Hey friends,

You know those conversations that feel like sunshine and strong coffee at the same time? That’s what today’s episode is. I’m sitting down with the one and only Cynthia Yanof, OG host of the Pardon the Mess podcast and someone who knows how to bring laughter, truth, and grace into every room she walks into.

We’re talking about her brand new book, How’d I Miss That? and it’s all about those holy “aha” moments, when something you've heard a million times in Scripture suddenly lands differently and stirs your heart in a new way. If you've been craving encouragement that’s both lighthearted and deeply rooted, this episode is for you.

Here’s what we unpack:

• Why love is the Christian brand and how we often forget that
• How mustard seed moments can shape your legacy as a parent
• What it means to live your faith in ordinary, everyday ways
• How to create a personal “Mount Rushmore” to guide your parenting and faith

It’s hopeful. It’s hilarious. And it will make you want to lean in just a little closer to Jesus today.

Cynthia is a speaker, author, and podcast host passionate about encouraging parents to pursue Jesus in the middle of the mess. She’s the original host of Pardon the Mess and now serves as a frequent voice in the Christian Parenting community. Her latest book, How’d I Miss That?, is all about rediscovering the simple but powerful truths of our faith that we often overlook. Cynthia lives in Texas with her husband and kids and brings wisdom wrapped in wit wherever she goes.

Let’s keep choosing the small things, because they’re often the big things in disguise.

With love,

Steph

(00:00) Welcome Back and Introduction

(03:11) Navigating Parenting and Faith

(05:45) How'd I Miss That? Moments in Faith

(09:00) The Importance of Love in Our Lives

(12:11) Parenting Perspectives: Lessons Learned

(14:51) The Mustard Seed Mistake

(18:03) Building a Personal Mount Rushmore

(21:01) The Impact of Small Acts of Love

(24:00) Conclusion and Resources

Connect with Cynthia

Website

https://www.instagram.com/cynthiayanof/

MESSmerized podcast

Sidetracked podcast

Feeding the Mouth that Bites You podcast

Resources Mentioned

How’d I Miss That? book

Sign up for Morning Minute

Christian Parenting

Dwell Bible in a Year

Prefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Hey friends,

You know those conversations you know are important, but they still feel a little intimidating to start? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. In this episode, I’m joined by Erin Kerry who’s bravely sharing her story and helping us hold space for the hard things, especially when it comes to mental health in our homes.

As parents, we’re often navigating silent battles, whether it’s our own struggles or the ones our kids are facing. And while it might feel easier to push through or avoid the topic altogether, what if we could learn to meet it with grace, faith, and even some practical tools?

Here are a few takeaways from today’s conversation:

• The importance of naming emotions and removing the shame from mental health conversations
• How nutrition and nervous system regulation play a vital role in healing and well-being
• Why spiritual and emotional health can walk hand-in-hand
• Encouragement for when you’re in the thick of it faith, community, and rest are not optional luxuries, they’re lifelines

I’m praying this episode feels like a warm cup of tea and a deep exhale. You’re not alone, friend.

Erin is a writer, speaker, and serves as an Integrative Health Coach at Living Well Counseling and Wellness Center in Tyler, Texas. Diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder as a young adult, Erin has spent years learning how to live with resilience, faith, and grace.

Here’s to sparking healing and honest conversations in your family and beyond.

With Love,

Steph

(06:01) The Role of Faith in Healing

(11:55) Living Beyond Labels in Mental Health

(17:51) Navigating Anxiety and Its Protective Nature

(20:46) Nervous System Regulation and Co-Regulation

(22:54) Understanding Anxiety and Its Physical Roots

(25:51) Navigating Conversations on Mental Health

(30:01) The Intersection of Nutrition and Mental Health

(34:51) Practical Tools for Holistic Mental Health

Connect with Erin

Website

Sparking Wholeness podcast

Instagram

Resources Mentioned

Live Beyond Your Label book

Dwell Bible in a Year

Sign up for Morning Minute

Christian Parenting

Prefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Hey friends,

If you’ve ever looked at the world and thought, “This is too much, I don’t even know where to start,” you are not alone. Culture is moving at warp speed, and as Christian parents, it can feel impossible to keep up, let alone know how to guide our kids through it all with clarity, calm, and conviction.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by my Denison Ministries teammates and friends, Connor Jones and Micah Tomasella. These two are not only culture watchers and podcast hosts, but they’re also dads in the thick of raising littles, so they get it. Together, we talk about how to engage culture without being consumed by it, and how to stay grounded when the headlines won’t stop coming.

Here’s what we cover:

• How to decide what’s actually worth paying attention to (and what you can ignore)
• How to enjoy entertainment and trends without letting them become idols
• Why biblical grounding matters more than having all the right answers
• How to have conversations with your kids that don’t feel like lectures

This one is practical, honest, and encouraging, especially if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, out of your depth, or tempted to just check out entirely.

Connor Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing and Micah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries. Together, they host The Culture Brief podcast, where they break down what’s happening in the world and how to think about it through a biblical lens. Both are young dads navigating the same parenting pressures and culture shifts that many of us face daily. Their goal? Help Christians stay rooted in truth while walking wisely in a noisy world.

Let’s keep showing up with curiosity, courage, and grace. You don’t have to know everything, just stay rooted.

With love,

Steph

(00:00) Introduction to the Hosts and Their Backgrounds

(04:54) Navigating Culture as Parents

(11:15) Engaging with Cultural Moments

(14:49) Discussing Cultural Events with Kids

(19:08) Fostering Healthy Conversations about Culture

(19:48) Navigating Theological Questions with Children

(22:14) The Importance of Open Dialogue in Parenting

(26:06) Equipping Ourselves for Cultural Conversations

(28:24) Encouragement for Overwhelmed Parents

(32:42) Trusting God's Plan in Parenting

Resources Mentioned

Dwell Bible in a Year

Give to Christian Parenting

Sign up for Morning Minute

Christian Parenting

Culture Brief Podcast

Denison Forum

Denison Ministries

Prefer video? Find this and other episodes on YouTube!

The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org