Explore every episode of the podcast Rydel's Van Talk

In this special Father’s Day episode of Van Talk, we’re joined by my husband to talk about love, family, fatherhood, and some stories we’ve never shared before.

We take it back to the beginning, from our first time meeting to the unforgettable experience of him meeting my brothers, cousins, and giant family. We also revisit our first date and some of the moments that made us realize this relationship was different.

Capron shares favorite memories with each of our kids, what fatherhood has taught him.

The conversation also includes the true story of our firstborn’s birth, we've never told you guys this before!

In this special Father’s Day episode of Van Talk, Dad joins us along with the brothers for a walk down memory lane.

We share some of our favorite memories growing up, the funniest one-on-one trips we’ve taken with him, and the stories that have become family legends over the years. Including a couple of moments where things got a little too close for comfort and somehow became even funnier with time.

We talk about what being a father means, the lessons he learned from his own life experiences, and the catchphrases we’ve all heard so many times that they’ve become part of our everyday vocabulary.

The conversation also dives into one of his biggest beliefs: you get what you think about. We discuss mindset, optimism, taking ownership of your thoughts, and how controlling what enters your mind can ultimately shape the life you create.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about flexibility in parenting and why it’s okay to change your mind as you learn and grow.

We share why every child is different, how something that works beautifully for one kid might not work for another, and why being willing to try new things can make all the difference.

We also talk potty training tips, including why a portable potty chair can be a lifesaver in those early stages, and ways to help quieter kids feel comfortable opening up, sharing, and finding their voice.

The conversation touches on screen time, dance, outside opinions, and why we believe parents should feel confident making decisions that fit their own family. We also discuss the importance of always having your child’s back, especially when relatives or other adults make comments that don’t sit right.

We share thoughts on hosting gatherings, handling feelings of being left out, and navigating the reality that both parents and kids will have off days. Sometimes growth isn’t linear, and sometimes you have to go back and reinforce the family standards you’ve been working on all along.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about respect, boundaries, and raising kids who can confidently navigate the world around them. We share one of our favorite family tools, the interrupt rule in a car setting, and how it helps conversations flow while teaching kids patience and respect. We also talk about sharing, sibling dynamics, and making sure older kids have space to create, build, and enjoy their interests without being constantly interrupted by younger siblings.

The conversation also dives into parenting in public, helping toddlers learn appropriate behavior without constant power struggles, and why letting kids get away with everything isn’t actually doing them any favors long term.

We discuss maintaining a positive mindset through difficult seasons, including navigating serious life challenges, and why perspective matters so much.

We also touch on how we approach conversations with teenagers about growing up, relationships, personal boundaries, and family values.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the difference between coasting through life and being proactive about it.From swim lessons with babies and toddlers to everyday parenting moments, we share why we believe in helping kids move through things that feel uncomfortable instead of immediately pulling them out. Not forcing, not pushing, but gently encouraging them forward until confidence starts to grow. We also discuss how important it is for everyone around a child to be on the same team. When a child is learning a new skill or working through a fear, teasing and negativity can undo a lot of progress. Sometimes what kids need most is encouragement, positivity, and someone who believes in them.The conversation also touches on passing healthy habits down to our children and how so much of parenting comes back to leading by example.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about helping kids move through emotions without getting stuck in them. We share the idea of having a reset spot, whether that’s a high chair, the stairs, a crib, or another calm place where kids can regroup and come back ready to try again. One of our favorite phrases? “Mom, can I try again?” The conversation also explores emotional resilience, avoiding a victim mentality, and teaching kids that feelings are real, but they don’t have to define the rest of the day. We also dive into marriage and family culture. From improving relationships with your parents to prioritizing your spouse after kids arrive, we share why protecting your marriage matters and why weekly date nights are worth fighting for. We talk about preparing your husband for postpartum before the baby arrives, the importance of support during that season, and why postpartum should be centered around mom and baby. And of course, we end with a potty training update and a few stories that prove parenting is never boring.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the little moments in parenting that eventually turn into something big. Every milestone as a family, we share why we believe every win matters, big or small, individual or shared. And honestly? Moms deserve a gold star for the amount of invisible work they do every single day. We talk about the payoff moments in parenting, those days when you suddenly realize your kids are finally doing the things you’ve been patiently practicing with them all along. Greeting people confidently, looking others in the eye, saying thank you to compliments, shaking hands, brushing teeth, washing hands, building healthy habits… one day it finally clicks.We also share why kids are true sponges and why the habits we build early matter so much. If we can teach routines like bedtime and hygiene, we can also instill things like reading before bed, taking walks, gratitude, and confidence. The conversation also touches on helping kids push through the difficult beginning stages of learning a new skill until they finally experience the pride and joy of seeing themselves improve.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re joined by a very special guest: Rydel's dad/ Stormie's husband MarkLynch!!! From skydiving over the pyramids to getting a pilots license in college, he shares stories from a life built around adventure, discipline, optimism, and pushing past fear.We talk about the lessons he learned from his dad, how years of selling books door-to-door for 14 hours a day shaped his mindset, and why constant rejection taught him the importance of controlling what enters your mind and staying positive no matter the circumstances.We also get into family values, why we weren’t allowed to do things like TP houses or ding dong ditch, and the importance of character even in the small things.The conversation naturally turns deeper, into love at first sight, the “secret to life,” staying optimistic through challenges, and even thoughts on multiverses, mediums, psychics, and past lives.And somehow through all of it, one thing has remained true: we’ve never heard him raise his voice.

Head to cozyearth.com and use code VANTALK for an exclusive 20% off! In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about confidence, mindset, and the powerful influence parents have on the emotional environment of the home. We discuss why it’s so important not to let insecurities trickle down onto your kids and how children often absorb far more from what we model than what we say. If we want our kids to speak kindly, work hard, and believe in themselves, we have to walk the talk first. We also talk about how fragile confidence can be, how one negative comment can sometimes outweigh constant encouragement, and why speaking positively about yourself matters more than most people realize. Your subconscious is always listening.The conversation also gets practical, from navigating constant snacking and mealtimes to helping kids through embarrassment, emotional moments, and learning how to fully accept them for who they are.We share why consistency in parenting truly pays off over time, even when it feels hard in the moment, and how intentional parenting can eventually create respectful, secure teenagers.We end with a conversation around manifestation, mindset, and what we believe is one of the biggest secrets to life.

In this special Mother’s Day episode of Van Talk, my brothers join the conversation to reflect on the moments, lessons, and memories that shaped them growing up. We talk about favorite memories with mom, what a “perfect day” with her looks like, and the biggest things learned from her that still stick today. The conversation also turns to something deeper: the importance of seeing potential in your kids before they can fully see it in themselves, and how encouragement, belief, and intentional parenting can shape a child’s future. We also share favorite memories of watching Rydel become a mom and the moments that stand out most.

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In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the everyday work of building trust and confidence with your kids. From breaking habits to consistently parenting through conflict, we share why encouragement and cheerleading never really stop, no matter how old your kids are.We also talk about intentionally practicing life skills with kids, things like greeting people, shaking hands, making eye contact, and confidently saying “nice to meet you.” At the same time, we believe kids should have autonomy over their bodies and shouldn’t be forced to hug people if they don’t want to. The conversation also gets practical. We share some of the little systems that help us survive the day, from creating different “stations” around the house for changing scenery to food rewards, potty training outings, and the experiences we’ve had navigating potty training overall.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re diving into Stormie’s early hustle years. From first jobs and difficult bosses to working two jobs at once while going to school, we talk about what those years really looked like behind the scenes. There wasn’t much of a support system, just determination, resilience, and MarkLynch by her side.We also talk about getting taken advantage of, learning hard lessons in business, starting a company from the ground up, and eventually selling it.And somehow mixed into all of it? A streak of unbelievable luck. Free trips won left and right, jackpots at slot machines, and moments that still feel impossible to explain.

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I this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about aligning on parenting and creating clear standards within the home. We share what it means to “train the heart” when raising kids, focusing not just on behavior, but on character, attitude, and intention. We also talk about avoiding guilt-based parenting. Our kids aren’t here to fill our emotional cup, and we’re not raising them out of obligation or pressure. Instead, we aim to raise kids who understand the values and standards of our household. The conversation also touches on balance for moms, how to continue doing things you love while raising kids, and why self-care doesn’t have to come at the expense of your family.We get into practical topics too, like setting boundaries around gifts, birthdays, and holidays so kids don’t grow up expecting excess, and how family gatherings can reinforce connection instead of material focus.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about creating a positive, peaceful environment at home, both emotionally and physically. We share how we discipline while staying encouraging, how we teach our kids to go with the flow, and why “maybe next time” has become a constant phrase when things don’t go as planned. We also talk about raising siblings to be genuinely close, even with age gaps, and how we try to keep our teenagers connected to the family as they grow. The conversation expands into the energy of the home, from the way we approach daily positivity to how our environment, even the feng shui of a space, can impact how everyone feels day to day. A grateful heart truly is a happy heart. We also touch on some of the more curious and unexplained moments that can come with kids, from co-sleeping experiences to conversations around spirits, angels, and things children sometimes see or feel.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re sharing the full origin story of Stormie and MarkLynch! From being completely over dating to getting set up on a blind date that changed everything, this story has all the twists. Long distance, handwritten letters back and forth, and the kind of excitement that had her running to the mailbox every day. But it wasn’t all easy. Not everyone supported the relationship, and at one point, family members even stopped talking to her. Over time, relationships were mended, but the journey to get there wasn’t simple. And in true unforgettable fashion, their story leads to eloping… right after a hurricane.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about raising self-sufficient kids and what that looks like in everyday life. From getting out the door calmly with multiple kids to setting expectations early, we share the routines and mindset that help create structure without chaos. We also talk about discipline, dating rules, and why we believe in feeling emotions fully instead of suppressing them, but also not staying stuck in them. There’s a balance between acknowledging feelings and moving forward. The conversation centers around living with purpose. Walking with intention, being useful, and doing things fully instead of halfway. We talk about modeling that mindset for our kids and encouraging them to be better today than they were yesterday.We also touch on something many parents fall into, repeating threats without follow-through, and why we try to be clear, consistent, and encouraging instead.This episode is about raising capable kids, leading by example, and creating a home rooted in purpose and growth.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about how we organize our memories, from thousands of photos and videos a day, to the systems we use to keep everything meaningful and accessible over the years. We also share how we prepare for new seasons, from pregnancy to everyday routines, and some of our favorite supplements we use for the kids.The conversation shifts into something deeper: the impact of your environment. The people you surround yourself with, the industries you step into, and how those influences shape who you become. We talk about the music industry and why it can be one of the hardest paths to navigate.We also dive into our homeschooling journey. When the decision was made, not everyone agreed. There was a lot of pushback, but it came from a very personal place. Growing up, school wasn’t always a safe or positive experience, and that played a big role in choosing a different path for our family.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re taking it all the way back to the beginning and sharing the story of how we ended up in Los Angeles. We talk about moving for my older brother Riker at a young age, what those early days looked like, and the reality of jumping into auditions, dance jobs, and acting opportunities for the first time. Of course, it wouldn’t be our story without a little chaos. From one of the scariest moments we’ve ever had in the van, to surviving our first apartment filled with thousands of worms, to dealing with nonstop ants in our first house, we’re sharing the behind-the-scenes that no one saw. But underneath all of it is a bigger perspective. We didn’t grow up focused on people’s religion or politics, we just love people for who they are.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re diving into chapters one and two of my parents’ parenting book, Raising 5. We talk about the powerful idea that kids often become what they’re told, and how the words we use as parents can shape their confidence, identity, and future. We also get into marriage and what it really looks like when two people come together with completely different upbringings. Blending families, habits, and perspectives doesn’t happen overnight, and we share why giving it time and grace matters.The conversation then shifts into a mindset we both believe in: you’re not here to make everyone happy. Each person is responsible for their own happiness, and understanding that can change the way you show up in relationships and in your home. This episode is about intentional parenting, realistic expectations in marriage, and taking ownership of your own happiness.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the importance of staying busy, having purpose, and how that can help keep anxiety from taking over. We reflect on our first jobs, what it taught us as teenagers, and why learning to work, earn, and even buy your own first car builds a level of confidence that carries into adulthood. We also talk about relationships, finding the right person, and why we believe you shouldn’t let relationships sit idle. If it’s meant to grow, move it forward with intention. We share a simple parenting tip that’s made a big difference in our homes: not overloading young kids with choices. Sometimes less options means fewer tantrums. And at the core of it all, we talk about keeping your family close and raising siblings who are not just family, but best friends.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the kind of environment we want to create at home. We want our kids to act the same in our house as they would out in the world. We talk about parenting out of conflict, why positive parenting matters, and how being your kids’ biggest cheerleader can shape their confidence for life. The conversation also turns to sibling relationships and why theres no jealousy. Celebrating each other’s wins and building a family culture where everyone’s success is shared. We also touch on something we all deal with: getting out of a funk. From small mindset shifts to simply getting up, getting ready, and showing up for the day, sometimes the “look good, feel good” mindset can reset everything.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the world of kids activities. From dance competitions to sports and everything competitive in between. We share what it actually looks like behind the scenes, the costs that come with activities, and the ways we try to be intentional about saving money while still giving kids opportunities to pursue what they love. The conversation also turns to something deeper: protecting a child’s light, when a school teacher destroyed Ross' confidence. And the importance of helping him rediscover his confidence.And of course, we talk about the drama that can come with competitive spaces. Whether it’s dance, sports, or school communities, we share why we try to stay out of the noise, avoid engaging, and focus on being the bigger person.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about what it really looks like to travel with four kids. The endless trips up and down the stairs. Loading and unloading the car. The mental checklist that never turns off. The mom things no one sees. And yet, once we arrive at our family cabin, a place filled with over 25 years of memories, it’s always worth it. We reflect on the traditions that shaped us, the moments that stuck, and why keeping those memories alive matters.The conversation shifts into something deeper: you’re not doing your kids any favors if you do everything for them. We share how we were raised with responsibility, cooking dinners as teenagers, having our own laundry days, and learning self-sufficiency early.We also talk about growing up around families who parented differently, and how mutual respect can exist even when values and approaches aren’t the same.This episode is about hard work, strong traditions, and raising capable kids who can stand on their own two feet.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re sharing our personal experience with intermittent fasting and why it’s become a rhythm in our home.We talk about the structure that works for us, how habits modeled by parents often become habits our kids absorb, and why self-control and intentional routines matter to us as a family. We also touch on how fasting has played a role in our personal health journeys, including Stormie navigating cancer, and why extended fasting has felt supportive in that season for her. This is not medical advice, just a conversation about what has worked for our family and the research and conviction behind our choices.We also share how we approach moderation, why balance matters, and a simple hack that’s helped us navigate picky eaters in our home.This episode is about discipline, intention, and leading by example.

We’re talking about what it actually looks like when we’re upset and how we handle conflict in our homes. Why we don’t tiptoe around hard conversations just to “keep the peace,” and why being clear and direct can actually create more stability, not less.We talk about feeling emotions fully without sulking in them, not holding grudges, and why carrying resentment isn’t healthy physically or mentally. We also discuss the importance of not speaking drama in front of the kids, and why tomorrow is a new day.This episode is about emotional strength, accountability, and raising kids who can navigate conflict without fear.

In this episode of Van Talk, we dive into love languages, opposites attracting, and the idea that we often marry someone who reflects traits of our mom or dad.

The conversation shifts to naming children, why we chose the names we did, why we love having the same starting letter, and the surprising amount of commentary that can come from baby name decisions.

They also talk about something deeper: connection. Why does it feel harder to gather people together now? Has social media replaced real-life camaraderie? And what happened to nail salon conversations and spontaneous community?

From marriage dynamics to mom criticism to bringing connection back offline, this episode is about relationships in every form.

This week on Van Talk, we're sharing why we don't use iPads at restaurants, how we prepare our kids before dinner, and why family meals matter more than ever. Stormie's motto says it best: take it back to the kitchen table. Because connection starts there.

Our newborn feeding schedule that we both swear by and what's worked best for our families. Conversation turns bigger and more personal, with our specific parenting choices and ultimately decide what feels right for our own family. This episode is about autonomy, strong motherhood instincts, and standing confidently in your decisions, even when they're not the popular opinion. These are our truths, our experiences, not medical advice, just two moms sharing what's worked for us.

We talk all things kids and activities. From dance recitals, to pageants, to hockey. We're diving into why sticking with activities matters. Kids can do hard things. It's our job to help them navigate challenges instead of rescuing from every tough season. Because confidence isn't built in comfort, it's built on the stage, the rink, the field. If you've ever questioned whether to let your child quit or keep going, this one's for you.

Welcome to the very first episode of Van Talk! My mom and I sit down to start spilling alllll the tea in our OG van. How our simple, everyday van turned into a place for memories, conversations, and now... a podcast.