The Crystal Paine Show is dedicated to helping you embrace life right where you are and take practical steps to get where you want to go. Crystal says, "My hope is that this podcast will serve as an inspiration to your week, a pause in your day to slow down and reflect a little, a looked-forward-to part of your weekly routine, a place where we can connect on a deeper level… and ultimately, my desire is that you come away from listening to each episode feeling motivated to bloom where you are planted and take intentional steps to move in the direction you are longing to go." Crystal is a wife, mom of 6, foster/adoptive mom, speaker, New York Times bestselling author, and online entrepreneur, best known for founding MoneySavingMom.com.
184. A Life Update + Prepping Our Hearts for Advent (with Ruth Chou Simons)
Nov 01, 2022
Show notes
Today’s podcast episode is a bit different than usual! Ruth Chou Simons came in studio a number of weeks ago to record an episode, but we had a bunch of issues getting it recorded (listen to the episode for the funny story!) and ended up doing an Instagram live and Facebook live and then pulled some of the audio from that for this episode.
Jesse and I also give some life updates at the beginning of the show and talk about books we’re reading + what’s saving my life. In my conversation with Ruth, we discuss her new devotional, Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always, and what it looks like to prepare our hearts for the holiday season so that it is filled with grace. She shares what it looks like to focus on what’s truly important about the holiday season – not presents and parties but rather peace in our hearts and homes.
Ruth encourages us that Advent and Christmas isn’t just something we should celebrate in December, but all year long. She offers a lot of inspiration and advice and invites you to take 25 days to start the journey of seeing the holiday season from a new viewpoint.
In This Episode
[00:35] – We’re doing something a bit different today!
[03:46] – My recent trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
[06:56] – What I’ve been reading lately.
[09:45] – Jesse and I talk about reading books vs. listening to audiobooks.
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
183. A Love-Stretched Life (with Jillana Goble)
Oct 25, 2022
Show notes
I was so excited about doing this podcast interview. Jillana and I have so many overlapping connections and passions: she lived in Guatemala (where our little boy is from!), she's a foster mom, she's adopted from foster care, she has teenagers, she has an ongoing relationship with a birth mom, and she has a child with special needs.
We could have talked for hours, but I limited myself to just around 30 minutes for this episode -- and it's packed with goodness! We dive deep into what it looks like to parent a child with special needs, the challenges and blessings of walking in proximity to birth parents of children we've fostered and/or adopted, and how living a love-stretched life has turned their world upside down in the most beautiful of ways.
Whether you are a foster parent or an adoptive parent or a parent of a child with special needs or whether your life looks completely different, I think you'll find your heart resonating with her passion to love those who need love the most and to walk alongside them without criticism or condemnation but instead with compassion.
In This Episode
[02:05] – Jillana introduces herself and her unique family.
[03:18] – Why did Jillana foster children before having children biologically?
[06:33] – What was her mindset before she started fostering?
[09:11] – An honest discussion on birth parents.
[13:31] – Parents with kids in foster care were often kids in foster care themselves.
[15:06] – Jillana offers advice on how to walk alongside other foster parents if you aren't called to foster.
[16:50] – Hear about being welcoming but with boundaries.
[19:52] – What it's like parenting a child with special needs.
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
182. Start with Hello: Simple Ways to Build Community (with Shannan Martin)
Oct 18, 2022
Show notes
Hospitality can be defined in so many different ways which makes it a very broad topic, but author Shannan Martin joins me today to talk about it and what it means to be a good neighbor. Her book Start with Hello covers how to create a sense of community with our neighbors, even if we are introverted. Shannan argues that we are all hungry for community even if we don't quite realize it, and she offers great advice on how to start creating that sense of community.
Shannan offers ways to carve out space in our lives to create connections. I, for example, try to keep Fridays open for social gatherings, and Shannan offers examples from her own life as well. She defines hospitality as the door being easy on its hinges and explains what she means by that.
Shannan also reveals what her favorite simple step is to build connection, and I really appreciate what Shannan is doing and really appreciate her time. Be sure to check out Shannan's book for more information!
In This Episode
[00:35] – Shannan Martin is today's guest! [01:52] – Shannan introduces herself and gives some background information. [04:24] – How can we create community if we are introverted? [06:29] – Shannan argues that everyone is looking for community even if we don't realize. [08:09] – How can people put themselves out there if they've gotten hurt doing so before? [10:13] – Shannan gives an example of a friend even though they had a lot of differences. [12:50] – What is a good first baby step? [15:28] – I have been keeping Fridays open lately. [18:38] – Shannan points out that we don't have to have it all together when being hospitable. [21:44] – Shannan believes in her book but still has some anxiety. [24:42] – What does hospitality look like for Shannan now that her kids are teenagers? [27:05] – Shannan defines hospitality as keeping the door easy on its hinges. [30:16] – Shannan emphasizes the importance of asking for help.
181. What is Kathrynne doing after high school?
Oct 11, 2022
Show notes
"What is Kathrynne doing after high school?" Jesse and I have been asked this over and over again -- and Kathrynne has been asked this even more!
These questions sparked today's conversation -- about how easy it is to put pressure on others unknowingly and to spend so much of our lives thinking about, planning for, looking forward to, and worrying about the future that we miss the beauty of the here and now.
We'd love to hear your feedback after you listen to this episode!
In This Episode
[00:35] – We are talking about after high school today!
[03:08] – Our trip to Branson and Silver Dollar City.
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
180. Why You Should Read Aloud with Your Kids (with Jennifer Pepito)
Oct 04, 2022
Show notes
This week's podcast episode is on a topic that is very close to my heart... because it's something that so deeply impacted me! When I was growing up, my mom read aloud to us almost every single day and I have so many fond memories of the time we spent gathered together -- often working on some type of sewing handwork -- while she read us a few more chapters from the book we were currently reading aloud.
To this day, I recall so many stories from those books and often am inspired in my every day life to be more courageous because of them. I share more about that on this episode of The Crystal Paine Show where I'm joined by Jennifer Pepito, author of Mothering by the Book: The Power of Reading Aloud to Overcome Fear and Recapture Joy. As you may have guessed, this episode is all about the positive impact of reading aloud to your children.
Jennifer is the mother of seven children whom she has been homeschooling for twenty-five years. And she is passionate about the power of reading aloud -- not just for your kids, but for you as a mom. She shares her best tips for getting started, how to approach reluctant listeners, a few of her favorite read alouds, and what reading aloud has looked like in their home through the years.
She is such a seasoned mother and homeschooler and has such a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to share, and I hope that you find her words helpful. I left this conversation so inspired and I think you will, too!
179. An Interview with Jesse
Sep 27, 2022
Show notes
I thought that it would be fun to sort of turn the tables around a little bit and interview Jesse, who just recently had his forty-second birthday!
Jesse has a lot of wisdom to share. He's walked through a lot in his life -- including being born prematurely, his parents divorcing at an early age, losing his mom to cancer when he was young, and two major brain tumor surgeries. And that was all just before he turned 15!
In this episode, he shares some of the biggest life lessons he has learned over the course of his life and what lessons he hopes to impart to our children.
We talk about how important it is to take risks and face fears. He share about what it was like to do this when he went to law school and started his own firm, and we both had to face fears when we went into fostering. All in all, you never know where a leap of faith or even just a baby step will take you!
In This Episode
[01:13] – Jesse had a big birthday recently and in honor of his birthday, I'm interviewing him this episode.
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
178. From Street Kid to Foster Dad (with Peter Mutabazi)
Sep 20, 2022
Show notes
I loved this conversation with Peter Mutabazi -- a single foster dad who has such a heart for kids. In this episode, he shares a little about his heartbreaking but also inspiring story of being abused by his dad as a boy and finally making the decision to run away -- having no idea where idea where he would go. He ended up living on the streets near a bus station for a few years until one man walked into his life and changed everything.
You will want to not only listen to what he shares of his story on this episode, but you'll also want to get a copy of his book, Now I Am Known. I left this conversation so convicted by his passion for others and how one person can make such a difference in another person's life.
In This Episode
[00:35] – I announce today's guest, Peter Mutabazi.
[01:04] – Peter gives us some background information about himself.
[01:42] – Learn a little bit about Peter's childhood.
[03:30] – Peter discusses his reasons for running away from home when he was ten.
[04:41] – When was Peter finally able to escape survival mode?
[06:18] – Peter shares about getting an education.
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
As Rachel shared about what boundaries are to her, I had some aha moments in my own life as she has a very different perspective on the word “boundaries” than I’ve thought of before. I hope this conversation encourages you to rethink what boundaries would allow you to thrive and be the best version of yourself you can be!
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
176. An adoption update + how to follow through with your goals
Aug 30, 2022
Show notes
After 17+ months of fostering D, lots of court dates, and much due diligence on the part of DCS to make sure there was no biological family who could take care of him (his mama loves him so much but cannot care for him due to all his ongoing medical needs), the judge granted TPR last week and his case will be officially moving to adoption once the 30-day appeal period is up.
We have been busy getting extensive paperwork filled out from all his therapists and specialists and doctors (he’s currently regularly seeing/working with 12 different doctors/therapists). This is something required before the adoption can move forward. We have a few other things to do on our end but hope to have that all wrapped up in the next few weeks. And then it will be just a few more steps before we get a date for his adoption!!
DCS is hoping our adoption will be official by Thanksgiving! We are hopeful, but know that it could be longer and we want to be patient.
There are so many emotions in all of this. We love this boy more than words can express and are so thrilled and humbled we get to be his forever family.
At the same time, our hearts grieve so much for the loss he and his family will forever experience as a result of this adoption. We are grateful we can continue a relationship with his mama and that he will grow up knowing how much he is loved by his birth family. This is a gift and one we are deeply thankful for, but we know there will also always be sadness and loss in this.
Thank you to each of you who have been such huge supporters and encouragers as we’ve walked this unexpected journey toward adoption. We can’t wait to get to introduce you to our sweet boy very soon. I have so many videos of his full face grin and laugh that I’m so excited to share with you! In this episode of The Crystal Paine Show, we share more about this process and our thoughts surrounding it, plus we talk about why goal-setting might not be working for you, REM sleep and sleep-walking, and a documentary and a movie we watched recently.
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
175. Raising Emotionally Strong Boys (with David Thomas)
Aug 23, 2022
Show notes
Do you struggle with kids who get easily irritated or have angry outbursts? If so, you don't want to miss this episode of The Crystal Paine Show where I interview David Thomas, therapist, dad of three, and author of Raising Emotionally Strong Boys: Tools Your Son Can Build On for Life.
In this episode, he shares some of the biggest struggles boys are dealing with right now and how we can best walk with them through these. He gives so much practical advice and strategies you can start using immediately. I have mulled over this episode again and again after we recorded it and have changed how I approach a number of interactions with my kids as a result. This 30-minute episode is packed with inspiration, encouragement, and hands-on tools for all parent -- or anyone who interacts with kids!
[03:15] - David shares how he got started as a therapist and what led him down that path.
[05:34] - Since you've been doing this for a long time, have you seen a shift in what parents are struggling with and what teens are struggling with?
[06:38] - Do you feel there is a reason for that? What's at the root of that?
[13:09] - What does it mean to be emotionally strong?
[20:09] - How do we, as parents, set an example for our kids when we're feeling so frustrated?
[23:46] - Moms often feel like, "If I admit to my child that I don't have it all figured out, I'm somehow failing them."
[27:42] - I would love for you to speak to that mom right now. She is feeling like it's too much, it's too overwhelming. She feels she doesn't have what it takes. She doesn't know what to do with her child.
[31:36] - There are so many tools in this book, not just tools for your son, tools for you as well.
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
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