Mess Makes Meaning

RAGE PRAYERS originally came out of an off-handed tiktok - inviting people to reject toxic positivity in faith. Christianity is full of practices focused on positivity. Rage prayer is anything but that. Our relationship with God is not hindered but deepened when we bring our whole selves: gratitude and sorrow, joy and rage, and everything in between.

Dive into a fun and very real episode with Joy, Raenelle, and the Reverend Elizabeth Riley!

Learn more about Rage Prayers HERE

Mess Makes Meaning is a podcast about making meaning in the messy and beautiful journey of parenting. Hosted by Joy Studer and Raenelle Tauro, we explore children’s spirituality, wonder, story, rhythm, and play—and the ways we can nurture our children’s spiritual lives in the midst of ordinary, everyday moments.

Follow Mess Makes Meaning wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we make meaning together.

Dr. Michael Chan talks to us about the importance of walking alongside Youth as they navigate their faith journey during a time of life that can be challenging. How do we honor their stories? Dr. Chan gives beautiful insights into this discussion on letting your light shine. 

Dr. Chan joined the Concordia College community in June 2022 as the executive director for faith and learning. Prior to that, he was associate professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He joined Luther Seminary after completing his Ph.D. at Emory University and a year of research and teaching at the University of Helsinki. He is a graduate of Luther Seminary (M.A. in biblical theology) and Pacific Lutheran University (B.A. in elementary education). Dr. Chan provides leadership and support for the Office of Inclusion Diversity, Equity, and Opportunity; the Campus Ministry team; the Dovre Center for Faith and Learning; and the Lorentzsen Center for Faith and Work.

Mess Makes Meaning is a podcast about making meaning in the messy and beautiful journey of parenting. Hosted by Joy Studer and Raenelle Tauro, we explore children’s spirituality, wonder, story, rhythm, and play—and the ways we can nurture our children’s spiritual lives in the midst of ordinary, everyday moments.

Follow Mess Makes Meaning wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we make meaning together.

In this episode we hear from Lacy Finn Borgo, who dives into her insights on spiritual conversations with children. What better time to discuss as we enter into the mystery of Christmas. Click HERE to learn more about Lacy and her work. 

Mess Makes Meaning is a podcast about making meaning in the messy and beautiful journey of parenting. Hosted by Joy Studer and Raenelle Tauro, we explore children’s spirituality, wonder, story, rhythm, and play—and the ways we can nurture our children’s spiritual lives in the midst of ordinary, everyday moments.

Follow Mess Makes Meaning wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we make meaning together.

In this peaceful and inspiring episode of Mess Makes Meaning, we welcome Godly Play Trainer Jill Gidlund for a conversation about creating sacred spaces within the home. In the midst of busy schedules, endless to-do lists, and the everyday demands of family life, Jill invites us to slow down and consider how our homes can become places of connection, reflection, and presence.

Together, we explore the beauty and simplicity of creating home altars—intentional spaces that serve as reminders of what is meaningful, grounding, and sacred in our lives. Jill shares practical ideas for designing these spaces with children and families, emphasizing that sacred spaces do not need to be elaborate to be impactful. Rather, they can be created with ordinary objects, treasured keepsakes, natural elements, and symbols that invite wonder and reflection.

Throughout our conversation, Jill offers gentle encouragement to be present to the moments unfolding around us and to cultivate rhythms that help us notice beauty, gratitude, and connection in our daily lives. Her wisdom reminds us that creating sacred space is less about perfection and more about making room for intention, attentiveness, and meaningful encounters.

Whether you're looking for ways to deepen family rituals, create moments of stillness, or simply bring greater awareness into your everyday routines, this episode offers practical inspiration and heartfelt encouragement. Join us for this gift of a conversation as we explore how sacred spaces can nurture connection, wonder, and presence within our homes.

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Mess Makes Meaning is a podcast about making meaning in the messy and beautiful journey of parenting. Hosted by Joy Studer and Raenelle Tauro, we explore children’s spirituality, wonder, story, rhythm, and play—and the ways we can nurture our children’s spiritual lives in the midst of ordinary, everyday moments.

Follow Mess Makes Meaning wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we make meaning together.

*Warning: This episode can be triggering.
Grief. This topic can be taboo with kids, but that doesn't mean it isn't real. Join us as we get emotional talking with our expert guest Jessica Field and find out what we as the parents/caregivers who treasure our children can do when it comes to grief.

Guest: Jessica Field MPS, is a Spiritual Wellness Coach for individuals and groups. She builds off of her diverse experience in trauma, mental health, social services, and spiritual care to walk with others through grief, forgiveness, purpose, and joy.

To learn more about Jessica and the workshops she offers, click here.

Mess Makes Meaning is a podcast about making meaning in the messy and beautiful journey of parenting. Hosted by Joy Studer and Raenelle Tauro, we explore children’s spirituality, wonder, story, rhythm, and play—and the ways we can nurture our children’s spiritual lives in the midst of ordinary, everyday moments.

Follow Mess Makes Meaning wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we make meaning together.

Join the Godly Play Foundation staff as they talk about the ups and downs of leaving summer, greeting fall, and implementing family rhythms to have their kids feel as supported as they can be during this change of season. Stay tuned for the blessing at the end of each episode because that is especially for you, the parents/caregivers listening. You are enough. You are loved. 

For Wondering prompts to do with your family at the table, bedtime, or in the car, text "WONDER" to (833)359-7488

I wonder what family rhythm your family likes best

Mess Makes Meaning is a podcast about making meaning in the messy and beautiful journey of parenting. Hosted by Joy Studer and Raenelle Tauro, we explore children’s spirituality, wonder, story, rhythm, and play—and the ways we can nurture our children’s spiritual lives in the midst of ordinary, everyday moments.

Follow Mess Makes Meaning wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we make meaning together.

In this thoughtful episode of Mess Makes Meaning, we welcome Melinda Wenner Bradley, licensed Godly Play Trainer, Director of Communications and Training for Faith & Play Stories, educator, author, and longtime advocate for nurturing children's spiritual lives. Together, we explore a topic that can feel both challenging and deeply needed in today's busy world: the importance of silence.

Drawing from her years of experience working with children, families, schools, and faith communities, Melinda shares how moments of quiet can create space for wonder, reflection, listening, and connection. In a culture that often values constant activity and noise, she invites us to consider the gifts that silence offers—not only to children, but to people of all ages.

Throughout our conversation, we discuss how creating intentional space for silence can help children develop a deeper awareness of themselves, others, and the sacred. Melinda reflects on the ways storytelling, community, and shared experiences can nurture belonging while making room for meaningful moments of stillness and contemplation.

With wisdom shaped by decades of ministry, education, and leadership, Melinda encourages parents, caregivers, educators, and faith leaders to move beyond models that focus primarily on information and instead embrace practices that cultivate curiosity, presence, and relationship. Her insights offer practical encouragement for anyone seeking to create environments where children feel valued, connected, and free to explore life's deepest questions.

Join us for a rich conversation about silence, wonder, and the transformative power of simply making space to listen.

Mess Makes Meaning is a podcast about making meaning in the messy and beautiful journey of parenting. Hosted by Joy Studer and Raenelle Tauro, we explore children’s spirituality, wonder, story, rhythm, and play—and the ways we can nurture our children’s spiritual lives in the midst of ordinary, everyday moments.

Follow Mess Makes Meaning wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we make meaning together.

Rev. Dr. Lakisha R. Lockhart 

In this joyful and thought-provoking episode of Mess Makes Meaning, we are joined by Rev. Dr. Lakisha R. Lockhart—mother, wife, educator, theologian, consultant, advocate, and self-proclaimed coolest auntie around. As Assistant Professor of Christian Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary and Executive Secretary of the Religious Education Association, Lakisha brings a vibrant perspective to faith formation that embraces creativity, movement, play, and the wisdom of the body.

Together, we explore the often-overlooked importance of play in the lives of children and adults alike. Lakisha invites us to reconsider play not as a luxury or distraction, but as an essential part of learning, growth, spiritual development, and human flourishing. Drawing from her work in Christian education, Womanist theology, and creative arts, she shares how play creates space for curiosity, imagination, connection, and deeper engagement with both faith and community.

Throughout our conversation, Lakisha challenges us to honor play as the important work of childhood while also recognizing our own need for joy, movement, and creativity as adults. She offers practical insights into how families, educators, and faith communities can create environments where wonder and exploration are welcomed and encouraged.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or faith leader, this episode is a refreshing reminder that play is not something we outgrow—it is a vital part of what helps us learn, connect, heal, and thrive. Join us as we rediscover the sacred gift of play and its transformative role in nurturing the whole person.

Mess Makes Meaning is a podcast about making meaning in the messy and beautiful journey of parenting. Hosted by Joy Studer and Raenelle Tauro, we explore children’s spirituality, wonder, story, rhythm, and play—and the ways we can nurture our children’s spiritual lives in the midst of ordinary, everyday moments.

Follow Mess Makes Meaning wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we make meaning together.

In this engaging episode of Mess Makes Meaning, we are joined by Dr. Jennifer Thomas, relationship expert, speaker, and co-author of The 5 Love Languages of Children. Together, we explore how understanding a child's unique love language can strengthen relationships, deepen connection, and help children feel truly seen, valued, and loved.

Dr. Thomas shares practical insights into the different ways children give and receive love, helping parents and caregivers recognize the emotional needs that may be hiding beneath everyday behaviors. From words of affirmation and quality time to acts of service, gifts, and physical touch, we discuss how each love language can shape the way children experience belonging and security within their families.

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Thomas offers thoughtful guidance for applying these concepts in real-life parenting situations, reminding us that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nurturing children. Instead, she encourages parents and caregivers to approach their relationships with curiosity, intentionality, and grace as they learn how each child uniquely experiences love.

Whether you're raising toddlers, school-aged children, or teens, this episode provides practical tools and encouraging perspectives for building stronger connections and creating a home where children can flourish. Join us as we explore the power of love, relationship, and meaningful connection in the lives of our children.

Mess Makes Meaning is a podcast about making meaning in the messy and beautiful journey of parenting. Hosted by Joy Studer and Raenelle Tauro, we explore children’s spirituality, wonder, story, rhythm, and play—and the ways we can nurture our children’s spiritual lives in the midst of ordinary, everyday moments.

Follow Mess Makes Meaning wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we make meaning together.

As we step into Mental Health Awareness Month, we're thrilled to have Dr. Jessica Young Brown join us on the podcast! 🌟 We're talking about important topics like mental health in the church and religious-related trauma. You won't want to miss this insightful conversation!

Dr. Jessica is a licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her passion lies in making mental health accessible and equitable, especially for marginalized communities. With expertise in areas like racism's impact on mental health and the intersection of faith and mental well-being, Dr. Brown brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion.

Mess Makes Meaning is a podcast about making meaning in the messy and beautiful journey of parenting. Hosted by Joy Studer and Raenelle Tauro, we explore children’s spirituality, wonder, story, rhythm, and play—and the ways we can nurture our children’s spiritual lives in the midst of ordinary, everyday moments.

Follow Mess Makes Meaning wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we make meaning together.