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 Cynthia

You’re Not Too Late: Trusting God’s Timing in a Hurry Up World by Rebecca George

This week on MESSmerized, I got to chat again with the one and only Ann Voskamp—and let me just say, if you’re needing a little soul refreshment heading into Easter weekend (and maybe a reminder that God is still in charge even when your week feels like a dumpster fire), this episode is for you.

Ann shared the most incredible story about chasing sheep across the Canadian tundra—yes, actual sheep. It gave us a beautiful picture of Jesus as our Good Shepherd. He never sleeps and He never takes His eyes off us. There’s something comforting about knowing that even when we wander, He’s already coming after us with love. 

Ann also opened up about a really hard season—her son’s house burned down during Lent. Literal ashes. And yet, in true Ann fashion, she invites us to see the beauty in even the most heartbreaking moments. She calls it a “severe mercy”—a reminder that even in loss, God is working something eternal and holy in us.

So as we head into Resurrection Sunday, I hope this conversation reminds you that Jesus is near. He’s the Shepherd who sees you, loves you, and laid down His life so you’d never walk alone—even in the cold, or the ashes, or the chaos.

All things Cynthia Yanof 

Loved to Life by Ann Voskamp

“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Blessed is the king of Israel!’” — John 12:13

We’re coming up on Palm Sunday, and I honestly can’t think of anyone better to join us this week (and next!) than the one and only Ann Voskamp. And if you’re even slightly tempted to skip this episode for any reason, I’m going to have to lovingly—but firmly—ask you to rethink that decision. 😂

Ann and I get real, honest, tearful, and maybe a little silly as we talk about faith, the hard places we’ve been walking through lately, and what this season—especially Palm Sunday—means in the context of our everyday lives. She shares such a beautiful word on making sure what we focus on actually draws us closer to the Lord.

She also talks about how she stays in step with Jesus, reminding us that our ultimate goal isn’t hustle or productivity... it’s just more of God himself. Yes and amen to that.

I’m so excited for you to hear this conversation with Ann (and don’t worry—she’s back again next week!). As we head into Holy Week, will you consider sharing this episode with a friend? Someone who might need a fresh reminder that Jesus is still the Good Shepherd, still turning tables, and still gently leading us home.

All things Cynthia Yanof 

Loved to Life by Ann Voskamp

Jim Burns is back for round two on Messmerized! If you missed last week’s episode, stop what you’re doing (unless you’re driving or getting a colonoscopy) and go listen—we talked all about raising kids with sexual integrity, which, let’s be honest, is not the easiest thing in today’s world.

This week, we’re shifting gears and talking about what happens when those kids actually grow up and start leaving—which is equal parts freeing and terrifying. Jim and I dive into the emotional rollercoaster of empty nesting, why it can feel like an identity crisis (especially for moms), and how to reinvent ourselves when our house suddenly gets a little too quiet. 

We also cover the tricky art of parenting adult children—supporting them while letting them live their own lives. And yes, we discuss the very important truth that we cannot, in fact, pick their partners for them, no matter how many “I told you so” moments we see coming.

If you’re anywhere on the parenting journey—knee-deep in school drop-offs, staring down an empty nest, or already there wondering what to do next—this episode is for you. And please share this with your friends who need reminders that God is in the details, even when those details involve hard goodbyes, big life transitions, and resisting the urge to correct our adult children’s life choices. 

Can’t wait for you to listen!

All things Cynthia

Doing Life with Adult Children by Jim Burns

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity by Jim Burns

Let’s be real—there’s a long list of things I’d rather do than have “the talk” with my kids. Root canal? Yes. DMV with a missing document? Absolutely. 

But since it’s apparently poor form to let TikTok raise our children, I guess it’s time to step up. Enter Jim Burns, who has spent years helping parents navigate the minefield of talking to their kids about relationships, faith and—brace yourself—sex. He’s here to tell us why we need to make these conversations less awkward and more ongoing, why a relaxed approach is better than a full-blown TED Talk, and how to teach kids to guard their hearts without scarring them with the purity culture we grew up with. 

Jim reminds us that parenting in the digital age is next-level complicated, and the internet is shaping kids’ views on sex way before we even think to address it. The good news? We can be the safe place they come to with their questions. We’ll talk about the importance of sexual integrity, biblical wisdom, and even touch on dating relationships. 

So, if you’ve been dreading these conversations, take a deep breath—we’ve got this. And as Jim says, sometimes “No” is the most loving word we can say.

P.S. If you could leave a review here to help others find us, we would SO appreciate that!!

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity by Jim Burns 

HomeWord and all things Jim Burns

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

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 

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

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