MESSmerized - Funny and faith based encouragement in marriage , family , Christian parenting , and finding purpose

Cynthia Yanof
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MESSmerized - Funny and faith based encouragement in marriage , family , Christian parenting , and finding purpose

Welcome to Cynthia Yanof’s newest podcast, MESSmerized. Each week you’ll hear funny, authentic, and vulnerable conversations around everyday life, parenting, and following Jesus. A variety of guests will challenge us to pursue a life filled with the things that really do matter. Cynthia Yanof is the host as well as an author, speaker, wife, and mother. She’s relatable, funny, and dead-set on never taking herself too seriously. Whatever mess you’re walking through, odds are she’s right there with you. Don’t miss a week as we dive headfirst into faith, family, and everyday ways to be MESSmerized by Jesus. Copyright @2023 MESSmerizing Media

  1. 11 HR AGO

    Episode 79 The Macy’s Day Parade and “What If It’s Wonderful” with Nicole Zasowski

    Happy Thanksgiving Eve! 🦃🦃🦃     Are you hosting?   Are you roasting a turkey in the oven or deep frying it?   Do you call it stuffing or dressing?   Will you use china or paper products?   Is your weird aunt bringing a gelatin dish?   Canned or homemade cranberries?   Are you a pecan or pumpkin pie kind of girl?   I have so many pressing questions. 😂     One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving Day (thanks for asking) is the Macy’s Day Parade. Back in the day, I’d watch the parade and pore over all the Black Friday ads in the paper before the day’s festivities began. I’ve never sounded older, right? And another fun fact: I’ve ALWAYS wanted to go to the parade in NYC, but that hasn’t happened yet (and it’s fully discussed on today’s show). I’m so thrilled to have Nicole Zasowski with us on MESSmerized today. Not only is she a marriage and family therapist, but she also lives in Connecticut and has been to the parade several times. (Somehow, that seemed more relevant than it probably is, and don’t think for a minute that I didn’t grill her about the parade and cover that in depth.) Nicole and I also dive into the intersection of mental health, identity, and the holiday season. We all know that the holidays have the potential to put us on the struggle bus emotionally, but Nicole reminds us that it’s possible to balance joy with the realities of what’s difficult, experiencing both simultaneously. I love the message and powerful reminder in Nicole’s new book not to not dwell on our fears and anxieties, but instead to ask ourselves, “What if it’s wonderful?” There’s no promise that your turkey will be wonderful tomorrow or that your husband will help with the dishes instead of watching football—but I do know that we have so much to be thankful for, and I pray you have plenty of time to reflect on that.   All things Cynthia Yanof  What if it’s Wonderful by Nicole Zasowski

    35 min

  2. 20 NOV

    Episode 78 Thankful for the Shepherd: Finding Peace in Psalm 23 with Ruth Chou Simons

    Ruth Chou Simons is with us this week, and trust me, I got down to the real investigative questions like how she manages hotel rooms with six kids and what it was like being on *Good Morning America* earlier this year. You’re welcome!   But seriously, it’s the week before Thanksgiving 🦃🦃, and today’s show is an invitation to take a deep breath as we reflect on God’s goodness. We’re diving into Psalm 23 and what it really means to have God as our Good Shepherd—the One who takes care of us, provides for us, and leads us when we don’t even know which way is up.   Here’s the thing about shepherds—they’re not just hanging out, petting sheep all day. They’re out there protecting, guiding, and making sure the sheep are safe and cared for. It’s such a perfect picture of how God watches over us. Ruth reminds us that nothing in our lives is wasted—not the hard stuff, the waiting, or even the complete disasters.   Psalm 23 ends with this beautiful promise that God’s goodness and mercy chase after us every single day. How freeing is that? We can lean into His care, knowing He’s got us covered even when it feels like everything is falling apart.    Ruth’s latest children’s book, Home is Right Where You Are, is incredible. It’s all about being present and leaning into God’s faithfulness in the here and now. Whether you’re a mom, a grandma, or just someone who needs a reminder that God’s got this, it’s such an encouraging read.   So, let’s take a deep breath and remember that the Good Shepherd is leading us, protecting us, and providing for us—and that’s reason enough to be thankful this week!   All things Cynthia Yanof Home is Right Where You Are by Ruth Chou Simons  Now and Not Yet by Ruth Chou Simons

    34 min

  3. 13 NOV

    Episode 77 Being thankful for a “Million Little Miracles” with Mark Batterson

    With Thanksgiving around the corner, many of us are thinking about what we’re thankful for, what we might be taking for granted, and what gratitude really looks like. Today’s show comes at the perfect time, as Mark Batterson helps us reframe everyday miracles and see God in the midst of our daily lives. Mark encourages us to “change your pace and place to change your perspective.” Sometimes, to wake up to wonder, we need to step outside our routines—whether that’s by taking a walk or going on a “two-foot field trip,” like moving from the living room to the backyard, to see God’s creation from a fresh angle. Mark also gets real about the hardships of life. His wife, Laura, has faced her two bouts with cancer. I love how he says that sometimes we have to “forgive reality” for not lining up with our plans. But Mark reminds us that even though life here can be hard, it doesn’t mean we’re forgotten or forsaken. We have a God who is with us and conquers all things—even the grave. So, whether you’re feeling a million miles away from a miracle or right in the middle of one, today’s conversation with Mark Batterson will give you hope and renewed reason to be thankful. Miracles may not always be big and flashy; often, they’re just one of those “million little miracles” happening all around us.   All things Cynthia Yanof A Million Little Miracles by Mark Batterson

    38 min

  4. 6 NOV

    Episode 76 Surviving Midlife: Navigating Menopause and Anxiety with Dr. Mikala Albertson

    Remember how I’ve been having lunch every Wednesday with a wonderful group of friends for the last 15+ years? Today’s show is inspired by those lunches—because lately, all we seem to talk about is midlife and menopause. It's a season, let me tell you!   To help us all navigate this wild ride, I’m thrilled to bring in a true expert: Dr. Mikala Albertson. We’re diving deep into everything you never thought you'd need to know about menopause, perimenopause, and all the hormonal roller coasters that come with them. Dr. Albertson has a brilliant way of describing menopause as "puberty in reverse," and her perspective on it is so insightful.    Don’t worry, we cover all the symptoms we're dealing with—hot flashes, mood swings, anxiety, weight gain, brain fog, and more. This episode is packed with practical tips, a few laughs, and hopefully, some perspective on not just surviving but thriving in this season of life.   Dr. Albertson’s new book, Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife, is out now. And exciting news: she’s coming back on the show in the New Year! If you have questions you’d like us to cover next time, email them to me!     All things Cynthia Yanof Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife by Dr. Mikala Albertson  Follow Dr. Albertson on Instagram here!

    40 min

  5. 30 OCT

    Episode 75 The Art of Redefining 'Good' with Megan Fate Marshman

    Today’s my birthday… so there’s that! 🎉🎂 And it’s totally not too late to get me a gift—I’ll be accepting food-chain gift cards for Diet Dr. Pepper all week long. 😂 In honor of my birthday, I’m kicking off MESSmerized with a little segment I call “Things I Know for Sure” after celebrating 50+ birthdays. Really rolls off the tongue, right? But there’s more! Megan Fate Marshman joins us on the show for the first time ever. She’s amazing, and we cover everything from parenting fails to perfecting the elusive messy bun. We even had a little fun comparing stereotypes about Texas and California—because apparently, people think Texans ride horses everywhere. Megan also shared about the sudden loss of her husband and how she has leaned into prayer through her grief and raising their two small children. We talked about those “What now, God?” moments—when life takes an unexpected turn and you’re not sure how to move forward. Megan reminds us that prayer doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s about being honest and vulnerable with God, even if your mind wanders halfway through. (You know the drill: “Dear God… wait, did I leave the laundry in the washer?”) We also dug into Romans 8:28 and how God’s goodness doesn’t always look the way we expect. It’s not always easy, but knowing that God works for the good in all things gives us hope. He’s not just with us in the good times—He’s right there in the mess, using every struggle to grow us and draw us closer to Him. Whether you’re navigating the chaos of parenting, dealing with grief, or just trying to survive the day with the help of a few hits of caffeine, God is at work in your life. So, grab a Diet Dr. Pepper in honor of my birthday and join me for this heartfelt, hope-filled chat with Megan Fate Marshman. I promise you’ll leave encouraged.   All things Cynthia Yanof  Relaxed: Walking with the One Who is Not Worried About A Thing by Megan Fate Marshman

    37 min

  6. 23 OCT

    Episode 74 How teens win with Jon Acuff

    Today I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Jon Acuff! If you don’t know Jon, he’s like the fun friend who makes you laugh but also slips in the kind of wisdom that makes you go, "Huh... I really needed to hear that." We covered everything from goal-setting and personal development to parenting in a way that doesn’t drive us or our kids completely nuts. But what really hit home was our conversation about helping our teens win in life. Jon had a lot to say about recognizing that every kid’s path is different. As parents, it’s easy to think there’s one formula to follow, but Jon reminds us that sometimes our job is simply to help our teens define their own version of success. Whether that’s landing a part-time job or surviving Algebra 2, the goal is to meet them where they are and celebrate the small wins. He also emphasized the importance of creating space for kindness—because kindness isn’t just a cute personality trait, it’s a skill. And if we want to raise kind adults, we need to teach kindness now, even when it feels inconvenient (like when your teen is being throwing it down while unloading the dishwasher). Jon also introduced me to something he calls "performance zones." Basically, it’s all about learning to function well even when life feels chaotic—which, let’s be real, describes parenting perfectly. He reminded me that it’s okay to embrace the craziness and find small ways to move forward. No need to have it all figured out today—or any day, really. And as parents, showing our kids how to handle that kind of chaos with grace is a huge part of preparing them for life. Whether you're looking to grow as a parent or just as a person, this episode is packed with insights you can use. Trust me, you’re going to love it—and who knows? You might even feel a little more prepared to help your teen win at life, one messy, beautiful day at a time.     Cynthia Yanof Jon Acuff  How Teens Win by Jon Acuff Molly Stillman Podcast

    36 min

  7. 16 OCT

    Episode 73 Does church still matter? With Natalie Runion

    We’ve got a new show out today, and I’m so excited for you to hear this important conversation with Natalie Runion. We’re going deep into the messy but important topic of church life and the realities of church hurt, how to spot an unhealthy church, and when it might be time to walk away—or stick around. We also explored the idea that ministry isn’t just for pastors and church staff. Every believer has a ministry! Whether it’s through serving, worshiping, or simply being a witness in your community, you’re making an impact. And if you’re raising kids, it’s crucial to show them the importance of the church by staying involved—whether it’s through serving or just building friendships within the church community. What we do now can have a big impact on their views of church, and how it is incorporated in their lives as adults.  This episode is for anyone who’s felt the sting of church hurt or struggled with whether it’s time to leave a church that no longer feels like home. It’s a reminder that God calls us to obedience, even when things get messy. If you need some encouragement to keep showing up—or if you're figuring out how to walk away without bitterness—this one’s for you. Make sure to listen, share with a friend, and leave a review if this resonated with you! Let’s keep these conversations going because the church matters—and so do you.   All things Cynthia Yanof The House That Jesus Built by Natalie Runion

    34 min

  8. 9 OCT

    Episode 72 Tour Life, Friendship, and Fighting Words with Ellie Holcomb

    Today on MESSmerized I’m hanging out with the amazing Ellie Holcomb, who’s fresh off a tour with none other than Lauren Daigle. Ellie gives us the scoop on life on the road—think tight spaces, late-night chats, and the wild sense of community that comes with sharing a bus. She also gives us an insider peek on her friendship with Lauren, how they ended up collaborating on a song, and their favorite moments on tour (spoiler: their song Be Okay will give you all the feels). But it’s not all music and fun—Ellie opens up about the tough stuff too, like balancing the chaos of tour life with family time, and how we moms are out here carrying some heavy loads. She shares a heartfelt story about her daughter’s medical journey and how she juggled being on tour while caring for her little one. Trust me, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Ellie’s new book Fighting Words (the expanded version of her devotional) and her album All of My Days talk about Ellie’s journey of battling anxiety, finding hope, and the power of God’s Word to lift us up when life feels impossible. Vulnerability, repentance, grace—it’s all here.  If you’re looking for a reminder that you’re not alone in the highs and lows, this episode’s for you. I can’t wait for you to listen!   PS. If you haven’t listened to my podcast with Heather MacFadyen of Don’t Mom Alone, it’s time! The show is called Sidetracked and we talk about family, faith, and basically anything else that comes to our minds in the moment (hence the name Sidetracked). I promise you will laugh! Listen here or wherever you catch podcasts.   All things Cynthia Ellie’s new book Fighting Words Ellie’s All of My Days Album

    36 min
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About

Welcome to Cynthia Yanof’s newest podcast, MESSmerized. Each week you’ll hear funny, authentic, and vulnerable conversations around everyday life, parenting, and following Jesus. A variety of guests will challenge us to pursue a life filled with the things that really do matter. Cynthia Yanof is the host as well as an author, speaker, wife, and mother. She’s relatable, funny, and dead-set on never taking herself too seriously. Whatever mess you’re walking through, odds are she’s right there with you. Don’t miss a week as we dive headfirst into faith, family, and everyday ways to be MESSmerized by Jesus. Copyright @2023 MESSmerizing Media

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