This week on MESSmerized, I have the dream team—David Thomas and Sissy Goff. We’re talking all things parenting, and if you’ve ever tried to have a deep conversation with your teenage son and got nothing but a grunt and a request for bacon, this episode is for you.

We tackled the big stuff: anxiety in kids, the social chaos our girls are navigating, and why boys apparently need a full workout and a snack before they can form a complete sentence. We talked about how resilience doesn’t come from bubble-wrapping our kids but from letting them do hard things—and maybe doing a few hard things ourselves (like ignoring the mean mom at soccer).

Sissy reminded us that trust, not courage, is the real anxiety buster. And David explained why experiential learning is key for boys (translation: turn that lecture into a walk with a basketball).

So if you’re feeling like you’re one carpool drive away from losing it, take a deep breath and join us. You’re not alone, and trust me—this episode will make you laugh!

All Things Cynthia

Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage by Sissy Goff

Owen Learns He Has What It Takes: by David Thomas

Register for the Raising Capable Kids Conference with David Thomas and Sissy Goff

Rebecca George is joining me today to tackle the tricky art of waiting—something that feels way longer than it should in a world that’s constantly rushing forward. We dive into how trusting God's timing (even when it feels like everyone else is ahead) can turn waiting into a season of personal growth and even joy (yes, joy, during the waiting!).

We chat about the dangers of turning desires into idols (oops, we’ve all done it), the importance of gratitude to fight off bitterness, and why comparison is a total thief. Plus, we share how the writing journey is basically the same as waiting for anything else—full of growth, setbacks, and plenty of moments where you just need to trust God.

Here’s a few takeaways from today’s show:

• Trusting God’s timing is key in a world that thrives on instant everything.
• Waiting doesn’t have to be wasted time—it can be a period of growth.
• Gratitude is the secret weapon against jealousy and bitterness.
• Focusing on God’s character, not your circumstances, will help you wait well.

Join us for a laugh and some real talk about waiting well—and don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs a little reminder that God’s got this (even when it feels like everyone else is moving faster!).

All things Cynthia

You’re Not Too Late: Trusting God’s Timing in a Hurry Up World by Rebecca George

This week on MESSmerized, I got to chat again with the one and only Ann Voskamp—and let me just say, if you’re needing a little soul refreshment heading into Easter weekend (and maybe a reminder that God is still in charge even when your week feels like a dumpster fire), this episode is for you.

Ann shared the most incredible story about chasing sheep across the Canadian tundra—yes, actual sheep. It gave us a beautiful picture of Jesus as our Good Shepherd. He never sleeps and He never takes His eyes off us. There’s something comforting about knowing that even when we wander, He’s already coming after us with love.

Ann also opened up about a really hard season—her son’s house burned down during Lent. Literal ashes. And yet, in true Ann fashion, she invites us to see the beauty in even the most heartbreaking moments. She calls it a “severe mercy”—a reminder that even in loss, God is working something eternal and holy in us.

So as we head into Resurrection Sunday, I hope this conversation reminds you that Jesus is near. He’s the Shepherd who sees you, loves you, and laid down His life so you’d never walk alone—even in the cold, or the ashes, or the chaos.

All things Cynthia Yanof

Loved to Life by Ann Voskamp

“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Blessed is the king of Israel!’” — John 12:13

We’re coming up on Palm Sunday, and I honestly can’t think of anyone better to join us this week (and next!) than the one and only Ann Voskamp. And if you’re even slightly tempted to skip this episode for any reason, I’m going to have to lovingly—but firmly—ask you to rethink that decision. 😂

Ann and I get real, honest, tearful, and maybe a little silly as we talk about faith, the hard places we’ve been walking through lately, and what this season—especially Palm Sunday—means in the context of our everyday lives. She shares such a beautiful word on making sure what we focus on actually draws us closer to the Lord.

She also talks about how she stays in step with Jesus, reminding us that our ultimate goal isn’t hustle or productivity... it’s just more of God himself. Yes and amen to that.

I’m so excited for you to hear this conversation with Ann (and don’t worry—she’s back again next week!). As we head into Holy Week, will you consider sharing this episode with a friend? Someone who might need a fresh reminder that Jesus is still the Good Shepherd, still turning tables, and still gently leading us home.

All things Cynthia Yanof

Loved to Life by Ann Voskamp

Jim Burns is back for round two on Messmerized! If you missed last week’s episode, stop what you’re doing (unless you’re driving or getting a colonoscopy) and go listen—we talked all about raising kids with sexual integrity, which, let’s be honest, is not the easiest thing in today’s world.

This week, we’re shifting gears and talking about what happens when those kids actually grow up and start leaving—which is equal parts freeing and terrifying. Jim and I dive into the emotional rollercoaster of empty nesting, why it can feel like an identity crisis (especially for moms), and how to reinvent ourselves when our house suddenly gets a little too quiet.

We also cover the tricky art of parenting adult children—supporting them while letting them live their own lives. And yes, we discuss the very important truth that we cannot, in fact, pick their partners for them, no matter how many “I told you so” moments we see coming.

If you’re anywhere on the parenting journey—knee-deep in school drop-offs, staring down an empty nest, or already there wondering what to do next—this episode is for you. And please share this with your friends who need reminders that God is in the details, even when those details involve hard goodbyes, big life transitions, and resisting the urge to correct our adult children’s life choices.

Can’t wait for you to listen!

All things Cynthia

Doing Life with Adult Children by Jim Burns

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity by Jim Burns

Let’s be real—there’s a long list of things I’d rather do than have “the talk” with my kids. Root canal? Yes. DMV with a missing document? Absolutely.

But since it’s apparently poor form to let TikTok raise our children, I guess it’s time to step up. Enter Jim Burns, who has spent years helping parents navigate the minefield of talking to their kids about relationships, faith and—brace yourself—sex. He’s here to tell us why we need to make these conversations less awkward and more ongoing, why a relaxed approach is better than a full-blown TED Talk, and how to teach kids to guard their hearts without scarring them with the purity culture we grew up with.

Jim reminds us that parenting in the digital age is next-level complicated, and the internet is shaping kids’ views on sex way before we even think to address it. The good news? We can be the safe place they come to with their questions. We’ll talk about the importance of sexual integrity, biblical wisdom, and even touch on dating relationships.

So, if you’ve been dreading these conversations, take a deep breath—we’ve got this. And as Jim says, sometimes “No” is the most loving word we can say.

P.S. If you could leave a review here to help others find us, we would SO appreciate that!!

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity by Jim Burns

HomeWord and all things Jim Burns

Dr. Mikala Albertson is back, and we’re diving into all the fun midlife surprises—stress, anxiety, preventative health, and why our bodies suddenly have a mind of their own. We’re breaking down the difference between normal stress and full-blown anxiety, and whether medication is the right move. If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “Am I dying, or is this just midlife?”—this episode is for you.

We also get into the stuff we love to avoid: preventive health. Turns out, regular check-ups and blood work actually matter (who knew?!). Mikala shares what we need to be monitoring and why taking care of ourselves now saves a lot of stress later. Plus, we talk about the midlife body—how it’s changing, why that’s okay, and how to shift our focus from unrealistic expectations to real health and self-acceptance.

And because no midlife conversation is complete without discussing food and sleep, we unpack intuitive eating, the dangers of disordered eating, and why freedom in our choices matters. Plus, if your sleep is suddenly a disaster, you’re not alone—tune in for ideas on what might help.

This episode is full of laughs, real talk, and practical advice to help us navigate midlife without losing our minds (or at least, not completely). So grab your coffee, your reading glasses and let’s figure this out together.

All things Cynthia Yanof

Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife by Mikala Albertson, MD

MESSmerized with Mikala Albertson Episode 76

Dr. Albertson’s Website

In today’s episode, I chat with Dr. Mikala Albertson about menopause, hormone therapy, and all the things we need to know to feel better in midlife. We kick things off by debunking some common myths around hormone replacement therapy and why it's not as scary as we once thought. Mikala explains how estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone affect our bodies and what happens when we lose them. And as a girl who is fighting some serious night sweats, you better believe I was tuned in.

We also dive into supplements, with Mikala sharing the four key ones she recommends. (I take the sum total of zero supplements, so this part was particularly interesting to me.) We discuss how to navigate the overwhelming supplement market and what to avoid. Spoiler: Not all supplements are created equal!

Then, we talk about ADHD in adults—the struggle is real. Dr. Mikala breaks down how many women might mistake stress for ADHD and how to figure out what’s really going on. We also touch on the decision fatigue we face as we juggle midlife responsibilities.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the changes happening in your body and mind, this episode is for you. It’s full of practical tips, real talk, and a little humor to help you manage the chaos of midlife.

Don’t forget to tune in next week as we continue talking to Dr. Mikala about stress vs. anxiety, preventative care, and loving our bodies in midlife.

Thanks for listening!

All things Cynthia Yanof

Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife by Mikala Albertson, MD

MESSmerized with Mikala Albertson Episode 76

Dr. Albertson’s Website