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

 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

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

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.

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

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. 

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

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

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 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

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

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

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!

Today’s my birthday… so there’s that! 🎉🎂 And it’s totally not too late to get me a gift—I’ll be accepting food-chain gift cards for Diet Dr. Pepper all week long. 😂

In honor of my birthday, I’m kicking off MESSmerized with a little segment I call “Things I Know for Sure” after celebrating 50+ birthdays. Really rolls off the tongue, right?

But there’s more! Megan Fate Marshman joins us on the show for the first time ever. She’s amazing, and we cover everything from parenting fails to perfecting the elusive messy bun. We even had a little fun comparing stereotypes about Texas and California—because apparently, people think Texans ride horses everywhere.

Megan also shared about the sudden loss of her husband and how she has leaned into prayer through her grief and raising their two small children. We talked about those “What now, God?” moments—when life takes an unexpected turn and you’re not sure how to move forward. Megan reminds us that prayer doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s about being honest and vulnerable with God, even if your mind wanders halfway through. (You know the drill: “Dear God… wait, did I leave the laundry in the washer?”)

We also dug into Romans 8:28 and how God’s goodness doesn’t always look the way we expect. It’s not always easy, but knowing that God works for the good in all things gives us hope. He’s not just with us in the good times—He’s right there in the mess, using every struggle to grow us and draw us closer to Him.

Whether you’re navigating the chaos of parenting, dealing with grief, or just trying to survive the day with the help of a few hits of caffeine, God is at work in your life.

So, grab a Diet Dr. Pepper in honor of my birthday and join me for this heartfelt, hope-filled chat with Megan Fate Marshman. I promise you’ll leave encouraged.

All things Cynthia Yanof 

Relaxed: Walking with the One Who is Not Worried About A Thing by Megan Fate Marshman

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

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

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 

Today on MESSmerized I’m hanging out with the amazing Ellie Holcomb, who’s fresh off a tour with none other than Lauren Daigle. Ellie gives us the scoop on life on the road—think tight spaces, late-night chats, and the wild sense of community that comes with sharing a bus. She also gives us an insider peek on her friendship with Lauren, how they ended up collaborating on a song, and their favorite moments on tour (spoiler: their song Be Okay will give you all the feels).

But it’s not all music and fun—Ellie opens up about the tough stuff too, like balancing the chaos of tour life with family time, and how we moms are out here carrying some heavy loads. She shares a heartfelt story about her daughter’s medical journey and how she juggled being on tour while caring for her little one. Trust me, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Ellie’s new book Fighting Words (the expanded version of her devotional) and her album All of My Days talk about Ellie’s journey of battling anxiety, finding hope, and the power of God’s Word to lift us up when life feels impossible. Vulnerability, repentance, grace—it’s all here. 

If you’re looking for a reminder that you’re not alone in the highs and lows, this episode’s for you. I can’t wait for you to listen!

PS. If you haven’t listened to my podcast with Heather MacFadyen of Don’t Mom Alone, it’s time! The show is called Sidetracked and we talk about family, faith, and basically anything else that comes to our minds in the moment (hence the name Sidetracked). I promise you will laugh! Listen here or wherever you catch podcasts.

All things Cynthia

Ellie’s new book Fighting Words

Ellie’s All of My Days Album

"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

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

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.

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

• Facebook: Emily P. Freeman | Facebook

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

• 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!

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

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

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 

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.

• Website:  Jess Connolly

• Facebook: Jess Connolly

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

• 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

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

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’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

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 

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.

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

• Website:  Makayla Noble | Mak's Warriors

• Youtube: Makayla Noble - YouTube

• Instagram:  Makayla Noble (@makaylamnoble)

• Joni and Friends | Sharing Hope Through Hardship

• ATF Official Home Page | AdaptiveTrainingFoundation.org

• The Chosen TV Series

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

“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

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.

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

• Facebook: Your Enneagram Coach

• Instagram: Beth McCord | (@yourenneagramcoach)

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.

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

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

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  

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

• 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

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

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

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

Order Life is Messy, God is Good

All things Courtney Defeo

Christian Parenting

Pardon the Mess Podcast

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

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

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

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

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.

According to the CDC, mental illnesses are the most common health conditions in the United States, with more than one in five adults suffering in some capacity. I say this not to be a downer, but to provide perspective as we consider the importance of treating ourselves well and seeking out the help we need.

Laura Smith is with us today talking about her new book, Holy Care for the Whole Self. After years of counseling, she’s come to realize that the very techniques medical professionals suggest for improving our mental health are also the biblical principles we read about throughout Scripture. Things like gratitude, community, rest, and exercise. 

If you’re anything like me, it often feels like taking care of yourself is a luxury we don’t have time for in this season. I’m praying today’s show helps remind us that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity, if we want to be our best selves to our friends and family. 

Take a few minutes today to listen to my conversation with Laura, and also get a little info on the book I’m reading right now and the “secret place” I set up while my family was out of town this weekend.

P.S. Many of you have reached out about having me speak at your upcoming events, and I’m so honored. Yes, I do lots of speaking and would love to talk about foster care, parenting, marriage, the messiness of life, or anything else! Reach out here and let’s get things rolling.

Holy Care for the Whole Self by Laura Smith

Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer

All things Cynthia

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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!