Episodi

  • 332: One Man’s Journey from Abuse & Addiction to Forgiveness and Redemption with Stephen McWhirter

    332: One Man’s Journey from Abuse & Addiction to Forgiveness and Redemption with Stephen McWhirter
    Jan 20 2026
    Trust me, you are not going to want to miss this episode’s honest and vulnerable conversation with Stephen McWhirter, author of the memoir Radically Restored: How Knowing Jesus Heals Our Brokenness. I have really been looking forward to sharing this episode because his story is raw, unsettling at times, and deeply hopeful, and it challenged me in ways that I couldn't have expected. Listen as Stephen opens up about growing up in a home where faith was loudly preached in public but painfully contradicted in private. We talk about what it does to a child when the person who represents God also causes pain and how that kind of hypocrisy can lead to anger, rebellion, and addiction for years, and Stephen openly shares his long road into substance abuse, the surprising moment when everything began to change, and how his encounter with Jesus didn’t happen in a church pew but rather alone, surrounded by darkness and drugs where grace met him anyway.Stephen walks us through forgiveness in a unique way, and we talk about abuse, safety, boundaries, and the very real cost of forgiving someone who caused deep wounds, especially when that person is a parent. His story of forgiving his father (not once but over a lifetime) is one of the best parts of the conversation. We also spend some time talking directly to parents, friends, and loved ones who feel helpless watching someone they care about struggle, with Stephen offering hope for those carrying quiet shame, hidden addictions, or unanswered prayers, reminding us that repentance brings things into the light.If you are wrestling with forgiveness, addiction, trust, or the question of whether God is actually good, then this episode is absolutely for you, and if you’re the one praying for someone else and wondering if it matters, I truly hope that this conversation gives you real hope that restoration is possible, sometimes even in ways that we could never expect or plan for ourselves. Be sure to grab a copy of his book as well!In This Episode[0:35] - This episode is an interview with Stephen McWhirter, author of Radically Restored: How Knowing Jesus Heals Our Brokenness![1:39] - Stephen opens up about how his father’s public faith hid private abuse, fueling rebellion and addiction.[4:18] - Alone with drugs, Stephen realized that salvation required belief, not effort.[6:57] - Stephen believes that God met him outside church and used his story uniquely.[10:04] - For Stephen, obediently forgiving his father was unimaginably difficult.[12:48] - At his father’s deathbed, forgiving him aloud released Stephen and reshaped his understanding of grace.[15:37] - Stephen argues that forgiveness involves tearing up debt and opening the door to healing.[17:15] - Stephen asserts that a parent’s words matter most, but peers can powerfully redirect someone who is struggling.[19:52] - Hear how Stephen longed for honest apologies and repentance because hiding only deepens damage and prevents healing.[23:12] - Stephen believes that repentance brings hidden sin into light.[26:13] - Stephen shares how his mother's faith taught him that prayer is active trust, especially when loving someone feels helpless.[29:50] - Hear how knowing God’s character transformed Stephen's controlling prayers into trust that His will is genuinely good.[32:16] - Be sure to grab a copy of Stephen's book!Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineThe Crystal Paine Show - 329: Why I Am Not Setting Goals in 2026BooksRadically Restored: How Knowing Jesus Heals Our Brokenness by Stephen McWhirterThe Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee StrobelSocial MediaCrystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)Crystal Paine on LinkedInCrystal Paine on TwitterCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTALAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    33 min
  • 331: My Fun List for 2026

    331: My Fun List for 2026
    Jan 13 2026
    Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show! This one is a follow-up to the episode where I shared why I’m not setting goals for 2026, and if you haven’t listened to that one yet, I recommend you do so first because it gives some important context for everything I’m sharing here. Today, Jesse and I give you a peek into my “fun list” - the low-pressure, no-fail, creatively inspired approach I’m taking this year instead of traditional goals, and I am sharing how it’s already reshaping my life just eight days into 2026 (as of when we recorded this)!I talk about the various ways that I have been learning to exist without constant urgency. Years of nonstop goal-chasing left my nervous system overworked, and letting go of that pace has forced me to ask, “Who am I without projects defining my worth?” I share how sitting quietly, arriving early, and simply having space between tasks has actually been strangely calming and unexpectedly healing. We also dive into some very practical examples: everything from decluttering and organizing our home, creating better systems for the spaces which we already have, helping our kids take more ownership, to discovering joy in cooking, exploring new crafts like watercolor and embroidery, and simply enjoying small daily rituals like tea, walks, movies, and shows!Along the way, I also reflect on how my fun list allows me to enjoy life without pressure—no measuring, no stress, just inspiration. Listen in as I share how I am approaching social media differently this year, letting Instagram be a life-giving place again, and how I’m enjoying reading fiction for the sake of enjoyment, not just achievement. I really hope this episode inspires you to experiment with your own fun list, give yourself permission to slow down, and find joy in both the small and creative moments of life, and, of course, as always, we would love to hear from you!In This Episode[0:35] - This episode is a follow-up to episode 329 and discusses my “fun list” for 2026![1:28] - Hear how I visited a gastroenterologist due to chronic anemia, navigating confusion about colonoscopy and endoscopy.[4:59] - Jesse and I discuss how replacing rigid goals with a flexible “fun list” reduces pressure and avoids feelings of failure for me.[7:03] I discuss how fun lists inspire without pressure, unlike goals, which feel heavy and failure-laden for me.[10:22] - Not setting goals challenges my identity, revealing how much I tied worth to productivity.[13:32] - Hear how introducing myself without listing projects initially felt strange, highlighting how much I normally juggle.[15:02] - Letting go of constant goal-chasing calms my nervous system and creates healing space.[19:15] - Jesse and I talk about how embracing a fun list allows enjoying activities such as assembling puzzles without pressure, timelines, or discomfort with unfinished tasks.[20:18] - I am realizing that I cherish simple pleasures and keep them flexible, trusting that rest enhances rather than hinders productivity.[23:42] - I want to explore watercolor, embroidery, knitting, and possibly consider moving for more space.[25:39] - Hear how managing bedrooms and sibling dynamics shows the challenges of space and kids' competitive relationships.[27:35] - I talk about how creating home systems and decluttering improves daily life and prepares for a potential move.[30:58] - I am aiming to enjoy cooking, gym routines, and short trips without pressure or strict goals.[33:44] - I reflect on having rediscovered Instagram joy by posting freely and creatively, without focusing on strategy or metrics.[36:09] - The final thing on my fun list is to read more fiction.Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineThe Crystal Paine Show - 329: Why I Am Not Setting Goals in 2026Social MediaCrystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)Crystal Paine on LinkedInCrystal Paine on TwitterCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTALAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    38 min
  • 330: How Understanding the Compassion of Christ Changes Us with Sherri Hughes-Gragg

    330: How Understanding the Compassion of Christ Changes Us with Sherri Hughes-Gragg
    Jan 6 2026
    Welcome to 2026, everyone! To kick off the new year, I am joined in the studio today by Sherri Hughes-Gragg, an author whose writing has truly changed the way that I read scripture and experience God. Her Advent devotional stopped me in my tracks this December, and her newest book, The Compassionate Christ, feels like exactly what many of us need as we head into a new year!Listen in as Sherri shares her story of growing up in a deeply legalistic Christian environment where rules mattered more than relationship, and doubt wasn’t just unwelcome but was dangerous. We talk about what it’s like to keep up appearances while you are privately unraveling and how years of trying to be “good enough” created a crushing sense of failure, especially in parenting. Her reflections are tender, unfiltered, and grounded in compassion – not only for herself but for her children and anyone who has carried spiritual shame longer than they should have.Hear how a turning point came when Sherri began studying scripture through its Middle Eastern cultural and historical context, including time spent learning in Israel. She explains how this lens transformed familiar passages and healed some long-held fears of hers, especially around the crucifixion and the belief that God turns away in our darkest moments. One moment in particular - Jesus’ words from the cross - reframed everything she thought she knew about God’s presence and faithfulness.We also discuss how understanding God’s compassion changes everyday life: how we parent, how we handle frustration, how we engage people with whom we deeply disagree, and how we resist the urge to play Holy Spirit in someone else’s life. This episode with Sherri isn’t about winning arguments but is about what freedom can look like when fear loosens its grip and how compassion could be one of the most powerful things we offer the world right now!In This Episode[0:35] - I am interviewing Sherri Hughes-Gragg, author of The Compassionate Christ.​​[1:45] - Sherri reflects on how growing beyond fear-based faith, studying Scripture’s context revealed a far kinder, compassionate Jesus.[4:45] - Sherri withdrew while doubting God’s existence, maintaining appearances until her honesty triggered some intervention.[6:28] - At Christian college, conformity replaced authenticity, leaving no safe space for doubt or being myself.[9:33] - Sherri discusses how impossible religious standards left her feeling daily failure, burdened, and regretful.[12:20] - Understanding God’s compassion challenges legalism and calls Sherri to treat even people with whom we disagree with dignity.[15:32] - Sherri asserts that listening quietly for God means trusting Him with others, including her adult children.[17:49] - As fear exhausted Sherri, studying the scripture’s Middle Eastern context and Jesus’ actions changed everything.[19:26] - Hear how studying in Israel sparked a new, healing understanding of scripture’s cultural context for Sherri.[22:36] - During edits of her book, Sherri caught herself overindulging details.[23:12] - Learning Jesus’ cry referenced Psalm 22 revealed God’s faithfulness, not abandonment, even on the cross.[26:56] - Experiencing God’s love over punishment brought daily peace and reshaped how Sherri parents her kids and treats others.[28:30] - I share how recognizing God’s compassion helps me meet frustration with empathy.[30:33] - Sherri's greatest hope is changed relationships - with God and each other - so the church reflects Jesus’ kingdom on earth.Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineBooksThe Compassionate Christ: Draw Near to the Risen Savior (A 31-Day Devotional Retelling of Stories from the Life of Jesus by Sherri Hughes-GraggSocial MediaCrystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)Crystal Paine on LinkedInCrystal Paine on TwitterCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTALAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    32 min
  • 329: Why I Am Not Setting Goals in 2026

    329: Why I Am Not Setting Goals in 2026
    Dec 30 2025
    Tune in for our final episode of 2025 as Jesse and I talk about the top books we read, some major shifts in how I want to show up in life, and why I'm not setting any goals for 2026. I share my top four reads from the year - books that challenged me, inspired change, and gave me perspectives that I didn’t even know that I needed.From Is Your Daughter Ready? by Kari Kampakis, which offers guidance on raising daughters through modern challenges, to The Fight for Us by Rebekah and Gabe Lyons, which made me face the reality of a lopsided marriage and rethink how my priorities shape our relationship, each book left a lasting mark. Habits of the Household opened my eyes to the rhythms and habits already present in our family life, helping me reframe intentionality in small, practical ways, and The Many Lives of Mama Love gave me a raw, compassionate look at addiction, incarceration, and motherhood, pushing me to expand my understanding of struggles that so many face unseen.Alongside these book reads, I am also unpacking a major personal shift: I am not setting any goals for 2026. For someone who has been goal-oriented since childhood, this feels like an especially huge step for me, but after reflecting on a lopsided marriage, watching Jesse take such brave steps with his own coaching and health journey, and seeing how chronic stress has been silently wearing me down for decades, I realized that constant planning and pushing has been a default, not a necessity. My blood work and coaching experiences showed me how disconnected I had truly become from my own body, always running on adrenaline, cortisol, and extreme stress while mistaking calm endurance for health.I have ultimately decided that 2026 is about creating real breathing room - intentionally cutting back on commitments, slowing down, and filling my life with creative and meaningful practices rather than arbitrary deadlines. I am really learning to treat rest as a spiritual discipline, to stop using work as a crutch, and to allow space for real healing, connection, and reflection. I hope that you will listen to this episode as I share the books that shaped my year and the mindset shift that’s shaping the next!In This Episode[0:35] - I am sharing my top 2025 reads, and I explain skipping goals for 2026![3:35] - Here about how I chose books that impacted me deeply; I highlight Is Your Daughter Ready? and The Fight for Us.[6:32] - I discuss the impact that the book The Fight for Us had on me.[10:13] - Habits of the Household encouraged intentional family rhythms and shaped her upcoming 2026 book.[11:54] - I discuss how The Many Lives of Mama Love revealed addiction, incarceration, and motherhood with raw human insight.[14:14] - Jesse focused on historical fiction and military novels this year, gaining detailed Vietnam War knowledge from Jack Carr.[16:44] - I talk about how The Women explored Vietnam War nurses’ experiences, PTSD, and women’s challenges during the war.[19:55] - Hear how Jesse’s coaching and functional medicine journey sparked major life changes and health improvements.[22:50] - Overworking and chronic stress left my body constantly in fight mode, risking future collapse.[23:27] - Early-life coping patterns influenced decades of stress, now being reversed via conscious effort.[26:42] - Extreme stress had been normalized, hiding true health despite outward calm and endurance.[28:37] - I reflect on how chronic stress pushed me into survival mode, disconnecting me from bodily signals and rest.[31:40] - I realized that I had been so disconnected that I entirely missed the changing seasons.[32:37] - Life on autopilot made me overlook reality, leaving me feeling rushed, exhausted, and ungrounded.[35:32] - I share how overplanning caused stress.[37:37] - Choosing no goals allows focus on creative work while reducing hours and pressure.[40:59] - Living intentionally now highlights mindfulness and purpose but with far less stress than before.[41:24] - Practicing rest as a spiritual discipline frees me from overwork and supports deep healing.Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineThe Crystal Paine Show - 307. How to Fight Less and Thrive More in Marriage (with Gabe and Rebekah Lyons)The Crystal Paine Show - 323. Raising Daughters That Are Ready for Adulthood with Kari KampakisBooksIs Your Daughter Ready?: 10 Ways to Empower Your Girl for an Age of New Challenges by Kari KampakisThe Fight for Us: Overcome What Divides to Build a Marriage That Thrives by Rebekah Lyons & Gabe LyonsHabits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms by Justin Whitmel EarleyThe Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing by Lara Love HardinCry Havoc: A Tom Reece Thriller by Jack CarrThe Women by Kristin HannahSocial MediaCrystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)Crystal Paine on TwitterCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@...
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    45 min
  • 328: 25 Things I’m So Glad I Said Yes to in 2025

    328: 25 Things I’m So Glad I Said Yes to in 2025
    Dec 23 2025
    Join Jesse and I this week as I unpack 25 things that I said yes to this year that I am really glad that I did because they have genuinely changed and improved my life. Some of them look small from the outside (like pajamas, fiction books, or shopping in-store again), but every single one has left an indelible mark on my life, our family, the business, and/or all three. I spent more time preparing for this episode than any other because I wanted to name these moments clearly and honestly, without rushing past what they have taught me.Listen in to hear about rhythms that have helped me slow down, such as weekly Sabbaths, earlier bedtimes, and learning how to rest without guilt. I open up about choices that have really reshaped my relationship with my body such as hiring a dietitian, eating enough food, letting go of the scale for a season, and eventually saying yes to strength training and 5 a.m. workouts in a way that actually feels supportive instead of punishing. There’s also a lot here about joy and play: wearing dresses again, reading fiction, wearing real pajamas at night, traveling with my kids one-on-one, and even rediscovering how much I love showing up for baseball games!I also share some of the heavier yeses, the kind that require courage and wisdom such as leaving a toxic relationship and investing in deeper support via a business coach and a functional medicine doctor. Alongside that, I talk about growing our team, saying no to work that no longer fits, and how leadership feels different when you’re not carrying everything alone. This episode of the show is truly reflective, practical, and deeply personal, and it is my hope that, as you listen, you’ll start noticing your own yeses - the ones that quietly changed your year, even if no one else saw them happening. Be sure to check out relevant recent episodes brought up throughout our discussion (as Jesse mentions, there are a lot of them!), and reach out to me with your own victorious yeses over 2025! I would love to hear from you, so send me an email at crystal@moneysavingmom.com!In This Episode[0:35] - This week, I am sharing 25 things I said yes to in 2025 that deeply impacted my life![2:45] - I share how weekly Sabbaths have become a meaningful time to rest, connect, and savor simple joys.[5:54] - Hear how a gym membership unlocked childcare convenience and a love for fitness classes I never expected![7:08] - I have said yes to wearing dresses more often which has felt freeing.[9:16] - I reflect on how hiring a dietitian, a quick spring break, and wearing real PJs all enhanced daily life.[12:36] - Hear how I am learning to honor hunger and eat enough calories.[13:25] - Reading more fiction has reignited a passion I once loved but had lost.[15:02] - I have prioritized spending intentional time with Jesse, including local trips and completing ABC date nights.[15:49] - Volunteering at school became important after Kristen expressed how much she wanted my presence.[18:25] - Assisting in Kristen's classroom strengthened our connection and allowed me to meet her classmates.[20:21] - Hear about how I took a break from scales and tracking, gaining freedom and a healthier perspective on eating.[23:26] - Co-leading a small church group and supporting Silas in baseball really enriched family and personal growth for me![27:16] - I reflect on how leaving a toxic relationship required faith and courage but ultimately brought me some hard-won freedom.[28:47] - I also said yes to weekly sessions with my business coach and how it expanded support for leadership and life decisions.[29:47] - Trips to Disney, Discovery Cove, and a Utah retreat helped give me clarity, reflection, and renewed perspective.[30:57] - Shopping in-store again helped bring me unexpected joy, community, and fun via finding deals and markdowns.[32:06] - I discuss how visiting India and planning my parents’ 50th anniversary created unforgettable, meaningful experiences this year![33:25] - Growing my team intentionally made leadership easier and more joyful.[35:58] - Starting Micah in pre-K early helped him become confident, curious, and more socially comfortable.[38:43] - I reflect on how committing to 5 a.m. workouts improved my energy, rhythm, and natural sleep patterns.[40:43] - Prioritizing earlier sleep and fewer work hours has helped restore balance, boundaries, and overall well-being.Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineThe Crystal Paine Show - 295. Surprising Lessons I Learned on My Trip to DisneyThe Crystal Paine Show - 306. Our 20-Hour Overnight GetawayThe Crystal Paine Show - 308. My Very First Time Going to a Gym ClassThe Crystal Paine Show - 311. Changing My Mindset with FoodThe Crystal Paine Show - 318. My Parents’ 50th Wedding Anniversary CelebrationThe Crystal Paine Show - 321. My 13-Day Trip to IndiaBooksThe Frozen River by Ariel LawhornSocial MediaCrystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)Crystal Paine on ...
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    44 min
  • 327: How to Avoid Unintentional Harm Through the Words We Speak (with Amy Hughes)

    327: How to Avoid Unintentional Harm Through the Words We Speak (with Amy Hughes)
    Dec 16 2025
    I am so excited to welcome Amy Hughes, author of Words Like Honey, to the studio for this episode! I want you to know this isn’t just an episode for parents of little kids. What Amy shares applies to marriages, friendships, classrooms, churches - any relationship where words matter, which is pretty much all of them. I found myself convicted not just about how I speak to my kids but about how I speak to Jesse too!Amy is a mom of nine with kids ranging from toddlers to adults, and her life is anything but quiet or controlled. Listen as she shares how she was thrust into motherhood at 19 years old, instantly becoming a stepmom to a 6-year-old, and how observing harmful parenting patterns early on shaped her desire to do things differently. Amy didn’t initially think much about her words at all, but it was watching how her kids reacted, misunderstood, and internalized things that she never meant that changed everything for her.We talk about how seemingly harmless phrases like “what’s wrong with you?” or “hurry up” can land very differently in a child’s mind, sometimes even leading to shame or anxiety when comfort was intended. Amy explains how small, thoughtful shifts in language can communicate empathy instead of blame and connection instead of pressure. We also talk about repair and why apologizing to our kids isn't a weakness, how humility can rebuild trust at any age, and why it’s almost never too late to begin again.Amy and I explore how asking guiding questions instead of giving quick answers helps kids develop confidence and problem-solving skills and why letting them wrestle with hard questions (especially when it comes to faith) is not dangerous but essential. She stresses that questions should never be shamed and shares why she believes doubt and curiosity can actually strengthen faith when they’re met with safety instead of shame.My conversation with Amy is truly honest, practical, faith-centered, and deeply human, and I strongly encourage you to go grab a copy of Amy's powerful book, and as always, I would love to hear from you, so send me an email at crystal@moneysavingmom.com!In This Episode[0:35] - This episode is an interview with Amy Hughes, author of Words Like Honey![1:49] - Amy discusses how our bustling, multigenerational household shaped her patience and parenting philosophy.[3:39] - Becoming a stepmom at 19 pushed Amy to question parenting norms and form her own.[5:25] - Amy reveals how witnessing a child be silenced until he wet himself cemented her refusal to silence kids.[7:56] - Hear how Amy eventually realized that parenting differently requires intentional speech, not just different actions.[10:01] - Amy's daughter’s long-held misunderstanding around stealing revealed how literally kids take words.[12:48] - Hear why we shouldn’t ask our kids, “What’s wrong with you?”[15:06] - Reframing “what’s wrong with you” into curiosity can help affirm children’s worth and help them feel heard.[16:30] - Amy discusses how empathetic language helps children feel supported, understood, and less anxious.[19:45] - Repair, rooted in humility and apology, can heal fractured parent-child relationships at any age.[22:09] - I discuss how showing children our flaws models grace, forgiveness, and faith far more powerfully than attempted perfection.[24:49] - Guiding kids with questions helps lead to confidence, critical thinking, and independence.[27:48] - I assert that letting children struggle and try builds life skills, resilience, and self-confidence.[30:29] - Amy highlights why it's important to not shame faith-based questions.[32:45] - Creating space for hard questions requires courage, prayer, and curiosity!Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineBooksWords Like Honey: How to Avoid Unintentional Harm, Model Kindness, and Nurture Your Child’s Faith Through What You Say by Amy HughesLove-Centered Parenting by Crystal PaineSocial MediaCrystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)Crystal Paine on LinkedInCrystal Paine on TwitterCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTALAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    35 min
  • 326: Why I Started Getting Up at 4:15am (it might surprise you!)

    326: Why I Started Getting Up at 4:15am (it might surprise you!)
    Dec 9 2025

    As we wrap up the year with this episode that may or may not be the final episode of 2025, Jesse and I sit down and talk through something real, something I’ve been wrestling with. I’m not really the type to plan out twelve months of episode themes. I record when it’s something actually shaping my life right now, and when it comes to this conversation? It has been shaping everything!

    Jesse and I thought that we knew what this episode would be about, but we definitely didn't. What it turned into was a little year-end heart check and a look at two habits that I have wanted to build for months: going to bed on time and strength training - the everyday stuff that’s weirdly difficult when life is already overflowing.

    Listen in as I share the moment a few weeks ago when I finally told Jesse, “I can't figure this out. Help me.” Between our kids’ schedules, it being baseball season, my own work rhythms, and that magical late-night second wind that has betrayed me many times, I truly wondered whether these habits were even possible, but Jesse then suggested something I never would have landed on by myself: a 5 a.m. class at our gym! I tell you how that first week went, what surprised me, and why the locker room shower in total silence may now be one of the great joys of my life.

    I also discuss the domino effect that this small shift has had on our family, including Micah suddenly turning into a cheerful morning person and how a functional medicine appointment forced me to face the truth that I am not nearly as rested or relaxed as I thought! If you’re ending the year wondering whether a habit that you have been circling forever is actually possible, I hope this episode gives you some hope, some ideas, and maybe even a little permission to try something wild!

    As always, I would love to hear from you, so send me an email at crystal@moneysavingmom.com!


    In This Episode

    [0:35] - This episode focuses on year-end lessons and rebuilding habits that finally stick!

    [4:15] - I describe how daily unpredictability kept derailing her bedtime and workout intentions.

    [7:10] - Hear how the schedule review pushes me toward trying a consistent 5 a.m. workout class.

    [10:52] - I talk about how our 18-year-old daughter supports my first class where I finds a warm and encouraging gym community.

    [12:48] - Early workouts give her peaceful morning routines and even improve her three-year-old’s mood.

    [15:51] - I explain how earlier bedtimes boost my sleep quality, supporting the rest my doctor says that I need.

    [18:42] - I realize that I have been disconnecting from my body and ignoring my own physical signals.

    [20:36] - I have recognized that my constant “fight mode” is draining my body.

    [22:48] - My therapist has warned me that nonstop high alert will eventually break me down.

    [25:55] - I adopt a calm, light-free morning routine to support rest, grounding, and early workouts.

    [27:25] - I share my full rhythm to encourage listeners to build habits aligned with your deeper values.


    Links & Resources

    Crystal Paine


    Social Media

    Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)

    Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)

    Crystal Paine on LinkedIn

    Crystal Paine on Twitter

    Crystal Paine on Goodreads

    Money Saving Mom

    Money Saving Mom on Facebook

    Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

    crystal@moneysavingmom.com



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    31 min
  • 325: It’s Never the Wrong Time to Do the Right Thing with Nicole C. Mullen

    325: It’s Never the Wrong Time to Do the Right Thing with Nicole C. Mullen
    Dec 2 2025
    I am so excited about having Nicole C. Mullen join me for The Crystal Paine Show for this episode! Nicole is the author of the book It’s Never the Wrong Time to do the Right Thing: Courageous Stories to Inspire Godly Decisions, and Nicole discusses one of the inspiring biblical stories that she explores in her book - the account of Abigail, the wife of the wealthy but foolish Nabal. As a self-proclaimed “Bible nerd,” Nicole discusses how, when Nabal insults David's men, the enraged David vows to destroy Nabal's household. Abigail quickly gathers provisions and goes to intercept David, humbling herself and pleading for mercy. Her wisdom and courage turn David away from his plan for vengeance, and later, when Nabal hears what Abigail has done, he has a fatal reaction, and David then takes Abigail as his wife.Nicole goes on to explain that Abigail's story teaches important lessons about responding vs. reacting and about the importance of timing and wisdom in difficult situations. She reflects on how Abigail's example has impacted her own life, especially during her experience of becoming a single mother, and she highlights the need for the church to better support and empower single mothers, who often feel unseen and unsupported. She recounts the legacy of her own grandparents, who fostered and adopted children, creating a true ripple effect of generational impact.My conversation with Nicole really highlights how one person's courageous choices can have far-reaching, even world-changing consequences, as seen in biblical figures such as Abigail and Moses' mother Jochebed. Nicole encourages listeners to step out in faith, even when it's scary. God can use our obedience in ways we can't imagine!As always, I would love to hear from you, so send me an email at crystal@moneysavingmom.com!In This Episode[0:35] - I welcome Nicole C. Mullen, author of the book It’s Never the Wrong Time to Do the Right Thing![2:06] - Nicole recounts Abigail’s bravery as she intervenes to stop David from slaughtering her household.[5:15] - Hear how Abigail’s swift courage and wise timing ultimately averted David’s anger and saved her home.[8:19] - Abigail waits wisely, reveals the crisis, and God, not her, ultimately removes her dangerous husband.[11:40] - Abigail's story teaches us that seeking divine wisdom and acting with calm timing prevents reckless reactions.[14:14] - Peace-guided choices, patient replies, and deliberate timing help us respond wisely instead of reacting rashly.[17:07] - Nicole reflects on how God guided her as a single mother despite fear and societal neglect.[20:50] - Supporting single mothers strengthens them and impacts future generations positively.[23:35] - I touch upon how helping one person’s healing creates a ripple effect across families and communities.[24:06] - Nicole traces her family’s legacy of faith, courage, and fostering children through generations.[27:11] - Even just one courageous, faithful act can create lasting ripples affecting families, communities, and even nations.Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineBooksIt’s Never the Wrong Time to do the Right Thing: Courageous Stories to Inspire Godly Decisions by Nicole C. MullenSocial MediaCrystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)Crystal Paine on LinkedInCrystal Paine on TwitterCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTALAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    31 min