Crystal Paine Show

Latest Episodes:

214. Shiny Happy People: Our Honest Thoughts Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

This may be one of the most controversial episodes I’ve ever recorded – and also the most personal! Amazon recently released a 4-part docu-series called Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets. While this series focuses on the Duggar family primarily, it dives into the world and beliefs of those who were part of the IBLP/ATI program – which was the program and culture I grew up in.

We got so many requests from people to share our thoughts on the docu-series, so we sat down and recorded a very unscripted podcast on what it was like for me to grow up in this culture + our honest thoughts on the docu-series.

You might not agree with our perspective, but I hope that this episode makes you think and/or encourages you in your journey, whether you may be.

In This Episode

[00:38] - Today’s topic is on the show Shiny Happy People.

[03:31] - I share a little of my background and what it was like growing up in the IBLP/ATI program.

[08:15] - Is the docu-series sensationalized?

[10:09] - We all bring baggage and dysfunction from childhood.

[12:11] - Jesse and I caught something interesting in the first episode.

[15:01] - We discuss the idolatry of the family.

[17:27] - Hear about how it was interesting to watch this show with our kids.

[20:30] - We discuss how obedience was instilled/taught.

[24:36] - Why success was so important in the IBLP/ATI program.

[26:08] - Pursuing Godliness without the gospel leads to dysfunction.

[29:17] - Where might I be seeking formulas in my own life?

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets on Amazon Prime

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

213. Every Woman a Theologian (with Phylicia Masonheimer) Jun 06, 2023

Show notes

Today’s podcast guest has deeply impacted my life this year as I've been reading her work and following her on Instagram and I really looked forward to recording this episode with her. It didn't disappoint!

Phylicia Masonheimer is the author of Every Woman a Theologian and founder of the organization with the same name, a ministry that teaches both Christian women and men how to identify what they believe and communicate it in a loving way. In this podcast episode, she shares why theology matters, how what we believe impacts our every day lives, why she believes the Bible is true, how to reconcile some of the hard parts of the Old Testament with the belief that God is good and that women are valued, how to communicate what we believe in a gracious manner, and what it looks like to lean into and rely upon the Holy Spirit.

No matter what you believe, I hope that what Phylicia shares in this episode will challenge you and make you think.

In This Episode

[00:35] - I have been excited about this episode for a while!

[02:18] - Phylicia shares some background information about herself.

[03:24] - What did Phylicia want to do for a living when she was young?

[05:05] - What does the term theology mean and why is it important?

[06:36] - What if someone is doubting their faith?

[08:32] - Phylicia addresses the historical context of the Old Testament.

[10:41] - How would Phylicia address women not being valued in the Old Testament?

[13:03] - Phylicia defines theology without intimacy.

[14:59] - How do people have heart knowledge about Christianity?

[16:40] - Phylicia explains what it means to walk alongside the Holy Spirit.

[18:55] - Phylicia offers encouragement on how to find time for Jesus.

[20:36] - Perfection is the enemy of consistency.

[21:38] - Phylicia argues for the grace that comes with learning with your kids.

[25:42] - How does Phylicia communicate her faith to someone who has different beliefs?

[28:27] - Phylicia encourages people who ask how God can be good when they’re struggling.

Links & Resources

Every Woman a Theologian: Know What You Believe. Live It Confidently. Communicate It Graciously. by Phylicia Masonheimer
Phylicia Masonheimer
Phylicia's Instagram
Love-Centered Parenting: The No-Fail Guide to Launching Your Kids by Crystal Paine
10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
MoneySavingMom.com
My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

212. How to Help Your Kids Have an Intentional Summer May 30, 2023

Show notes

Want to help your kids be more intentional with their summer? In this podcast episode, Jesse and I share 10 questions to ask your kids to help them come up with some great ideas to be more intentional with their time this summer.

Use these questions as a springboard to set goals or just to get yours kids' creative juices flowing! As we talk about in this episode, we sat down with our kids and went over these questions together and we had such a fun time hearing our kids' answers, learning more about what they are hoping to do and accomplish this summer, and setting some goals and planning some activities for the summer.

In This Episode

[00:35] - Feeling overwhelmed by having kids home over summer?

[01:55] - Hear some family updates.

[04:16] - Kathrynne's last-minute graduation party and how it all came together.

[09:03] - I have been reading Listen to Your Day by Paul Angone.

[10:41] - A deodorant I've been loving.

[15:48] - Boredom isn't necessarily a bad thing.

[17:20] - The first question: what’s one thing I want to learn how to do?

[17:41] - What is a new idea I want to try?

[18:34] - What do I want to read?

[19:04] - Where is one place I want to go?

[19:55] - Who would I like to help?

[20:22] - What life skill do I want to learn and/or practice?

[20:55] - What do I want to learn to cook or bake?

[22:55] - What would I like to organize better?

[23:26] - What goal would I like to accomplish?

[24:03] - The final question: what is a business idea I’d like to try or job I'd like to apply for?

Links & Resources

Listen to Your Day by Paul Angone
Hello deodorant
10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
MoneySavingMom.com
My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

211. Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection (with Addison Bevere) May 23, 2023

Show notes

Okay, full disclosure: I'd never heard of Addison Bevere until his publisher reached out and asked if he could be on my podcast. I did some research and was so impressed with what I found, that I said yes. And I'm so grateful I did because I was absolutely blessed by the time I got to spend with him.

Not only did he share so much wisdom on our podcast episode, but I loved getting to know him more in our conversations before and after we recorded. He was so humble and I would have never known that he was leading this huge organization had I not kept asking question after question until he finally shared more!

Addison is the author of a brand new book titled Words with God: Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection. In this episode, we talk about growing up with parents who were both public figures, what his parents did well and what he wished they had done difference, the difference between doubt and disbelief, why prayer matters and how it might be different than what you think it looks like, and how it can impact and influence our every day life.

In This Episode

[01:05] - Learn about today’s guest, Addison Bevere.

[03:22] - Addison gives examples of things his parents did well and things he thought they could have done better.

[05:15] - Hear more about Addison’s parents and his upbringing.

[06:32] - Humility creates safety.

[07:07] - Why Addison wrote his new book and how important silence is when it comes to prayer.

[16:14] - The different types of prayer.

[20:30] - What does prayer look like for Addison in his every day life?

[22:54] - Addison gives us examples of practical prayers.

[26:32] - How can we identify whose voice we’re hearing when we listen?

[28:30] - Addison identifies how having words with God has been helpful to him.

Links & Resources

Words with God: Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection by Addison D. Bevere
Love-Centered Parenting: The No-Fail Guide to Launching Your Kids by Crystal Paine
10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
MoneySavingMom.com
My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

210. Kathrynne shares surprising lessons she learned in high school May 16, 2023

Show notes

Listen in to this week's podcast episode as I welcome our daughter, Kathrynne, back to the show! She joins me today to discuss her high school experience -- a topic inspired by a recent night where she spoke at youth group. She had such wisdom to share there and I wanted her to get to share some of that on the podcast.

In this episode, Kathrynne talks about how she was really dreading going into her senior year. She decided to focus on loving the younger kids and looking for ways to serve them and make them feel loved. She's ending the year so thrilled by the friendships she made, the the memories she's carrying with her, and the many opportunities she had to love the younger kids and hang out with them. It ended up being a GREAT year!

Kathrynne tells us about a teacher who inspired her and made a difference in her life by going out of her way to show kindness to her -- something that made her want to do the same for others. She gives some great advice to parents and other adults who want to connect with their teens, emphasizing the importance of making them feel like their interests and ideas matter.

She also talks about how the idea of selling pizzas and sodas at lunchtime have led her to plan to major in business in college. This likely wouldn't have happened had she not decided to make the most of her senior year rather than be miserable or just sad.

My hope is that this conversation with her will inspire you to make the most of your opportunities and make a difference in the lives of others!

In This Episode

[00:35] - Our daughter Kathrynne is today’s guest!

[02:19] - Kathrynne feels bittersweet about high school being over.

[03:41] - Hear about Kathrynne’s rough transition between junior year and senior year.

[05:48] - Kathrynne reflects on Back-to-School camp.

[08:24] - Senioritis hit Kathrynne hard.

[12:14] - Hear about a surprise party that was thrown for Kathrynne.

[15:15] - What would Kathrynne say to adults who want to inspire teens?

[17:21] - Kathrynne gives advice to parents who want to connect deeper with their kids.

[18:35] - Kids are probably communicating with you even if it’s not verbally.

[20:52] - Kathrynne has realized that she loves things related to business and earning money

[22:50] - In addition to helping run pizza sales, Kathrynne began selling drinks at lunch.

[24:18] - Kathrynne is considering majoring in business.

[26:53] - Gratitude and attitude are the biggest takeaways here.

Links & Resources

Love-Centered Parenting: The No-Fail Guide to Launching Your Kids by Crystal Paine
10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
MoneySavingMom.com
My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

209. Hope For When Motherhood is Really Hard (with Katie Faris) May 09, 2023

Show notes

Mother’s Day isn’t always flowers and chocolate and handmade cards. For many women, it’s a hard reminder of something that isn’t, something that once was, or something that might never be.

Maybe you’ve lost a child.

Maybe you’re estranged from your mom.

Maybe your child has a life-threatening disease.

Maybe you’ve lost your mother.

Maybe you’re single and longing for marriage and motherhood.

Maybe that adoption you thought was going to go through didn’t.

Maybe you never really had a mother figure in your life.

Maybe you’re desperately longing for a child and struggling with infertility.

Maybe you are estranged from your grown child.

There are many, many reasons why today might be painful for you. I don’t know your exact circumstances or the burdens you are carrying today. But if Mother’s Day is hard for you, I want you to know this: You are not alone.

I can’t be there physically to hug you and pray with you like I wish I could, but I want you to know that I care about you and others in this community here do, too.

You are loved. You are not alone. You are not forgotten.

I recorded a special Mother's Day episode of my podcast a few weeks back with Katie Faris, the author of the book God Is Still Good: Gospel Hope and Comfort for the Unexpected Sorrows of Motherhood.

Katie has walked through really devastating times as a mom: miscarriage and three of her children being diagnosed with a genetic condition that has caused many difficult health struggles and will impact her kids for the rest of their lives.

In this episode, she shares more of her story and how she has clung to God and relied upon Him during the hard and dark seasons. I appreciated her honesty and vulnerability, but also her empathy and compassion. If you're walking through a really difficult season related to motherhood or if Mother's Day is really hard for you, I think this episode will encourage your heart.

In This Episode

[01:01] - Today’s guest is Katie Faris!

[05:02] - Katie shares the story of walking through the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency diagnosis with three of her kids.

[13:14] - How has Katie held on to the belief that God is good?

[16:25] - Why having a go-to list of Bible verses has made such a difference.

[21:49] - Encouragement for the woman feeling discouraged and hopeless.

[26:08] - What would Katie say to women for whom Mother's Day is hard?

Links & Resources

God Is Still Good: Gospel Hope and Comfort for the Unexpected Sorrows of Motherhood by Katie Faris
Love-Centered Parenting: The No-Fail Guide to Launching Your Kids by Crystal Paine
10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
MoneySavingMom.com
My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

208. Slacker Parenting (AKA How to spend less time micromanaging and more time enjoying your kids) May 03, 2023

Show notes

Jesse and I are talking about "slacker parenting" this week on the podcast. This term might seem a bit odd or like the opposite of the kind of parent you'd want to be, but hear us out... because it's not exactly what it sounds like!

I recently read a pre-release copy of Alli Worthington’s upcoming book Remaining You While Raising Them and that's where I got the phrase from. Alli talks about how kids are often much more capable than we think they are. What would it look like for us to give them more opportunities to be in charge of their own responsibilities -- such as getting up and getting ready to leave for school, making their own lunches, managing their own homework, etc.

I so agreed with what she jokingly called "slacker parenting" because it's about raising our kids to be adults, to take ownership of their life and decisions, and to learn personal responsibility from a young age.

In this episode, we talk more about what this has looked like in our home, how it frees us up to enjoy our kids more, why it's a gift we give our kids, and how it helps prepare them more for life and their future.

In This Episode

[01:35] – We are talking about slacker parenting today.

[02:38] – We just got back from a camping trip!

[05:23] – We learned that our kids like to sleep in very cold temperatures.

[06:25] – Our girls went to prom -- and we also sort of went to pom for the first time!

[08:29] – I have been back on the reading train.

[11:47] – I am almost done listening to The Book Woman’s Daughter.

[13:59] – Jesse is looking forward to the book The Watchmaker’s Daughter.

[16:52] – Iron in a Bottle has been saving my life!

[20:23] – Mamava pods also saved my life last week.

[23:53] – What inspired the topic of slacker parenting?

[26:19] – Hear an example of how we practice this.

[28:31] – Kids are a lot more capable than we give them credit for.

[31:00] – Jesse emphasizes that kids will even ask to help at times.

[32:39] – We also try to avoid solving problems for our kids.

[35:06] – It’s also important to teach kids to ask for help rather than expect it.

[38:30] – This is a gift to your children and to yourself.

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine
Iron in a Bottle
Mamava Pods
Books
The Book Woman’s Daughter: A Novel by Kim Michele Richardson
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek: A Novel by Kim Michele Richardson
The Watchmaker’s Daughter: The True Story of World War II Heroine Corrie ten Boom by Larry Loftis
Into the Lion’s Mouth: The True Story of Dusko Popov: World War II Spy, Patriot, and the Real-Life Inspiration for James Bond by Larry Loftis
Code Name: Lise: The True Story of the Woman Who Became WWII’s Most Highly Decorated Spy by Larry Loftis
The Princess Spy: The True Story of World War II Spy Aline Griffith, Countess of Romanones by Larry Loftis
Remaining You While Raising Them: The Secret Art of Confident Motherhood by Alli Worthington
Love-Centered Parenting: The No-Fail Guide to Launching Your Kids by Crystal Paine
Other Links
10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
MoneySavingMom.com
My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

207. How God Brings Beauty & Purpose to Your Story (with Anne Neilson) Apr 25, 2023

Show notes

I am so honored to have Anne Neilson on today’s show! Anne has a brand new book out titled The Brushstrokes of Life: Discovering How God Brings Beauty and Purpose to Your Story, and she joins me today to discuss her life such as her general background, her family, how her childhood was a bit difficult and rocky, how she became interested in art, and more.

Anne is very candid about how she spent a good portion of her life feeling unworthy of pursuing her dreams and touches upon how she has worked to overcome that, giving really inspirational advice to any listeners who might be struggling with something similar. She also offers up some beautiful examples of how God has been a source of guiding light for her.

If you have a passion in your heart and a calling to do something creative such as painting but struggle with feeling like you aren’t good enough to pursue it, like you don’t have what it takes, then this conversation with Anne Neilson is for you! Be sure to also check out The Brushstrokes of Life to dive even deeper into Anne’s story!

In This Episode

[00:35] - Today’s guest is Anne Neilson!

[01:33] - Anne shares some background information about herself with us.

[02:47] - Anne discusses how she got interested in art.

[04:02] - Learn about some difficulties during Anne’s childhood.

[06:07] - Anne’s ability to be creative as a child was a bit stifled.

[07:34] - Hear about Anne’s life in her twenties.

[10:04] - How has Anne worked to overcome feeling unworthy?

[12:23] - Anne gives advice to anyone who is afraid to pursue a dream.

[14:23] - Anne takes us back to when she turned thirty.

[17:33] - Anne still has to surrender regularly.

[18:57] - What does being still look like to Anne?

[21:45] - Hear Anne read a quote from the first chapter of her book.

[22:51] - Anne encourages us that we are never too broken.

[26:23] - How has God been a guiding light in Anne’s life?

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

Books

The Brushstrokes of Life: Discovering How God Brings Beauty and Purpose to Your Story by Anne Neilson

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

206. How Do I Get My Spouse to Change Their Mind? Apr 18, 2023

Show notes

I have been getting a lot of questions lately asking for advice on how to get your spouse on board with your budget plan and/or how to get them to stop spending too much money, so we decided to address that on the podcast today.

I share some of the questions and comments that listeners have sent in and offer some advice, such as implementing what I call the three C-O-Ms - (1) compassion, (2) communication, and (3) compromise.

When it comes to getting your spouse on board with an idea of yours, such as wanting them to be on the same budget plan as you, the idea should not actually be to get them onto your board but rather to create a whole new board together that you stand on together.

At the end of the day, you can only truly change yourself. You can’t entirely change someone else, and that’s part of the reason why doing things together is so important. I hope that this discussion is helpful to you!

In This Episode

[00:35] - Discover that today’s topic is how to get your spouse on your budget.

[01:49] - Kaitlynn has been learning to drive!

[06:11] - I have been doing a series on Instagram about what I am loving on Wednesdays.

[10:10] - I am reading Every Woman a Theologian by Phylicia Masonheimer.

[12:26] - Jesse just finished reading Leadership as an Identity by Crawford Loritts.

[13:30] - I am on day 11 of 75 Hard!

[14:31] - Learn how I have modified 75 Hard for my own needs and limitations.

[18:02] - Jesse argues that looking at food as fuel requires a mindset shift.

[19:10] - I move into talking about how to get your spouse on board with your idea.

[21:27] - I discuss the importance of compassion in a marriage.

[23:09] - Hear me give an example of how I struggled with listening.

[24:57] - I address why communication is essential.

[27:30] - My third point is compromise.

[30:36] - Jesse argues that the key word of this whole episode is together.

[32:59] - The only person you can truly change is yourself.

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

Books

Every Woman a Theologian by Phylicia Masonheimer

Leadership as an Identity by Crawford W. Loritts

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

205. Trading Fear & Anxiety for Unshakeable Peace (with Katie Davis Majors) Apr 11, 2023

Show notes

Today’s guest has deeply impacted my life, so it is such an honor having her on the show. Katie Davis Majors’ book Kisses from Katie had a profound impact on me when I read it years ago, and she now has a brand new book out, Safe All Along.

Katie's story of moving to Africa right out of high school, starting a nonprofit (Amazima Ministries), and eventually adopting 13 girls while living in Uganda is incredible and you can't help but be moved in hearing it. And you would think she must have a rock solid faith and never struggle with fear or anxiety. But that's not the case.

In this episode, she shares openly about her struggle with anxiety. We talk about what she has learned through it, how even writing this book was a challenge, and what it looks like to entrust our kids to God, even when the world feels so full of unknowns and scary things. I loved how she practically shared what it looked like for her recently to walk through a situation where she found herself spiraling into psychoanalyzing a situation.

Katie also gives some helpful advice on how to find time during your day to devote to God and be with Him -- something that I found so helpful because she definitely knows what it's like to have a full house and be pulled in many different directions! Her deep faith -- despite her journey with anxiety and so much upheaval in her life in the past two years -- shines through in this conversation and I love how she pointed us back to Jesus and to the truths of God's Word again and again.

In This Episode

[00:35] - Today’s guest has deeply impacted my life.

[01:49] - Katie shares some background information about herself and her family.

[07:34] - Learn about Katie’s journey struggling with anxiety.

[14:43] - The hardest thing that Katie has to trust God with is her children.

[17:48] - What it looks like to replace fear with trust in God.

[20:28] - Katie emphasizes that her process is not a magical fix-all.

[21:41] - How to interrupt her anxious thoughts.

[22:50] - Katie has gotten into the habit of asking God questions.

[27:04] - How does Katie find time to spend time in God's Word?