Episode 101 No Topic Off Limits: Marriage, Motherhood, and Melissa Radke
When Melissa Radke shows up, you know it’s going to be real, hilarious, and completely unforgettable. If you know Melissa, you already know you're in for laughs, real talk, and probably a few “Did she just say that?” moments (the answer is yes, and we love her for it).Melissa and I are diving into all the things: podcasting behind the scenes, the chaos of book launches, and what it really looks like to blend two very different family cultures in marriage. She shares some hilarious parenting stories, and we both talk about what we learned growing up that shaped how we raise our own kids.We also talk about the challenge of writing authentic dialogue, how her ‘Swim Gym’ water aerobics sessions became comedy gold, and the raw truth behind body image, weight loss, and wellness. Melissa opens up about what self-care actually looks like when life is busy and unpredictable, and why laughter and honesty are so important.I recently read Melissa’s book, Chicken-Fried Women: Friendship, Kinship, and the Women Who Made Us This Way. Let me just tell y’all it is one of the few books written in the past century that I laughed out loud many times while reading. If you haven’t already, you need to order Melissa’s book TODAY.This episode is packed with honesty, humor, and so many “me too” moments. Melissa brings the kind of real talk that reminds us we’re not alone—and that it’s okay to laugh while we figure it all out.All things CynthiaMelissa’s WebsiteChicken-Fried Women: Friendship, Kinship, and the Women Who Made Us This Way by Melissa RadkeThe Chicken-Fried Women PodcastAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Episode 100 What does the Holy Spirit Sound Like Anyway? With Libin Abraham
We’re kicking off this week’s episode with part two of Sappy Cynthia—my newest segment, where I share a little more of the real-life stuff going on over here. This week, I’m talking about my daughter’s college graduation and what made me cry (which was basically most things). Then we jump into another great conversation with my pastor and friend, Libin Abraham. I’ve absolutely loved learning more about the Holy Spirit through these conversations, and Libin has such a gift for making it practical and approachable. This week, we’re talking all about spiritual gifts—from hospitality to healing, administration to prophecy—and how the Holy Spirit equips us for the exact places and purposes where we’ve been planted.We also get into:Whether your gifts can shift over timeWhy spiritual maturity isn’t measured by your gifts The difference between residential gifts (the ones wired into your bones) and circumstantial gifts (the ones that show up when needed most)Why not using your gift might actually rob someone else of what they needHow walking in your gifting makes the yoke easier and the burden lighter—even in ministryWe also get some practical tips on how to know if you’re hearing from the Holy Spirit. It’s such a rich and encouraging conversation today—so listen in and be sure to share it with someone who needs the reminder that the Holy Spirit is powerful and available for our everyday lives. All things CynthiaBent Tree BibleAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Episode 99 Living in the Spirit with Libin Abraham
Well, we’re starting the show today with a segment I’m calling “sappy Cynthia.” Graduating two kids in the next 10 days has brought out all the feels, and last night was Brett’s last baseball game—talk about full-on nostalgia (alongside a stomach bug I’m currently fighting).But on today’s show, I’m joined by Libin Abraham, the pastor of my church, Bent Tree Bible. I recently heard Libin preach a powerful sermon series on the Holy Spirit, and it really impacted me. As soon as I heard it, I knew I had to share it with all of you.This week we dive into the topic of living a Spirit-filled life. Libin breaks down who the Holy Spirit is and how He works in our everyday lives. Practically speaking, Libin talks about how the Holy Spirit changes our desires, moves us to pray for others when we don’t even know how, and equips us to do things we’d never imagine ourselves doing—like stepping into foster care when it wasn’t even on our radar.Next week, Libin will be back, and we’ll talk about how to know if it’s the Holy Spirit speaking to you or just your dinner from the night before. Make sure you tune in over the next two weeks for these powerful and practical insights on living in the Spirit.All things CynthiaBent Tree Bible Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Episode 98 “Let’s Not Do That” with David Thomas and Sissy Goff (A Parenting Essentials)
This week on MESSmerized, I have the dream team—David Thomas and Sissy Goff. We’re talking all things parenting, and if you’ve ever tried to have a deep conversation with your teenage son and got nothing but a grunt and a request for bacon, this episode is for you.We tackled the big stuff: anxiety in kids, the social chaos our girls are navigating, and why boys apparently need a full workout and a snack before they can form a complete sentence. We talked about how resilience doesn’t come from bubble-wrapping our kids but from letting them do hard things—and maybe doing a few hard things ourselves (like ignoring the mean mom at soccer).Sissy reminded us that trust, not courage, is the real anxiety buster. And David explained why experiential learning is key for boys (translation: turn that lecture into a walk with a basketball). So if you’re feeling like you’re one carpool drive away from losing it, take a deep breath and join us. You’re not alone, and trust me—this episode will make you laugh!All Things Cynthia Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage by Sissy Goff Owen Learns He Has What It Takes: by David Thomas Register for the Raising Capable Kids Conference with David Thomas and Sissy Goff Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Episode 97 You’re Not Too Late: Trusting God’s Timing with Rebecca George
Rebecca George is joining me today to tackle the tricky art of waiting—something that feels way longer than it should in a world that’s constantly rushing forward. We dive into how trusting God's timing (even when it feels like everyone else is ahead) can turn waiting into a season of personal growth and even joy (yes, joy, during the waiting!).We chat about the dangers of turning desires into idols (oops, we’ve all done it), the importance of gratitude to fight off bitterness, and why comparison is a total thief. Plus, we share how the writing journey is basically the same as waiting for anything else—full of growth, setbacks, and plenty of moments where you just need to trust God.Here’s a few takeaways from today’s show: Trusting God’s timing is key in a world that thrives on instant everything.Waiting doesn’t have to be wasted time—it can be a period of growth.Gratitude is the secret weapon against jealousy and bitterness.Focusing on God’s character, not your circumstances, will help you wait well.Join us for a laugh and some real talk about waiting well—and don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs a little reminder that God’s got this (even when it feels like everyone else is moving faster!).All things CynthiaYou’re Not Too Late: Trusting God’s Timing in a Hurry Up World by Rebecca George Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
About MESSmerized - Funny and faith based encouragement in marriage , family , Christian parenting , and finding purpose
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.
Copyright @2023 MESSmerizing Media
Listen to MESSmerized - Funny and faith based encouragement in marriage , family , Christian parenting , and finding purpose, Focus on the Family with Jim Daly and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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