ideas for getting started in Scripture without feeling overwhelmed, how praying Scripture over your kids can change the way you parent, and why community with other women matters so much.

We also got into one of my favorite parts of the conversation — learning how to genuinely cheer other women on instead of competing with them. Today’s show is practical, encouraging, funny, and full of reminders we all need.

All things Cynthia

If you’ve ever cried after dropping a kid at college and then immediately enjoyed the quiet house and clean kitchen… this episode is for you. I sit down with my friend, speaker, and longtime Pardon the Mess host Courtney DeFeo for a conversation that somehow covers Target boycotts, Auburn obsession, empty nesting, insecurity, friendship boundaries, and the emotional climate of your home—all while making you laugh harder than you expected.

Courtney shares why she’s stepping away from Pardon the Mess after three years hosting the show I originally launched, and we talk honestly about what it means to release something you love with open hands. We get into parenting girls, surviving the college launch years without emotionally collapsing onto your children, and the weird tension of missing your kids desperately while also appreciating that nobody has trashed your house in 48 hours. 

We also unpack one of Courtney’s favorite topics: the “tone” of your home. What do people actually feel when they walk in. Safe? Seen? Critiqued? Loved? Included? Courtney shares practical wisdom about small “attitude maneuvers” moms can make that completely shift the atmosphere of a family.

There’s also encouragement here for moms entering a new season. As kids grow up and launch, we talk about how motherhood was never meant to be the end of your story. There’s still purpose, calling, creativity, and probably a few embarrassing new adventures ahead.

All things Cynthia

All things Courtney DeFeo

Pardon the Mess

Happy Mother’s Day week, friends. Truly—sending you lots of love this week. 💐

Now before I say anything else… I implore you to listen to this episode. Consider this your Mother’s Day gift from me. It is that good. Like sit-in-the-car-after-it-ends-because-you-need-a-minute good.

I sat down with Sharon Mankin, and it turned into one of those conversations that stirs something in you. At the core, she reminds us: you’re not as confused or off-track as you think—you’re probably just moving too fast to hear what’s already true.

We talk parenting (and yes, over-functioning 🙋‍♀️), learning to step back so our kids can grow, and how sometimes our need to fix things is more about us than them. She also challenges us to be more intentional about the “DNA” of our families instead of just drifting with culture.

And then we get into transitions—empty nesting, changing seasons, and how disruption, as hard as it is, can actually open the door to new vision and purpose. 

It’s wise, practical, and deeply encouraging. Go listen. 💛 (Oh—and I tell a Mother’s Day story in the intro that hopefully reminds us all to be grateful… even in May-cember.)

All things Cynthia

Connect with Sharon Mankin HERE.

Find questions to ask family and friends to get feedback on your gifts, strengths, and passions Here.

Explore how to identify your family values and write a family mission statement with Morgan Taylor HERE or Family ID HERE.

Build a healthy mindset using Jon Acuff’s book, Soundtracks HERE. 

Dive into the concept of Benevolent Detachment in the Wild at Heart podcast HERE or in John Eldridge's book, Get Your Life Back, Here.

With Mother’s Day around the corner, I’m kicking off a month of conversations focused on moms and the people we love most—and it felt only right to start by bringing on one of my own kids.

So I sat down with Kate (my daughter) and Molly (her “great friend,”)—who showed up in matching bonnets from the Dollar Store… which honestly tells you everything you need to know about how this episode starts. If you missed these two last time they were on the show . . . you are in for some real fun today. 

They’re both in that in-between season—wrapping up college and stepping into the next phases of life—and as we talked, it became clear pretty quickly: most of what shaped them over the last few years didn’t come from a classroom.

We talked about friendship—what actually makes someone a good friend and how rare it is to find people who can truly celebrate others well, especially when they’re hoping for the same things themselves. We talked about relationships too, and the balance of wanting someone who loves the Lord while also finding a real connection and joy together.

But what I loved most was hearing how their faith has become their own. Not something they simply grew up around, but something they’ve had to choose—through real experiences, meaningful friendships, and stepping into things bigger than themselves.

As we kick off a Mother’s Day month of encouragement, today’s show is thoughtful, funny, and gives you a real-life glimpse into what’s actually shaping your kids in the college years.

All things Cynthia

Kate’s Foster Care Podcast

Today’s episode starts with my youngest… accidentally macing the entire second floor of our house. If you haven’t heard this story, you’re missing out.

And then, naturally, we pivot to: are we raising kids who can actually handle life?

I sat down with my friends from Raising Boys & Girls, David Thomas and Sissy Goff, and we talked about why so many kids today feel overwhelmed, anxious, and honestly… kind of incapable. Not because they’re not smart or talented—but because somewhere along the way, we started rescuing more than we were equipping.

We get into:

• why kids are avoiding risk (and what that’s doing to them)
• how TikTok became their therapist (terrifying)
• the difference between helping your kids and accidentally handicapping them
• and how to raise kids who can “shake it off” instead of falling apart

Also—if your kid can’t make a decision without calling you 14 times… we address that too. 😬

Come for the pepper spray story. Stay for how to raise kids who won’t mace themselves… metaphorically or otherwise.

All Things Cynthia 

Capable by David Thomas and Sissy Goff 

Today’s show is an important one—and we’re covering a topic I’ve never brought on the podcast before.

I sat down with Sallye Clark, a licensed counselor who specializes in eating disorders, to talk about something that touches so many families. We unpack the difference between eating disorders and disordered eating, and why that distinction matters. What struck me is how often this isn’t really about food at all—it’s about control, anxiety, perfectionism, and the deeper things going on underneath.

Sallye does a beautiful job explaining the early signs that something might be off in a way that’s clear, practical, and easy to recognize. She also talks about the role shame plays in keeping people stuck, and why bringing things into the light is such a critical first step toward freedom.

We also talk about how to approach someone you love if you’re concerned, and how to do that with wisdom and care. And for anyone listening who might feel a nudge that this could be something in your own life, there is real hope here. Recovery is possible, and help is available.

This is a thoughtful, honest conversation—one that I think will stay with you.

Connection Counseling

All things Cynthia

I think we need a drum roll . . . like seriously. 🥁🥁🥁🥁

Today on the show we have Jon Acuff. And let me just start by saying—I’m a HUGE Jon Acuff fan. And today’s show feels a little bit like a redemption story for me, because the first time I had him on, I didn’t fully know who I was talking to (which still makes me laugh/cry a little). Since then, I’ve read the books, listened to his podcast, made my family listen to the podcast… and now I’m all in. So truly—I cannot wait for you to hear this conversation today.

Today we’re diving into his brand new book, Procrastination Proof, which I feel sure is a message so many of us need. We talk about why we procrastinate (and why it’s not just a “you problem”), what’s actually going on underneath it, and how to get unstuck in a way that’s realistic and doable. He shares a simple framework—dream, plan, do, review—that helps take all those ideas and intentions and actually turn them into action.

And because it’s us, we also hit some of those classic Jon Acuff moments—his “soundtracks,” a humbling Skittles story about empty rooms and starting small, and a conversation about doing the things nobody else wants to do so you can experience what most people don’t. I even share how his work challenged my husband to run 1,000 miles last year… and actually do it (and to be clear, the only running I did was my mouth cheering him on and one short jog that required a full recovery plan).

Join us today—and fair warning, you may walk away wanting to do something you’ve been putting off… in the best possible way.

Jon Acuff’s website 

Procrastination Proof by Jon Acuff

Soundtracks by Jon Acuff

All things Cynthia

Hey Friends, Happy Easter Week! 🐣🌷✝️

I hope you’re enjoying this week and finding a few quiet moments to slow down and really consider all that Jesus has done for us. I know how easy it is to rush right past it—we’ve heard the story, we know how it ends—but I hope we’re all pausing and stepping back to consider Holy Week again with fresh eyes.

On the podcast today is one of my faves—a pastor from my church, Steve Frissell. We’re covering everything from workout routines that involve picking things up and putting them down (his = weights, mine = snacks and Diet Dr. Pepper) to a full family scandal involving brownies disguised as protein bars. We also hit all the important Easter topics—Cadbury eggs vs. Peeps, why egg decorating with that tiny wire handle is the fastest way to lose your sanctification, and whether anyone can truly pull off seersucker (jury’s still out).

Steve also walks us through Holy Week—from the crowd yelling “Hosanna” to Jesus’ crucifixion  a few short days later. And practically, we discuss how if Jesus isn’t functionally King in our lives, something else likely is. Approval, control, comfort, anxiety—those things will gladly take the throne, and they’re terrible at the job. So this episode is a mix of laughs, Easter nostalgia, and a really honest look at what it means to crown Jesus as King of Kings in our everyday lives.

Can’t wait for you to listen while you’re making deviled eggs and glazing the Easter Ham. 

Blessings!

Bent Tree Bible

Order How'd I Miss That

All things Cynthia

As you know, I’m taking a little time away this week for spring break with my family—which means slower mornings, later nights, and me pretending I’m a fun, flexible person who doesn’t actually need a routine to survive.

So today, I’m dropping a recent episode from one of my other podcasts, Sidetracked, with my co-host Heather MacFadyen.

If you’ve never listened, just know this: there is no outline, no real plan, and absolutely no guarantee we stay on topic. I’ll be back next week with a fresh episode of Messmerized. In the meantime, settle in—here’s what’s coming your way:

Heather has a new hobby—hip-hop dance fitness—which leads to a very real conversation about midlife exercise choices, ranging from dancing to water aerobics to the stroller workouts moms used to do at the mall. That, of course, opens the door to a shocking revelation that some totally off-the-rails mothers used to take strollers on escalators (i.e., Cynthia).

There’s also a discussion about a child who snort-laughed gum into his nose, running shoes that started foaming mid-practice, and a man who apparently inhaled a tiny toy traffic cone.

They break down new teenage slang, debate the strange corners of internet fame (including monkeys and squirrel puppets with millions of followers), and share why the world might be ready for a menopause subscription box that actually contains useful things (trade the lip plumper for tweezers and possibly an emergency adult diaper).

Add in goose outfits, Graceland, ribbon shopping in Memphis, and a TSA agent gently reminding Cynthia to zip her pants in the airport security line, and this episode is 100% Sidetracked.

Listen to Sidetracked

Become a Super Tracker

Order How'd I Miss That

All things Cynthia

Spring break is happening at the Yanof house, which means I’m headed to San Diego with some of my crew. And yes, we’re going to the zoo. I want the record to reflect I’m selflessly going to walk 12 miles, wonder why every creature in the entire park seems to be either asleep or hiding behind a rock, and question my life decisions (while also holding my nose). But it’s all in the name of being a good mom. So here we are.

Because of travel, today we’re re-releasing one of my favorite conversations with the GOAT himself, Max Lucado. And before you think, oh I’ve heard this one, stay with me.

Last week I had one of those moments where my thoughts completely ran away from me. My son was out driving late at night, and my brain was off to the races—one small concern spinning into about twelve worst-case scenarios in about five minutes flat.

And that’s when I thought, okay… this is exactly why we need to revisit Pastor Max’s words again. In this conversation, he talks about how our thoughts shape our beliefs—and our beliefs shape our behavior. He shares biblical, practical ways to take every thought captive and why “picky thinking” matters more than we realize.

If your mind has felt a little noisy lately, this conversation is such a helpful reset.

Grab a Diet Coke on my behalf and lean in—because it’s a good one (and at least you’re not at the zoo). 🥤🦒✨

Tame Your Thoughts by Max Lucado

All things Cynthia

How’d I Miss That

Tiffany Stein joins me on the podcast today for a vulnerable and thoughtful conversation about grief, disappointment, and what it looks like to keep wrestling toward God when life falls apart. Tiffany shares the heartbreaking story behind her book Mourning God after losing her infant son, David, and how that loss led her into not only grief over what she had lost, but also grief over the God she thought she knew.

Today’s conversation isn’t just for someone who has experienced the death of a loved one. We talk about the many forms loss can take—church hurt, broken relationships, shattered expectations, illness, estrangement, and dreams that never came to be—and how those losses can unravel what we thought we believed about God. Tiffany offers such a wise and honest framework for lamenting for those seasons when God feels silent, prayer feels dry, and faith feels like you’re just barely hanging on.

This conversation is deep, hope-filled, and incredibly practical too. Tiffany shares what helped her in the darkest season of her life, how the body of Christ can carry people when they have no strength left, and some genuinely helpful ways to love people who are hurting without resorting to the usual stitched-on-a-pillow responses. If you’ve ever wondered whether God can handle your honest disappointment, or if you’re walking with someone through sorrow and want to love them well, I think this episode will meet you right where you are.

All things Cynthia

Mourning God by Tiffany Stein

Every Moment Holy, Volume II: Death, Grief, & Hope

Author: Douglas Kaine McKelvey

Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers

Author: Dane Ortlund

Kari and I are back for week two—and this time we’re talking dating from the girl-mom vs. boy-mom perspective. We start by admitting the obvious: most of us got approximately zero dating advice from our parents, so we learned “the hard way”…plus a sprinkle of questionable magazine wisdom.

We get into what we hope our kids look for—without turning dating into an interview process: someone pursuing Jesus, someone kind to people who can’t do anything for them, someone consistent when the “camera is off,” and the importance of paying attention to red flags (including the love-bombing, too-much-too-fast stuff that can feel flattering but isn’t always healthy). Carrie also shares why girls need to trust their gut—because so many women can look back and say, “I sensed something was off…and I ignored it.”

And because we’re coming at this from both sides, we talk about what girls often don’t realize about boys: how much courage it takes to ask someone out, how insecurity can hide behind humor, and why moms should teach daughters how to say no kindly. We wrap with dating in a digital world—DMs, “texting is too formal” (what?)—and our favorite big-picture reminder: leave people better than you found them, because the person you date may be someone else’s spouse one day, and you’d want their future wife/husband to be thankful you were part of their story.

Don’t miss today’s dating advice with the amazing Kari Kampakis!

All things Cynthia

How’d I Miss That

Is Your Daughter Ready?: 10 Ways to Empower Your Girl for an Age of New Challenges by Kari

Well, I went to A&M last weekend to see Brett and speak to the loveliest group of women, and let me just say: visiting girls in college versus boys is a completely different experience. Completely. Different. More on that on today’s show.

Today’s guest is Kari Kampakis—or the “raising girls whisperer,” as I like to call her. She is so wise, steady, and incredibly helpful when it comes to understanding girls, and I loved getting to go to Birmingham last fall to tape a few shows with her in person at her home. She’s just as darling and thoughtful off the mic as she is on it.

We’re doing two weeks with Kari, and this is week one. In this conversation, we dig into the soft skills that matter more than we often realize—especially perseverance and work ethic—and how those qualities are actually built in the everyday moments of parenting. Kari shares practical, encouraging insight on helping kids take ownership of their effort instead of just their results, and why consistent habits and character formation often matter far more than natural talent in the long run.

Whether you’re raising girls or boys, there is so much wisdom here for every parent. I can’t wait for you to tune in!

All things Cynthia

How’d I Miss That

Is Your Daughter Ready?: 10 Ways to Empower Your Girl for an Age of New Challenges by Kari

Mary Marantz joins me on MESSmerized today, and this was such a thoughtful, encouraging conversation. We talk about how we both went to law school and ultimately chose paths that didn’t necessarily make sense on paper, but aligned much more with how God wired us. Mary shares about growing up in a single-wide trailer in West Virginia and how that background shaped her grit, her work ethic, and also her tendency to tie achievement to worth.

We spend a lot of time unpacking fear and the ways women quietly underestimate themselves—perfectionism, overthinking, procrastination, and constantly assuming someone else is more qualified or better. One of the biggest takeaways is how easy it is to over-idealize other people’s success while minimizing our own, simply because we see their highlight reel and live inside our own messy middle.

We also talk about procrastination and the deeper fear behind it, the danger of waiting for the “perfect time,” and how often fear doesn’t say “never,” it just says “not yet.” It’s a really honest conversation about comparison, calling, and showing up anyway—even when you don’t feel ready, qualified, or confident—trusting that God can use ordinary obedience more than perfect performance.

Can’t wait for you to listen!

Order How’d I Miss That & PLEASE PLEASE leave a review!

Mary Marantz’s Achiever Quiz 

Mary’s book: Dirt and Underestimated

First, THANK YOU. My new book is officially out in the world—woohoo! I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the encouragement, the screenshots, the texts, the DMs, and the stories you’ve already shared. It means more than you know. If you’ve read How’d I Miss That?, I would be so thankful if you’d leave a quick review on Amazon (or wherever you purchased it). Reviews really do help more people find the book, and I’m incredibly grateful for every single one.

Matt Chandler is back on Messmerized today, and we start where all deep spiritual conversations begin: with him attempting to hit a baseball at a “pre-Passion Passion” event in Rangers Stadium—in front of pastors and ministry leaders, which somehow ups the pressure. We relive the moment, compare notes on how ruthless our children are (his son uses brain surgery as debate material), and agree there’s an age where you stop competing with your kids because you already know how it ends. 

From there we pivot to the real Passion—45,000 students worshiping with everything they’ve got—and talk about his new 30-day devotional, Awake and Alive, written for those of us who feel tired, distracted, or spiritually numb and don’t want to stay that way.

We also talk about what it actually looks like to “wake up” in everyday life—especially when you’re disappointed with God or feel yourself drifting. Matt shares two questions he asks himself every quarter that are incredibly clarifying: one reveals what stirs his affection for Jesus, and the other exposes what quietly robs it. We wrap with marriage wisdom from 25 and 27 years in, and why your spouse can be a gift—but never your savior. 

We’ll link Awake and Alive (out now), his upcoming Becoming Like Jesus, and yes—How’d I Miss That? too—because the theme here is simple: don’t drift through what matters.

Awake and Alive

Pre-Order: Becoming Like Jesus

How’d I Miss That

All things Cynthia

In today's episode, I’m joined by Rob Boyd—my former youth minister and an actual blast from my past. We take a walk down memory lane filled with blue church vans, lock-ins, Bible drills, questionable music debates, and the kind of church memories that are funny now… and formative forever.

Rob shares what it was like pastoring teenagers (including a very opinionated teenage me), why spiritual disciplines don’t have to be complicated (hello, seven minutes), and why faith is more about being than doing. We talk scripture memory, quiet time, raising kids, waiting on God when He feels silent, and how God uses even the awkward church years to shape who we become.

It’s equal parts laughter, nostalgia, and encouragement—especially for parents, former church kids, and anyone who’s ever wondered if the small things really matter.

And if you want the full stories behind today’s conversation, you can order How’d I Miss That? wherever you get your books.

All things Cynthia

Woohoo! It’s officially the release of How’d I Miss That? TODAY, and we’re dropping this episode on Tuesday instead of our usual Wednesday to celebrate. 

It felt only right to bring on the man who edited every.single.chapter, fixed approximately 9,000 commas, and has final veto power over any story that’s too much—which is really saying something, considering he grew up in locker rooms: Mike Yanof.

We talk marriage—“slow and low” brisket theology, why “spark” is overrated (Mike explains so I don’t get canceled), and why telling your husband all barbecue tastes the same is pretty much a felony. We also swap lists of what spouses should never say if they want to stay married.

Mike also shares about the season he nearly died from meningitis + encephalitis, how that experience reshaped his priorities, and what it taught us about marriage, faith, and trusting God when life is completely out of your control. We talk foster care and adoption too—and how saying yes to something hard changed our family and our understanding of what really matters.

It’s honest, funny, and full of perspective—for marriage, faith, and the ways God shows up in both the moments we pray for and the ones we never saw coming.

Order How’d I Miss That? 

All things Cynthia

Melissa Radke is back, and within the first sixty seconds she’s handing out compliments like she’s trying to earn a commission. (I try to redirect. She refuses. You’ll hear it.)

We start by processing the fact that I had just returned from Disney World and realized—some adults have completely lost their sense of embarrassment. From sexy castle selfies to fashion choices that raise concerns, Melissa and I pitch a new show idea called What Are We Doing Here? Honestly, it might be our best work yet.

From there, we talk about why funny matters, why writing a book is both a gift and a slow unraveling of your sanity, and how the phrase don’t miss it became the theme I couldn’t shake. We get into the tension between platforms and everyday moments—and how God is often at work in places we’re tempted to rush past.

I can promise you today’s show will make you laugh, feel mildly convicted, and maybe even leave you thinking… What are we doing here? —in all the right ways. Can’t wait for you to listen.

P.S. If you’ve pre-ordered How’d I Miss That?, my publisher has lots of freebies for you.

Just click here:  https://davidccook.org/books/howd-i-miss-that/

All things Cynthia

Melissa Radke

This week we’ve got a legend of a guest. Someone who needs no introduction (even though I’m about to). This week my mom, Dorothy, joins us on the podcast—after restarting the recording three times, which Dorothy is fairly certain is a sign the ratings are about to tank. She also arrives with a formal complaint: I have repeatedly thrown the family under the bus in my books, most recently by claiming our family has “no culture.” Dorothy would like to go on record that cardboard sledding, border-town adventures, and extremely questionable beauty decisions absolutely count as culture.

What starts as playful banter turns into one of those meaningful episodes that makes you laugh and then quietly reevaluate your life. Dorothy shares hard-earned wisdom on parenting without overreacting to what feels urgent, choosing long-term faithfulness over comparison, and not missing the in-between moments that matter more than we realize. There’s also a detour into piano trauma, marriage advice via Texas barbecue, and why sparks are overrated but commitment never is.

The heart of the conversation lands on faith—specifically, not sitting on the sidelines when God calls you to do hard things. Dorothy reflects on her years in ministry, stepping into leadership when it wasn’t common for women, and why obedience often comes before confidence. It’s honest, funny, and deeply grounding.

Also included: the one time Dorothy cussed (legendary), why husbands clean toolboxes when guests are coming, and proof that prayer, laughter, and grace go a long way in parenting, marriage, and faith.

Come for the chaos. Stay for the wisdom. You’re going to love Dorothy!

And if you want the full stories behind today’s conversation, you can preorder How’d I Miss That? wherever you get your books.

All things Cynthia

It’s week two of our new series where I’m bringing on people I love, people from my past, and the very people who show up in my new book How’d I Miss That? Today my dear friend Stephanie Martin is back, which means equal parts laughter, honesty, and the occasional, “Cynthia… maybe that story didn’t need to live forever in print.”

We start by revisiting our short-lived triathlon era—because some of us were made for marching band, not athletic competitions—and then move into a conversation about friendship. Why we need it, how it shapes us, and how the right people can pull us back to Jesus when we’re laid flat spiritually.

Woven through it all is the reminder that good friendships will bump into misunderstandings. That’s normal. But instead of avoiding those moments or letting assumptions do the talking, there’s a better way—one marked by humility, curiosity, and a willingness to check in and clear the air so the friendship can keep growing.

If you’ve been needing a refresh on how to build and sustain meaningful friendships, I think this episode will feel like a deep breath and a good laugh. And if you want the full stories behind today’s conversation, you can preorder How’d I Miss That? wherever you get your books.

All things Cynthia

Hey friends—welcome to a New Year and a new How’d I Miss That? series. Over the next few weeks, we’re leaning into conversations I love, people I love, and a message that shaped me as I wrote book two, How’d I Miss That?. (Oh—and we’re going to laugh a lot too.)

There’s a quote that became the backbone of this book:

“There’s very little difference between people—but it’s the little difference that makes a big difference.”

Jesus shows us exactly what that looks like in Luke 10 with the story of the Good Samaritan. Same man. Same road. Three very different responses. The robbers saw a weakness to exploit. The priest and Levite saw an inconvenience to avoid. The Samaritan saw a neighbor worth loving.

The difference wasn’t knowledge or position—it was outlook and availability. Compassion. Interruptibility. A willingness to love when it’s inconvenient.

Most of us aren’t traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho—we’re moving between meetings and carpools, dorms and gyms, desks and dinner tables. And those ordinary, in-between places are where the little difference shows up.

Jesus ends the story with four simple words: “Go and do likewise.” And if I’m honest, even as a girl who was raised in church, there have been plenty of seasons where I had the head knowledge—but missed the call to go and do likewise.

That’s why this book exists. It’s a reminder that small, faithful obedience still changes everything. Jesus calls it mustard-seed faith—quiet, unseen at first, but powerful over time.

Today we’re going to talk about our assignment as Christians (spoiler: love is our brand) and how to make sure we “don’t miss it” this year. I can’t wait for you to to tune in! 

Pre-Order How'd I Miss That?

All things Cynthia

Before we dive in, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and all the things! I took the last two weeks off to spend time with all the kids and it’s been a glorious time of renewal. Just kidding—I’ve been running around like a crazy person just like everyone else! Either way, I happy to be back and I’m so grateful for you—every listen, every message, every time you invited me into your day this year. What a gift this community has been. Truly, thank you.

I saved today’s show for the last one of 2025 on purpose. I wanted us to round out the year with something that brings us back to what matters most going into a new year—being with Jesus. Today’s conversation with Tara Beth Leach is the reminder our souls need about slowing down, meeting God in the morning, and letting small, faithful rhythms steady our hearts.

Tara Beth shares how God met her in a season of deep loss, how He invited her to rise—literally—and begin her days with Him, and how it changed everything. She walks us through her G.R.E.A.T. morning framework (gratitude, reflection, exaltation, asking, trusting), and we talk honestly about guilt, grace, phones, noise, and learning to quiet the distractions so we can hear from God.

If you’re feeling rushed, tired, emotional, or overwhelmed going into the new year, this episode is for you. Happy New Year friends, and I cannot wait to see all the Lord will do in 2026! ✨

P.S. If you’ve loved hanging out here this year, would you consider pre-ordering my new book? It helps more than you know (like… wildly more), and it means you’ll have it waiting for you when launch day hits—no forgetting, no guilt, just joy. Thank you, friends!

All things Cynthia

The Great Morning Revolution by Tara Beth Leach

Today I got to sit down with Sherri Hughes-Gragg—author, mom of five, and someone who speaks about God’s heart with beautiful clarity. 

We talked Christmas traditions—the Yanof Family Book Exchange (which started because I refused to let Mike buy himself a full-price book in December), and Sherri’s Santa Soccer, which involved antlers, Santa hats, sugar, and absolute chaos in her yard.

Then we went deep.

Sherri talked about raising five kids, including daughters adopted from Haiti, and how she moved from parenting out of fear and pressure to parenting from Jesus’ simple plumb line:

Love God, love people.

Before judgment.

Before fixing.

Before controlling.

Sherri shared openly about walking through divorce and then receiving a cancer diagnosis literally the next day. And how instead of seeing a harsh God, she began seeing the compassion of Christ more clearly than ever.

She reminded us Jesus moves toward suffering. Like the widow in Scripture whose only son had died—before He raised the son, He comforted her.

As we enter Advent Week 2—PEACE—Sherri offered freedom:

It is not your job to fix the world.

It is your job to love the people in front of you.

Her new devotional, The Compassionate Christ: Draw Near to the Risen Christ, is a beautiful way to begin the new year with a clearer vision of Jesus as gentle, kind, and near.

Such a great conversation—I think you’ll love it.

All things Cynthia 

The Compassionate Christ Devotional 

Follow Sherri on Instagram

Today I pulled in one of my closest friends, Stephanie Martin, because nothing says “professional podcast” like asking a bestie 24 hours before recording to jump on the show. We kicked off with Thanksgiving—where Stephanie described having college kids home as “being held hostage in the best way,” which perfectly sums up the chaos of adult children wandering in and out of your kitchen like feral cats. 

We swapped childhood Christmas memories (her patriotic tree covered in American flags, my chain-smoked Barbie RV) and confessed our modern traditions—like how I make my family decorate the tree even though none of them enjoy it, and how Stephanie is skipping Christmas cards this year because she feels like God is calling her to slow down and actually see people.

The heart of the episode was Advent hope. We talked about the 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments, the anticipation of the Messiah, and the different reactions to Jesus’ birth—opposition, seeking, apathy, expectancy. It led us to ask: How are we approaching Jesus this season? And how might real hope help us loosen our grip on perfect holidays, perfect kids, perfect everything?

We wrapped with two essentials: husbands who buy their own presents (I literally labeled gifts “To Mike, From Mike”) and the Christmas songs we cannot stand. Stephanie declared Wham off-limits, and I begged the world to retire “Christmas Shoes” forever.

Stephanie ended with a beautiful prayer for hope, rest, and hearts open to whatever God is doing—right here in the middle of our messy, imperfect holidays. Can’t wait for you to listen today!

All things Cynthia Yanof 

Advent books we discussed:

Waiting Here For You - Louie Giglio 

Come Let Us Adore Him - Paul David Tripp

Today I got to sit down with my new friend Abby Kuykendall, author of Let the Biscuits Burn, and y’all… this girl brought the hospitality revival I didn’t know we needed before Thanksgiving week. Abby has a toddler, another baby due in January, and somehow also managed to write a book in the fog of postpartum life. Meanwhile I once forgot to defrost a turkey until Thanksgiving morning, so we are clearly operating at different skill levels.

Abby and I talked about real biblical hospitality—not entertaining, not “tour my pristine home while I panic about the baseboards,” but the Jesus kind. The kind where the table matters more than the menu, and people matter more than pillows arranged at the right angle. She walked us through how hospitality isn’t just a spiritual gift—for many of us it's a spiritual discipline we learn, like piano lessons except far less traumatizing .

We also get super practical (because most of us are one bad casserole away from calling it quits). Abby shares her go-to grocery store hacks, why pizza rolls and pigs in a blanket turn grown adults into joyful children, and how even a messy house can preach “you belong here.” Plus: conversation cards, decorating tips, and simple gatherings you can actually pull off. 

This episode is the pep talk we all need before heading into the holiday hosting gauntlet. Lower the bar. Invite the people who might otherwise be alone. Light a candle. Put out the paper plates. And for the love of all things holy—let the biscuits burn.

P.S. By now, you probably have gotten the memo that pre-orders have started for my new book, How’d I Miss That? If you have NOT pre-ordered yet, I would be so grateful if you’d consider doing that right now! Thank you, friends. 💗💗💗

All things Cynthia 

Let the Biscuits Burn by Abby

A Living Table by Abby

Listen to Abby's Podcast Here

Here’s part two of our shows with my hilarious friend Melissa Radke. This week we pregame the holidays: Texas “sweater weather” that isn’t, Spanx leggings that are life-changing, and crowning Thanksgiving’s Best in Show (Honey Baked Ham, spinach salad, corn casserole—made by the right cousin). We confess our family wild cards (Melissa and her zany mom vs. my husband the political pot-stirrer), share one thing we’re grateful for (her: Remy thriving at college; me: surviving another book), and give 10-second writing advice: write daily, say it out loud, pray, hold the path loosely.

Then we hit Christmas: Melissa’s sacred story—her son Elisha passed on Christmas morning, and how the Lord has spoken into that timing through the years.  Loss and love, together. We speed-run gift drama (parents wanting gift cards and gifting hand-me-down “treasures”), Favorite/Unfavorite Things parties, and Melissa’s… Istanbul facelift pitch. We close with most-hated carols (“Christmas Shoes” and that bossy “figgy pudding”), plus 2026 hopes and big prayers.

Follow The Radke Show, grab Chicken Fried Women for gifting, and thanks for laughing through the nothing-that-became-something series with precious Melissa.

P.S. By now, you probably have gotten the memo that pre-orders have started for my new book, How’d I Miss That? If you have NOT pre-ordered yet, I would be so grateful if you’d consider doing that right now! Thank you, friends. 💗💗💗

📖 Melissa’s Book – Chicken-Fried Women (https://bit.ly/ChickenFriedWomen)

🎥 The Radke Show on YouTube (https://bit.ly/TheRadkeShowYouTube)

🎧 The Radke Show on Apple Podcasts (https://bit.ly/TheRadkeShowApple)

📝 Melissa's Stretch Marks on Substack (https://bit.ly/MelissaRadkeSubstack)

TrimFit - https://bit.ly/beautifulyu 

The Swim Romper - https://bit.ly/RomperSwimsuit

💌 Follow & Subscribe

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Today’s episode is pure delight and zero agenda, which honestly might be my favorite combination. My friend Melissa Radke is here — author of Chicken Fried Women, host of The Radke Show, queen of honest humor, and possessor of my favorite character quality . . . calling it like it is. I invited her on for one reason and one reason only: she makes me laugh. No outline, no topic list, no heavy message — just two friends, two microphones, and a commitment to talk about everything and absolutely nothing at the same time. Think Seinfeld (a show about nothing), but with menopausal commentary, nipple Band-Aids, and college-kid drop-off trauma.

We kicked off by addressing the betrayal heard ‘round the world: my husband signed me up for a half marathon. Six weeks. And yes, I’m run-walking, and yes, I got passed by a man in khakis walking his dog. Melissa brought her wisdom on chafing, and we somehow ended up talking about sleeping in your makeup, why hot flashes should count as cardio, and the science of not peeing in the shower. (We listen, we don’t judge… mostly.)

We also touched the tender things — kids leaving for college, missing them and cheering them on at the same time, and the bittersweet gift of watching them grow up and go. Plus some light commentary on body image, reverse body dysmorphia (hi, it’s me), and why Lands’ End swim shorts should honestly sponsor this show.

And great news — this is part one of a two-part series with Melissa because once we started, there was no stopping. Next episode, we’re diving into the holidays. Until then, follow The Radke Show, grab Chicken Fried Women (wrap it with a wooden spoon — trust me), and get ready to laugh.

Let’s do this, friends — a show about nothing that somehow ends up being everything.

P.S. By now, you probably have gotten the memo that pre-orders have started for my new book, How’d I Miss That? If you have NOT pre-ordered yet, I would be so grateful if you’d consider doing that right now! Thank you, friends. 💗💗💗

All things Cynthia

Chicken fried women

📖 Melissa’s Book – Chicken-Fried Women (https://bit.ly/ChickenFriedWomen)

🎥 The Radke Show on YouTube (https://bit.ly/TheRadkeShowYouTube)

🎧 The Radke Show on Apple Podcasts (https://bit.ly/TheRadkeShowApple)

📝 Melissa's Stretch Marks on Substack (https://bit.ly/MelissaRadkeSubstack)

TrimFit - https://bit.ly/beautifulyu 

The Swim Romper - https://bit.ly/RomperSwimsuit

💌 Follow & Subscribe

📝 Subscribe to Stretch Marks on Substack → (melissaradke.substack.com)

📱 Instagram→ (https://www.instagram.com/msmelissaradke/)

📱 Facebook→ (https://www.facebook.com/MelissaRadkeStretchMarks/)

📱 TikTok → (https://www.tiktok.com/@melissaradke)

Can we possibly begin with a few “important” announcements today?

First, I just got back from Las Vegas last night, and let’s just say the flight was so bumpy I was fully convinced I’d be meeting Jesus before we touched down in Dallas. By God’s grace, I lived to tell the tale. ✈️🙌 We were in Vegas because Mike ran a marathon (woop woop!) and I… well, did not. I did, however, put $20 in a slot machine and walked away with $100—so there’s that. 

Second, and probably more importantly, if you’re not following me on social media yet, I’d be so grateful if you’d take a quick second to do that now. I’ve got a big announcement coming this week, and your likes, comments, and shares would mean the world to me.

And speaking of announcements… today on MESSmerized is the one and only Max Lucado. 🙌

Any time I get the privilege of sitting down with Pastor Max, it’s a conversation that stays with me. If you’ve ever read one of his 44 books (yes, forty-four), listened to a sermon, or heard him speak, you already know: Max has a way of taking the most complicated spiritual truths and making them feel both gentle and profound.

We kicked things off with some behind-the-scenes honesty about writing books—how quiet the process can be, how hard it is to balance storytelling with honoring God’s Word, and why Max still remembers the book he wouldn’t give anyone (hint: it was number one). But then, Max takes us deeper, reminding us how our thoughts shape our beliefs and how our beliefs shape our behavior. He walks us through practical, biblical tools to “take every thought captive,” and how picky thinking can keep us from spiraling into false narratives.

And of course, because it’s Max, we talk about real life too—like his black mold situation, anxious thoughts that snowball too fast, and why we need people who love us enough to speak truth into our blind spots. This episode is packed with wisdom, grace, and practical takeaways, whether you’re heading into the holidays a little anxious or just trying to quiet the noise in your mind.

Grab your Diet Coke and lean in—this one’s a good one. 🥤✨

Tame Your Thoughts by Max Lucado

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This week I got to sit down with Lysa TerKeurst and Joel Muddamalle—and we tackled a topic the church doesn’t always handle well: divorce.

Lysa has a powerful new book coming out, Surviving an Unwanted Divorce, and Joel, who serves as Director of Theology and Research at Proverbs 31 Ministries, brings clarity and depth to what Scripture really says (and doesn’t say) about this hard subject. Lysa shares her personal and painful journey through an unwanted divorce and what it means to face the reality that it takes two people to make a marriage work.

We talk about:

• The difference between a difficult marriage and a destructive marriage
• What “God hates divorce” actually means in the original text of Malachi
• Emotional and spiritual abuse that often goes unseen
• Why elevating the institution of marriage over the image bearers in it causes harm
• How forgiveness fits into the healing process

This conversation isn’t just for those walking through divorce—it’s for friends, family, pastors, and church leaders who want to love people well in the middle of it (which is basically all of us).

🎧 Tune in for this honest and important conversation with Lysa and Joel—and don’t forget to pre-order Lysa’s new book today!

Proverbs 31 Ministries

Surviving an Unwanted Divorce: A Biblical, Practical Guide to Letting Go While Holding Yourself Together

I just got back from the State Fair of Texas where I spent approximately a small mortgage and walked what felt like the entire Oregon Trail. My feet are tired, my bank account is wheezing, and I’m convinced Fletcher’s corn dogs are God’s reward for doing hard things.

But speaking of big adventures… This week I got to sit down with the amazing Christy Nockels. We kicked things off talking weddings (because hello—her son is getting married in the wedding capital of Texas, naturally) and laughed about wedding dress codes. To this day, I still have no idea what “black tie optional” actually means.

Christy shared beautifully about this new season of life—kids launching into adulthood, leaning into rest, and learning that it’s not about performance. We also talked about her new album, King Who Never Sleeps: Anthems for Rest, and how it invites families to experience deep peace in the middle of everyday chaos.

She reminded me—and I hope she’ll remind you too—that adventure with God is worth the risk, His presence can meet us in the most ordinary spaces, and our faith often grows more in the quiet ripples than in the seemingly biggest moments.

All things Cynthia

Anthems for Rest - Apple Music

Anthems for Rest - Spotify

Y’all!!! Candace Cameron Bure is back with us today and we cover all the things: weddings, Bible reading plans, Christmas movies, and why the chicken dance might be the best first dance. We start with Natasha’s wedding (cue mom tears). Candace shares the sweetest “something blue” story and the best M.O.B. tip of all time: bring a Mary Poppins bag stocked with everything from boob tape to breakable ice packs. I confess I’d show up with tweezers and duct tape, so she kindly offers a real checklist.

Somewhere between wedding cake and parenting hacks, we go deeper on body image—and her fight for a healthy body identity. Candace opens up about the long, everyday work of gratitude and stewardship, including a dream from Numbers 22 that reframed how she speaks to and cares for her body.

Nostalgia break! Full House is 38 years old (we all clutched our pearls). And you’ll have to listen in to hear what today’s Candace would tell her 18-year-old self. Also, we started the New Testament on October 1—if you’ve been waiting for a nudge, consider this it.

Guys, Christmas is coming (second only to Jesus, I associate it with Candace). She’s on a live tour and starring in Timeless Tidings of Joy with Natasha (adorable). We play “Would You Rather: Wedding Edition,” then I utterly bomb a movie-plot quiz. Today’s show is equal parts laugh-out-loud and full of hope.

All things Cynthia

Candace’s Website

Candace’s Tour

This week we’re back with Part 2 of my conversation with Yusuf Agoro, associate pastor at The Well in Austin. If you heard last week’s episode, you know how powerful his story is—Yusuf shared his journey from growing up in a devout Muslim home to finding faith in Jesus. If you missed it, go back and listen first because it’s so amazing. 

In today’s episode we pick up right where we left off, diving into his work with college students and the lessons he’s learning about authenticity, parenting, and the reality of church hurt. Yusuf offers practical advice for parents, encouragement for anyone walking alongside the next generation, and a timely reminder that prayer is the difference maker. 

Whether you’re parenting teens, mentoring college kids, or processing your own church experiences—this follow-up conversation will challenge and encourage you.

All things Cynthia

The Well Austin Community Church

Today’s show opens with a little prayer of frustration I’ve been praying—and God’s gentle reminder that He’s in every detail. That theme runs through our entire conversation: whether you’re praying for a prodigal, aching for a child who feels unreachable, or wondering if those tiny seeds of faith you’ve planted will ever take root, there is hope. God’s pursuit is relentless, and His timing is never wasted.

I recently sat down with Yusuf Agoro expecting a good story, and instead witnessed a front-row display of God’s pursuit of His children. Yusuf grew up in a devout Muslim home where faith was the family’s foundation—five daily prayers, every tradition intact—until a neighborhood kid named Daniel rolled by on a skateboard and quietly shared Jesus. That simple friendship changed everything, and Yusuf surrendered his life to Christ.

The path from that night was anything but easy. He hid his faith through high school, texted a trembling confession to his dad before a summer at a Christian camp, and lived through years of family tension. But God kept moving. Today, Yusuf serves as an associate pastor at The Well Austin Community Church, where my own daughter worships as a college student—and I tear up nearly every time I watch those students sing, knowing they’ve found something better than the world can offer.

Yusuf’s story proves that no seed is too small and no timeline too long. A skateboard, an awkward movie night, a late-night Facebook scroll—God used it all to write a redemption story only He could script. What can’t He do in your life?

The Well Austin Community Church

All things Cynthia

This week we’re back with part two of my conversation with my friend Natalie Runion, and if you missed part one—go listen first! In this episode we get practical about raising kind daughters, building sacred sisterhood, and navigating the everyday challenges that get in the way of healthy friendships.

Natalie and I laughed about our own high school mean-girl days (yes, we both had them!) and how God redeems even that, teaching us to champion one another instead of competing. We also talked about why women need a why-to more than a how-to when it comes to friendship, and Natalie explained her vision of creating a “sanctuary of sisterhood”—not a sorority or social club, but a safe place where women can be real, messy, and vulnerable together.

She also addressed some of the lies from her new book—like “women are so emotional” or “women are drama queens”—and how those labels keep us from truly listening to each other’s stories. Natalie challenged us to dig deeper, do the spiritual work in our own lives, and be the kind of safe sisters other women need.

We wrapped up with one of the hardest parts of friendship: conflict. Natalie reminded us that communication is kindness, and that God Himself is a God of reconciliation. Avoiding conflict may feel easier, but real peace comes when we’re brave enough to resolve it with honesty and love.

Her new book I Don’t Even Like Women and Other Lies That Get in the Way of Sacred Sisterhood is out now, and it’s such an important word for all of us. If you’ve ever wrestled with comparison, conflict, or just figuring out how to do real friendship in the middle of messy life, this conversation is for you.

All things Cynthia

I Don't Even Like Women and Other Lies That Get in the Way of Sacred Sisterhood by Natalie Runion

Raised to Stay by Natalie Runion

I had the best time sitting down with my friend Natalie Runion again on the podcast. We met years ago as brand-new authors, and it’s been such a gift to watch the Lord expand her voice and ministry since then. She’s now the author of three books in just two years—including her latest, I Don’t Even Like Women and Other Lies That Get in the Way of Sacred Sisterhood. Only Natalie could title a book like that and actually pull it off, and I’m so glad she did.

This is part one of a two-part conversation, and in this first half we talk about what it looks like to stay obedient to God even when criticism comes, the lies women believe about themselves and each other, and how those scripts often keep us competing instead of collaborating. We laughed about the stereotypes we grew up with in sitcoms and movies, but we also dug deep into how much identity shapes our ability to form healthy friendships and truly cheer each other on.

I shared some of my own wounds from being hurt by other women, and Natalie reminded us that we’re only one word or one conversation away from either derailing someone’s calling or breathing life into it. She pointed us back to the examples in Scripture—Mary and Elizabeth, Ruth and Naomi, Deborah and Jael—that show the power of collaboration over competition.

This episode is for anyone who’s wrestled with comparison, struggled with belonging, or felt the sting of another woman’s words. Natalie’s message is bold and freeing: God didn’t make a mistake when He made you a woman, and you are worthy of community, love, and friendship.

All things Cynthia

I Don't Even Like Women and Other Lies That Get in the Way of Sacred Sisterhood by Natalie Runion

Raised to Stay by Natalie Runion

Happy Wednesday!! 

This week I sat down with my friend Lauren Chandler—worship leader, author, speaker, and wife to Matt Chandler of The Village Church—for a conversation that covered just about everything: parenting adult-ish kids, people-pleasing tendencies, and the messy-but-beautiful parts of marriage.

We laughed about what it’s like when your kids are technically grown but you still think about them 24/7. Spoiler: the “what’s my role now?” question doesn’t magically disappear when they start driving or head off to college. I told my story about begging my son for vacation updates on his trip with friends and getting…a picture of a map. Not exactly the update I was hoping for.

Lauren and I also dug into brave prayers—the kind that feel a little terrifying, like asking God to help us not get in His way when it comes to our kids. We talked about wrestling with perfectionism and people-pleasing, and how freeing it is to remember that our identity isn’t wrapped up in performance.

And of course, we went there with marriage too—the brutal early years, the baggage we all bring, what it looked like to face brain cancer as a couple, and why pursuing intimacy on purpose matters more than ever.

Oh, and before you go, make sure to also check out Matt’s podcast, Overcomers—because Lauren just signed on as his co-host. It’s officially a Chandler team effort now, and you’ll want to be listening in.

All things Cynthia

The Village Church

Lauren Chandler’s Website

The Overcomers Podcast 

Awake and Alive Devotional by Matt Chandler

You are going to love today’s conversation. First of all, my guest has an Irish accent, which already makes him sound way smarter and more trustworthy than me. But you’ll also leave saying “faith” like “fifth” and telling everyone not to have a “car” (which, in case you’re wondering, is actually a cow).

I’m thrilled to introduce you to Jonathan Murphy, the senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church and the author of a new book called The Story of God and Us: Finding Our Place and Purpose in God’s Plan for the World.

What I loved about this conversation is how Jonathan reminds us that we can be people who “know” the Bible without actually knowing the Bible. I confessed that for too long I had more of a Vacation Bible School knowledge—great at flannel board stories, not so great at seeing the whole arc of God’s redemption story. 

Thankfully, Jonathan has a gift for connecting the dots, showing us how books like Esther and Philippians are not random stand-alone pieces but part of God’s grand narrative—and how that changes how we live today. 

If you’ve ever flipped through your Bible looking for a verse to make you feel better (guilty) or wondered how the bigger story all fits together, Jonathan will give you both conviction and encouragement. Don’t miss this one. And grab Jonathan’s book while you’re at it—I’ll link it in the show notes.

All things Cynthia

The Story of God and Us: Finding Our Place and Purpose in God's Plan for the World by Jonathan Murphy

Stonebriar Community Church

Let’s play a little did-you-know game:

• Did you know the Secret Service protects every foreign diplomat who steps foot in the U.S.?
• Did you know they send motorcades around the world every single time the president travels?
• Did you know that today’s guest, Darin Kinder, has one of the most jaw-dropping survival stories you’ll ever hear—and he’s right here on MESSmerized?

Today is extra special because I’m bringing back my very first podcast guest ever, former Secret Service agent Darin Kinder. If you know me, you already know there are very few stories—aside from the Bible itself—that have shaped my faith more than Darin’s survival story from the 9/11 attacks.

And this week, Darin’s powerful new book just released: Bury Me in a Dirty Suit: Discovering Man’s Valiant Purpose in the Aftermath of 9/11. I got to read it early, and let me tell you—it will completely shift how you think about living courageously, walking out your faith boldly, and doing the hard things while there’s still time.

So here’s my plea: Don’t just listen to today’s show—share it. With your friends, your husband, your kids, your neighbor who thinks faith is boring. We all need the reminder to stay in the game, lean into courage, and live with eternity in mind.

Darin’s new book is available now, and I’d be so grateful if you’d grab a copy (or three).

School starts this week!! School starts this week!!

Yes, JB starts third grade—which means I owe his teachers and the entire school staff a formal apology. This summer we let him stay up too late, live on popsicles, talk back like he’s got a Netflix special, and basically roam the house like a frat boy on summer break. I hand him over to you now, untrained and feral. Godspeed, and may your patience be as great as your need for dry erase markers.

As for the podcast, this week we’re joined by the one and only Toni Collier — and unsurprisingly, she really brought it with wisdom and perspective in the midst of her own trials. We start by talking about how some of the moments that shake you to your core can actually lead to unexpected growth and purpose.

We dive into the hard stuff: the sting of infidelity, the identity-shaking weight of shame, and the courage it takes to ask for help. Toni shares how leaning into community—especially a safe, confessional one—has been essential to her healing. She’s learned the value of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why sometimes the best way to figure out where you belong is to first figure out where you don’t.

We also talk about the power of vulnerability, how God can use even our messiest chapters for something beautiful, and why it matters to recognize the goodness that can come out of pain. Toni’s conversation with us today is honest, raw, and full of hope for anyone walking through their own unexpected storm.

All things Cynthia

Life is Messy, God is Good by Cynthia Yanof 

All things Toni

Pre-Order Don’t Try This Alone by Toni Collier 

Toni’s Podcast Still Coloring

Happy Wednesday—and happy “last week of summer” to so many of us!

Today wraps up our Know Before You Go summer series, where we’ve been hearing straight from the source—students graduating from college and high school—about what they’ve learned and what they wish parents knew.

But this week, we’re switching gears. We’re talking all things junior high with one of my dearest friends, Stephanie Martin. And trust me: if you’ve ever survived (or are bracing yourself for) the middle school years, you’re going to want to hear this.

Stephanie is wise, funny, and full of perspective from walking this road with three kids of her own. We talk about:

• What to do with kids who insist on “learning from experience” 🙃
• Why middle schoolers are not the final product (thank you, Lord)
• How God uses these in-between years to shape both them and us

But here’s the real reason to listen: this episode includes one of the most powerful parenting takeaways I’ve heard in a long time. It’s simple, convicting, and might just reframe the way you approach parenting in any season.

Even if you’re not currently raising a junior high student, this conversation will speak to the heart of what it means to be a parent—showing up, holding things loosely, and trusting God with the in-between.

I hope you’ll listen and also share with a friend. 

If you missed Know Before You Go: College Edition listen here 

If you missed Know Before You Go: High School Edition listen here 

All things Cynthia

Another week, another Yanof kid takes the mic alongside a few of their friends. 🤪🤪🤪

This week, we’ve got three freshly graduated high schoolers joining us: Brett, Ella, and Riley. They have lots of great insight from their four years of high school, including some pitfalls to avoid and many lessons they learned along the way.

We get real about friendship drama, comparison on social media, and how to find your people in a world that makes that feel harder than ever. We also talked about what it looks like to keep our faith front and center, and ways for parents to be a safe place when everything feels a little shaky. 

If you’ve got a teen in your house, or will eventually be dealing with the good, the bad, and the ugly of parenting high schoolers—this episode is for you!

Cynthia Yanof

If you missed Know Before You Go: College Edition listen here

Well, the day has finally come. 

After months—okay, years—of BEGGING to be on the podcast, I’ve caved. Today’s guests on MESSmerized are none other than my daughter Kate and her college best friend, Molly. That’s right, I’ve handed over the mic (reluctantly and with mild supervision) to two Gen Z girls who know a thing or two about the college experience.

This kicks off our back-to-school series I’m calling “Know Before You Go.” We're starting with college this week, then moving down the academic food chain to high school and junior high. Pray for me.

Kate and Molly dish on what it’s really like to head off to college—like discovering your family does weird things you assumed were normal (shoutout to ripping your credit card receipts at restaurants). They talk about finding your people (spoiler: it takes time and that’s okay), navigating faith in environments that don’t always make space for it, and the weird pressure to look like you’re thriving 24/7 on social media.

They also get honest about what shifts in family dynamics—what changes, what stays the same, and how to keep communication healthy when everyone's adjusting to a new normal. Oh, and yes, they’ll remind you that joining things matters (from sororities, churches, and intramural sports). It’s about finding your spot, your people, and maybe even a free t-shirt or two.

So whether you're about to pack up a kid and ship them off to college, or you have a friend who is, this is a must-listen episode for anyone navigating this wild season. Oh, and please do me a huge favor and share today’s show with other families who might need a little encouragement and a good laugh as we figure out the college journey together.

All things Cynthia

In the wake of heartbreaking news in Texas, I am talking with psychologist Dr. Ken Wilgus about how to walk our kids—and ourselves—through tragedy, fear, and anxiety. 

We will discuss: 

• When it’s okay to “look away” from constant news
• How to know if your child needs help processing trauma
• What to say when teens ask hard questions about faith in the suffering
• The pressure today’s parents feel to get it all right
• Why anxiety in kids is normal—and how to respond calmly

Dr. Ken also talks about the need for a reality check on today’s overanxious, over-informed moms and dads. He reminds us: You’re only a parent. It’s not all up to you. And sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is simply show up, listen, and offer perspective in your children’s lives. 

I can't wait for you to hear today's show! 

All things Cynthia

Dr. Ken Wilgus Website

Focus on the Family

Feeding the Mouth that Bites You: A Complete Guide to Parenting Adolescents and Launching Them Into the World by Ken Wilgus