MESSmerized - Funny and faith based encouragement in marriage , family , Christian parenting , and finding purpose

Happy Wednesday!! 

This week I sat down with my friend Lauren Chandler—worship leader, author, speaker, and wife to Matt Chandler of The Village Church—for a conversation that covered just about everything: parenting adult-ish kids, people-pleasing tendencies, and the messy-but-beautiful parts of marriage.

We laughed about what it’s like when your kids are technically grown but you still think about them 24/7. Spoiler: the “what’s my role now?” question doesn’t magically disappear when they start driving or head off to college. I told my story about begging my son for vacation updates on his trip with friends and getting…a picture of a map. Not exactly the update I was hoping for.

Lauren and I also dug into brave prayers—the kind that feel a little terrifying, like asking God to help us not get in His way when it comes to our kids. We talked about wrestling with perfectionism and people-pleasing, and how freeing it is to remember that our identity isn’t wrapped up in performance.

And of course, we went there with marriage too—the brutal early years, the baggage we all bring, what it looked like to face brain cancer as a couple, and why pursuing intimacy on purpose matters more than ever.

Oh, and before you go, make sure to also check out Matt’s podcast, Overcomers—because Lauren just signed on as his co-host. It’s officially a Chandler team effort now, and you’ll want to be listening in.

All things Cynthia

The Village Church

Lauren Chandler’s Website

The Overcomers Podcast 

Awake and Alive Devotional by Matt Chandler

You are going to love today’s conversation. First of all, my guest has an Irish accent, which already makes him sound way smarter and more trustworthy than me. But you’ll also leave saying “faith” like “fifth” and telling everyone not to have a “car” (which, in case you’re wondering, is actually a cow).

I’m thrilled to introduce you to Jonathan Murphy, the senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church and the author of a new book called The Story of God and Us: Finding Our Place and Purpose in God’s Plan for the World.

What I loved about this conversation is how Jonathan reminds us that we can be people who “know” the Bible without actually knowing the Bible. I confessed that for too long I had more of a Vacation Bible School knowledge—great at flannel board stories, not so great at seeing the whole arc of God’s redemption story. 

Thankfully, Jonathan has a gift for connecting the dots, showing us how books like Esther and Philippians are not random stand-alone pieces but part of God’s grand narrative—and how that changes how we live today. 

If you’ve ever flipped through your Bible looking for a verse to make you feel better (guilty) or wondered how the bigger story all fits together, Jonathan will give you both conviction and encouragement. Don’t miss this one. And grab Jonathan’s book while you’re at it—I’ll link it in the show notes.

All things Cynthia

The Story of God and Us: Finding Our Place and Purpose in God's Plan for the World by Jonathan Murphy

Stonebriar Community Church

Let’s play a little did-you-know game:

• Did you know the Secret Service protects every foreign diplomat who steps foot in the U.S.?
• Did you know they send motorcades around the world every single time the president travels?
• Did you know that today’s guest, Darin Kinder, has one of the most jaw-dropping survival stories you’ll ever hear—and he’s right here on MESSmerized?

Today is extra special because I’m bringing back my very first podcast guest ever, former Secret Service agent Darin Kinder. If you know me, you already know there are very few stories—aside from the Bible itself—that have shaped my faith more than Darin’s survival story from the 9/11 attacks.

And this week, Darin’s powerful new book just released: Bury Me in a Dirty Suit: Discovering Man’s Valiant Purpose in the Aftermath of 9/11. I got to read it early, and let me tell you—it will completely shift how you think about living courageously, walking out your faith boldly, and doing the hard things while there’s still time.

So here’s my plea: Don’t just listen to today’s show—share it. With your friends, your husband, your kids, your neighbor who thinks faith is boring. We all need the reminder to stay in the game, lean into courage, and live with eternity in mind.

Darin’s new book is available now, and I’d be so grateful if you’d grab a copy (or three).

School starts this week!! School starts this week!!

Yes, JB starts third grade—which means I owe his teachers and the entire school staff a formal apology. This summer we let him stay up too late, live on popsicles, talk back like he’s got a Netflix special, and basically roam the house like a frat boy on summer break. I hand him over to you now, untrained and feral. Godspeed, and may your patience be as great as your need for dry erase markers.

As for the podcast, this week we’re joined by the one and only Toni Collier — and unsurprisingly, she really brought it with wisdom and perspective in the midst of her own trials. We start by talking about how some of the moments that shake you to your core can actually lead to unexpected growth and purpose.

We dive into the hard stuff: the sting of infidelity, the identity-shaking weight of shame, and the courage it takes to ask for help. Toni shares how leaning into community—especially a safe, confessional one—has been essential to her healing. She’s learned the value of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why sometimes the best way to figure out where you belong is to first figure out where you don’t.

We also talk about the power of vulnerability, how God can use even our messiest chapters for something beautiful, and why it matters to recognize the goodness that can come out of pain. Toni’s conversation with us today is honest, raw, and full of hope for anyone walking through their own unexpected storm.

All things Cynthia

Life is Messy, God is Good by Cynthia Yanof 

All things Toni

Pre-Order Don’t Try This Alone by Toni Collier 

Toni’s Podcast Still Coloring

Happy Wednesday—and happy “last week of summer” to so many of us!

Today wraps up our Know Before You Go summer series, where we’ve been hearing straight from the source—students graduating from college and high school—about what they’ve learned and what they wish parents knew.

But this week, we’re switching gears. We’re talking all things junior high with one of my dearest friends, Stephanie Martin. And trust me: if you’ve ever survived (or are bracing yourself for) the middle school years, you’re going to want to hear this.

Stephanie is wise, funny, and full of perspective from walking this road with three kids of her own. We talk about:

• What to do with kids who insist on “learning from experience” 🙃
• Why middle schoolers are not the final product (thank you, Lord)
• How God uses these in-between years to shape both them and us

But here’s the real reason to listen: this episode includes one of the most powerful parenting takeaways I’ve heard in a long time. It’s simple, convicting, and might just reframe the way you approach parenting in any season.

Even if you’re not currently raising a junior high student, this conversation will speak to the heart of what it means to be a parent—showing up, holding things loosely, and trusting God with the in-between.

I hope you’ll listen and also share with a friend. 

If you missed Know Before You Go: College Edition listen here 

If you missed Know Before You Go: High School Edition listen here 

All things Cynthia

Another week, another Yanof kid takes the mic alongside a few of their friends. 🤪🤪🤪

This week, we’ve got three freshly graduated high schoolers joining us: Brett, Ella, and Riley. They have lots of great insight from their four years of high school, including some pitfalls to avoid and many lessons they learned along the way.

We get real about friendship drama, comparison on social media, and how to find your people in a world that makes that feel harder than ever. We also talked about what it looks like to keep our faith front and center, and ways for parents to be a safe place when everything feels a little shaky. 

If you’ve got a teen in your house, or will eventually be dealing with the good, the bad, and the ugly of parenting high schoolers—this episode is for you!

Cynthia Yanof

If you missed Know Before You Go: College Edition listen here

Well, the day has finally come. 

After months—okay, years—of BEGGING to be on the podcast, I’ve caved. Today’s guests on MESSmerized are none other than my daughter Kate and her college best friend, Molly. That’s right, I’ve handed over the mic (reluctantly and with mild supervision) to two Gen Z girls who know a thing or two about the college experience.

This kicks off our back-to-school series I’m calling “Know Before You Go.” We're starting with college this week, then moving down the academic food chain to high school and junior high. Pray for me.

Kate and Molly dish on what it’s really like to head off to college—like discovering your family does weird things you assumed were normal (shoutout to ripping your credit card receipts at restaurants). They talk about finding your people (spoiler: it takes time and that’s okay), navigating faith in environments that don’t always make space for it, and the weird pressure to look like you’re thriving 24/7 on social media.

They also get honest about what shifts in family dynamics—what changes, what stays the same, and how to keep communication healthy when everyone's adjusting to a new normal. Oh, and yes, they’ll remind you that joining things matters (from sororities, churches, and intramural sports). It’s about finding your spot, your people, and maybe even a free t-shirt or two.

So whether you're about to pack up a kid and ship them off to college, or you have a friend who is, this is a must-listen episode for anyone navigating this wild season. Oh, and please do me a huge favor and share today’s show with other families who might need a little encouragement and a good laugh as we figure out the college journey together.

All things Cynthia

In the wake of heartbreaking news in Texas, I am talking with psychologist Dr. Ken Wilgus about how to walk our kids—and ourselves—through tragedy, fear, and anxiety. 

We will discuss: 

• When it’s okay to “look away” from constant news
• How to know if your child needs help processing trauma
• What to say when teens ask hard questions about faith in the suffering
• The pressure today’s parents feel to get it all right
• Why anxiety in kids is normal—and how to respond calmly

Dr. Ken also talks about the need for a reality check on today’s overanxious, over-informed moms and dads. He reminds us: You’re only a parent. It’s not all up to you. And sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is simply show up, listen, and offer perspective in your children’s lives. 

I can't wait for you to hear today's show! 

All things Cynthia

Dr. Ken Wilgus Website

Focus on the Family

Feeding the Mouth that Bites You: A Complete Guide to Parenting Adolescents and Launching Them Into the World by Ken Wilgus

Let's just start by saying this is not a topic we've talked extensively about on this podcast, but I think it is more relevant now than ever. So let's focus on the important things...

Are people really falling in love with AI chatbots?! Yes. Yes, they are. And that’s where we’re starting on today’s episode. I’m joined by my friend and licensed therapist Kristen Hatton, and we’re diving into the very real (and slightly surreal) ways technology is reshaping our relationships, parenting, and emotional health.

We’re talking about how AI is creeping into everything from therapy to our kids’ social lives. It’s weird and wild—but underneath it all, it points to something we all crave: real connection.

Kristen shares from her perspective as a counselor and mom, and we get into the loneliness so many people are facing, how vulnerability feels risky (but is totally worth it), and why choosing real relationships matters.

We also talk about parenting from a place of trust rather than fear—easier said than done for sure. But Kristen brings wisdom and practical encouragement for those of us trying to raise emotionally healthy kids in a world that wants to offer them a chatbot instead of a friend.

Whether you’re parenting teens, navigating friendship in a digital world, or you accidentally fell in love with Alexa (JK)—this episode is full of important reminders that human connection is still worth fighting for.

All things Cynthia

Kristen Hatton Website

Redemptive Parenting

RERELEASE!

What does faithfulness to Jesus look like in this season of life? We're kicking it off with that question on today's show and then moving on to a powerful interview with Megan Fate Marshman. She’s amazing, and we cover everything from parenting fails to perfecting the elusive messy bun. We even had a little fun comparing stereotypes about Texas and California—because apparently, people think Texans ride horses everywhere.

Megan also shared about the sudden loss of her husband and how she has leaned into prayer through her grief and raising their two small children. We talked about those “What now, God?” moments—when life takes an unexpected turn and you’re not sure how to move forward. Megan reminds us that prayer doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s about being honest and vulnerable with God, even if your mind wanders halfway through. (You know the drill: “Dear God… wait, did I leave the laundry in the washer?”)

We also dug into Romans 8:28 and how God’s goodness doesn’t always look the way we expect. It’s not always easy, but knowing that God works for the good in all things gives us hope. He’s not just with us in the good times—He’s right there in the mess, using every struggle to grow us and draw us closer to Him.

Whether you’re navigating the chaos of parenting, dealing with grief, or just trying to survive the day with the help of a few hits of caffeine, God is at work in your life.

All things Cynthia Yanof 

Relaxed: Walking with the One Who is Not Worried About A Thing by Megan Fate Marshman