Family | Chrystal Evans Hurst

The holidays don’t have to be picture-perfect to be meaningful. In this episode, I’m inviting you to trade the pressure of “doing it all” for the peace of simply being there. Together, we’ll talk about what it really means to practice hospitality that reflects God’s heart—choosing presence over perfection, connection over performance, and joy over exhaustion. Because at the end of the day, the best memories aren’t made in flawless spaces—they’re made wherever love and grace have room to gather.

Releasing perfection

Making memories

Creating connection

Related Resources

Ready to prepare for the season ahead? Listen to this podcast episode to learn how to plan for the holiday season.

Check out this podcast episode for my tips for coping with holiday stress.

Listen to my conversation with Sarah Harmeyer on hospitality and the heart of the home.

Intentionally plan for the holidays with the 2026 Full Circle Planner, which is currently 15% off!

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTESThe post #551 – The Holy Work of Hospitality first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

I sat down with Hannah Keeley, America’s #1 Mom Coach, to talk about how to thrive in motherhood—even when life feels overwhelming. Hannah is a mom of seven and the founder of Mom Mastery University, and she knows the struggle is real.

We dive into “Mom Brain” (and why it’s a superpower, not a flaw), the three biggest traps moms face, and how small routines can lead to big breakthroughs.

If you’ve ever felt stressed, disconnected, or stuck in survival mode, this episode will encourage you to stress less and love more.

Naming the three biggest traps moms face

Building routines that actually work for moms

Seeing Mom Brain as a superpower

Related Resources

Connect with Hannah Keeley on Instagram, YouTube, and at hannahkeeley.com

Download Hannah’s free Mom Brain Survival Guide at chrystalevanshurst.com/mombrain

Learn about Mom Mastery University, Hannah’s year-long coaching program for moms

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTESThe post #546 – How to Manage Stress, Mom Brain & Faith with Hannah Keeley first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

Are you struggling with parenting your adult children? If their need for independence creates tension in your home, then I’ve got some advice and encouragement for you.

In this episode, I share my journey from parenting little ones to coaching adult children. The lessons I've learned along the way are too good not to share with you. Whether you’re a new mom or a veteran parent, there is something for everyone in this insightful conversation.

Parenting with presence

Coaching with compassion

Letting the Holy Spirit lead

Related Resources

Listen to my conversation with Mary DeMuth on parenting adult children.

Hear from Alli Worthington on embracing imperfect motherhood.

Grab my book She’s Still There to remember the girl in you, even as you raise your children.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTESThe post #540 – How to Parent Adult Children Well first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

It’s time for my annual Christmas Collection! This year, instead of sharing gift ideas, Kariss and I reminisced over our favorite Christmas memories (and our not-so-favorite gifts). And let me tell you, a good time was had. I love that we get together to intentionally connect in this way. I also love that we get to invite you into our conversation.

I love that we get together to spend time together in this way. There’s no better time to reflect on what made the holidays special and to discover ways to bring that joy with you now.

Reliving Christmas at Nonny’s 

Navigating hard during the holidays

Doing more of what brings you joy

Establishing new Christmas traditions

Related Resources

Check out last year’s edition of Chrystal’s Christmas Collection

Try your hand at Nonny’s Famous Pumpkin Bread 

Keep track of all of your holiday plans in the Full Circle Planner

Shop for yourself and your loved ones in my online store

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTESThe post #512 – 2024 Christmas Collection first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

Is it time for you to set boundaries in your friendships? 

Friends are such a special kind of relationship because they are in essence the family you choose. It’s worth honoring that choice with clear communication about what your limits are so that you can exist in a dynamic that is beneficial for both you and your friends.

Setting boundaries with your friends is an act of self-acceptance and self-love. It is how you show your friends that you understand and value yourself.

Being honest with yourself

Recognizing unhealthy dynamics

Communicating with clarity

Related Resources

Learn more about yourself with questions and prompts in The Full Circle Planner

Interested in learning more about boundaries? Listen to Podcast #431 - Building Better Boundaries

Need help identifying the types of friends in your life? Check out Podcast #488 - The Five Types of Friends You Need

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTESThe post #496 – Setting Boundaries in Friendship first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

For many moms, the idea of homeschooling sounds nice, but it can feel too far out of reach. Sometimes, you just need to hear from someone who’s a little further along to know that you can do it, too.

I sat down with fellow homeschool mom Amber O’Neal Johnston on the latest episode of The Sister Circle Podcast. Amber has pushed past a lack of representation in the available homeschool curriculum and intentionally cultivated a village for her family. 

No matter where your children learn, you can achieve the goal of fostering a sense of belonging and a love of learning in your home.

cultivating a homeschool community

creating a diverse curriculum 

finding value in being outside

“world schooling” as a family

Related Resources

Connect with Amber O’Neal Johnston on Instagram or Facebook.

Grab a copy of Amber’s book, A Place to Belong, and preorder her forthcoming book, Soul School

Find lesson guides, helpful blog posts, and more on the Heritage Mom website

Hear more about fostering a love of learning for your kids on Podcast #438 - Reading for the Win

Listen to this throwback episode, Podcast #050 - How to Help Your Children Succeed, and check out this old post on my homeschooling journey, Why Are We Homeschooling for High School?

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTESThe post #495 – Amber O’Neal Johnston – Cultivate Confidence in Home Education first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

Have you ever looked up and all of a sudden you don't know where the time has gone? Well that is how I am feeling about this episode because here I am celebrating 10 years of podcasting! 

That is correct - 10 years I've been at this podcasting business.

I'm excited about listening back to Episode One with you and enjoying the higher voice, the initial thoughts, and the core of the messaging from where this all began. I'm also looking forward to continuing. 

Here's to celebrating your 10. Here's to remembering where we started, and to why we keep doing what we do.

If you've been waiting to press start, now is the time. This is me asking you, what are you waiting on? If you just get started, maybe 10 years from now, you'll be glad you did. 

Faith

Family

Food & Fitness

Fun

Related Resources

Have you experienced the power of writing things down? Check out this candid video!

To hear more about my story, read my book She's Still There.

Enjoy Episode #462, Build on What You Know.

Read the Show Notes from the very first episode HERE.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTESThe post #480 – The Four “Fs” – Celebrating 10 Years of Podcasting! first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

When was the last time you went on a date with your spouse? One thing I’ve learned over time is that consistently connecting with those who matter most is key to living life well.

In this episode of The Sister Circle Podcast, I share some ways I’m intentional about enjoying life with my husband and close friends.

I know that life can become mundane and, in some seasons, overwhelming and exhausting. But don’t take for granted the gift of relationships in your life. Take a moment to let go of your cares and concerns and live in the moment with the people you love.

Spending date nights in

Finding creative ways to have fun

Making experiences memorable

Related Resources

Plan out date nights to remember in the 90-day planner

Download my list of 50 Summer activities for fun things to do with your loved ones

Having a hard time communicating with your significant other? Listen to Episode #416: Connecting with Your Spouse

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTESThe post #479 – How to Date your Spouse first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

Why are adult friendships so complicated? If you’ve ever wondered why making and maintaining friends is difficult the older you get, trust me, you’re not alone. 

In my own life, my friendships have shifted in different seasons. What I know for sure is that it was worth the fight. On the other side of hard conversations is support, love, and true connection.

Proverbs 27:17 puts it this way, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

You were made for connection. When you take the time to cultivate your circle of friends, you will surely reap the benefits. But you have to be intentional and prayerful in the process.

Making friends

Maintaining friendships

Moving on from friendships

Related Resources

Ready to take your friendships to the next level? Watch Episode #455 - How to Make Room for Friends in Busy Seasons

Join the Inner Circle to connect with women of similar interests.

Use the questions at the end of each podcast blog to facilitate conversations with your friends.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTESThe post #470 – How to Cultivate Friendships first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

Are you a good steward of your relationships? Do you make time for your spouse? Do you encourage your children? 

If you struggle to answer any of these questions, know that you will have a tough time pouring into others if you don’t first pour into yourself.

In this episode, Michael Todd and I chat about his latest book, “A Cup of Love: Relationship Goals for Kids,” and the importance of pouring into our loved ones.

When your cup runs over with God’s love, you are able to love your people well.

Taking care of yourself

Making time for your spouse

Cultivating the gifts in your children

Related Resources

Connect with Michael Todd on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Grab a copy of Michael Todd’s book: A Cup of Love: Relationship Goals for Kids

Check out Michael’s other books: Damaged but Not Destroyed: From Trauma to Triumph

Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage, and Sex

Visit Michael’s website: iammiketodd.com

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTESThe post #469 – Michael Todd – Living in the Overflow of Love first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.