Crystal Paine Show

Crystal Paine
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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.

  1. 2D AGO

    337: My First Colonoscopy

    Just as a forewarning, this week's episode might be a little bit TMI, but I did mention it coming up in a recent episode – my recent colonoscopy! While I don't get into the especially gritty details, I talk openly with Jesse about my experience because I really wanted to share the full story. I kept hearing from people who were scared of the procedure or avoided it because of what they’d heard about the prep, and I was nervous too, especially after reading all the horror stories online, but I found that preparation and good guidance made a bigger difference than I had expected! Listen in as I walk you through why I had the procedures in the first place, including my long history with chronic anemia and how my doctors wanted to look for possible root causes rather than just treat symptoms. A big part of the episode is the prep experience because honestly, that’s what people tend to dread the most. However, I talk about starting a low-residue diet days early, sticking to very bland foods, and what it actually felt like to move into the clear-liquids phase. I share how hunger, brain fog, and low energy showed up for me and how surprisingly manageable the laxative process was compared to what I feared. I also mention small practical things that helped such as choosing certain drinks and realizing that some flavors quickly became unappealing once prep started. I then walk you through the procedure day itself - checking in, getting an IV, anesthesia, and what it felt like waking up after sedation. The sedation was so strong and peaceful that I can understand why people describe it as a really good nap. In fact, I kind of didn't want to wake up! I also reflect on how disorienting that it felt trying to talk afterward when my brain wasn’t putting words together correctly. I also, of course, touch upon recovery, what my results looked like so far, and why I truly believe that these screenings are worth it, so if you have been afraid of getting a colonoscopy, I really hope that this episode with Jesse makes it feel a lot more approachable! As always, please feel free to reach out! I would love to hear your thoughts! In This Episode [0:35] - This episode shares my colonoscopy and endoscopy experience, addressing fear, prep, and cancer detection. [4:44] - Hear how I underwent procedures mainly because chronic anemia persisted since childhood and pregnancy complications occurred. [7:16] - Hear how low hemoglobin and ferritin levels led my doctor to recommend colonoscopy and endoscopy for diagnosis. [10:42] - I reflect on how I began a strict low-residue diet early, avoiding fiber, fruit, vegetables, and acidic foods. [13:52] - Hear how the clear-liquid phase felt surprisingly difficult, causing intense hunger, weight loss, and constant emptiness. [16:36] - I share how clear-liquid days drained my energy. [18:39] - I avoided mixing Miralax with my favorite drinks because prep may have made those drinks unappealing later. [20:32] - Preparing for laxatives, I found the worst fears exaggerated; one nauseous hour passed and then relief. [23:49] - Hear how mixing Miralax with Gatorade surprisingly tasted fine, and calories plus electrolytes improved my energy. [26:00] - I share how I chugged 36 ounces of prep fluid over two hours, experienced mild thirst, and slept mostly well. [29:43] - I describe how the anesthesiologist warned of a “spicy” feeling before sedation, and I instantly lost consciousness. [32:47] - Hear how I was completely out under propofol sedation, awakening groggy but unaware of the procedure. [34:56] - Waking from propofol felt hypnotically peaceful, and my body stayed unusually difficult to rouse. [37:18] - Hear how I wanted more sleep after waking, felt groggy, spoke coherently, but couldn’t fully process conversation. [39:27] - Hear how, post-procedure, I was so disoriented that I dropped food in the car but still ate it! [42:22] - Recovery was quick, and results looked good, although biopsies and stool tests are still pending. Links & Resources Crystal Paine Crystal’s Colonoscopy Instagram Highlights Social Media Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom) Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning) Crystal Paine on LinkedIn 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 Our Sponsors: * Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    45 min

  2. FEB 17

    336: The Life-Changing Art of Self Brain Surgery with Dr. Lee Warren

    I have been eagerly looking forward to doing this episode ever since I got my hands on Dr. Lee Warren’s new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery. The title alone had Jesse asking, “Wait… self-brain surgery?” Honestly, I actually had the same thought, but what Lee shares in this conversation completely blew me away. He is a brain surgeon, and he has discovered that the same principles he uses in the operating room can be applied by each of us to literally change our own brains - via our thoughts! Most of what runs through our minds every day is false, negative, or repetitive, keeping us stuck, but when we intentionally practice new ways of thinking, we can rewire our brains in real time and reshape the life that follows, and, in this episode of The Crystal Paine Show, Lee and I talk about why our culture often convinces us that we are powerless to change, why 80% of our thoughts are false, and how the simple act of noticing and choosing our thoughts can literally transform our neurochemistry, our bodies, and our perspective! Lee and I dive into practical tools - from prayer and meditation to quiet reflection - that help filter out the noise and build mental habits that help make us calmer, more resilient, and more intentional. We also explore the deeply human side of change - the grief, loss, and impossible days that can feel like they could crush us. Listen in as Lee shares his personal story of losing his son and welcoming a grandchild on the same day and how recognizing that two truths can exist at once (joy and sorrow) was life-giving and transformative. Tune in this week and see how science and scripture beautifully reinforce each other and how small, consistent actions can rebuild your mind, your habits, and your hope. If you have ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or powerless to change your thoughts and your life, then this episode will very likely challenge you, encourage you, and give you hope that real change isn’t just possible; it’s built into how you’re wired! As always, please feel free to reach out! I would love to hear your thoughts! In This Episode [0:35] - Welcome to the show, Dr. Lee Warren, author of The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery! [1:13] - Lee argues that our thoughts physically influence our brains, giving us real agency over our lives. [4:46] - It's important to pause to examine thoughts because doing so allows for rational thinking to replace fear and rewires healthier habits. [7:21] - I reflect on how replacing false, negative thoughts with truth changed my brain, behavior, and parenting. [8:31] - What we focus on filters our perception, giving us responsibility over how life appears to us. [10:56] - Lee explains how consistently practicing positive focus rewires the brain - building calm, wise, and grounded habits. [14:38] - Lee argues that healing ultimately comes from focusing on the future, not dwelling on past trauma or suffering. [18:02] - Trauma breaks beliefs, not you, and small courageous actions retrain the brain for resilience! [21:31] - Lee has learned how deep sorrow and real beauty can exist simultaneously, revealing hope even in darkness. [24:10] - I point out how many face a pit of grief where summoning the strength to act feels impossible. [25:07] - Hear how, for Lee, necessity forced action, showing how focused thoughts instantly change neurochemistry and emotional response. [28:28] - Lee explains how changing your thoughts intentionally produces real-time brain and body changes, proving that mental rewiring is literal. [30:05] - Lee and I discuss how you can only control your own responses and perspective, not others or circumstances. [31:45] - Ultimately, you can only control yourself, not others or circumstances. [33:19] - Lee reminds us that emotions are chemical events, not facts, and controlling your thoughts directs your emotional response. [35:22] - Recognizing your agency in daily choices shifts perspective and builds gratitude for what you can control. [36:35] - Lasting change requires lifelong practice and retraining learned patterns to create healthier mental habits! Links & Resources Crystal Paine Books The-Life Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery: Connecting Neuroscience and Faith to Radically Transform Your Life by W. Lee Warren, MD Social Media Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom) Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning) Crystal Paine on LinkedIn 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 Our Sponsors: * Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    39 min

  3. FEB 10

    335: My Grandma Hobbies Era

    This week on The Crystal Paine Show, I want to talk about something that has unexpectedly changed my life this year - what I jokingly call my “grandma hobbies era.” When I first shared that phrase online, it stirred up more feelings than I ever expected. Some people really loved it, but some were really bothered by it. For me, it’s a playful way to describe something deeply meaningful: choosing activities that slow me down, calm my body, and help me feel present again! Two years ago, if I had heard myself talking about puzzles, watercoloring, baking, or crocheting a scarf, I probably would have thought something had gone very wrong. Back then, my life was full of adrenaline, constant urgency, and never-ending to-do lists. I didn’t realize how tightly I was living until I started to loosen my grip, and with the encouragement of my functional medicine doctor, I began intentionally creating space - working fewer hours, building in white space, and letting go of the need to always be “on,” and in that space, I found myself drawn to simple, creative things that didn’t demand anything from me other than just my attention. Listen in this episode as Jesse and I open up honestly about what it has been like to step out of fight mode and learn how to rest, and I share how scary it felt to reduce my work hours as the CEO of a company, how much anxiety that stirred up, and how it revealed an idol of control that I hadn't even realized I had. I also share the surprising ways that God met me in that place - financially, emotionally, and spiritually - when I ultimately chose to trust instead of hustle. Jesse and I also talk about what it feels like when your calendar finally has breathing room, when your to-do list doesn’t fill the page, and when people start to feel like opportunities instead of interruptions. We laugh about puzzles, sourdough, and my very flexible relationship with recipes, but even more than that, we talk about what it means to live from a calmer place and show up more fully to the people and work we love! Please tune in this week, especially if you are tired, running on adrenaline, or craving a slower, richer way to live. Maybe it’s time to find your own version of a “grandma hobby.” I hope that this conversation encourages you, and, as always, I would love to hear from you, so please feel free to reach out! In This Episode [0:35] - This episode is about how the phrase “grandma hobbies” is a playful, positive term for calming activities that have unexpectedly improved my life! [3:07] - I talk about how leaning into energizing “grandma hobbies” helps me re-regulate my nervous system and move out of constant fight mode. [6:44] - Jesse and I discuss how living constantly in fight-or-flight exhausts the body because it was designed only for short-term survival. [7:30] - I explain how calming, repetitive hobbies redirect my focus and gently regulate my nervous system without adrenaline or urgency. [9:42] - I reflect on how letting go of rigid rules revealed how I was addicted to adrenaline and uneasy with newly open space. [11:11] - Hear how cutting back hours exposed my fear, control, and misplaced belief that success depended solely on me. [14:40] - I argue how choosing trust over hustle showed me that rest, not control, leads to freedom. [17:26] - Hear how working less has made my life richer, calmer, and more present across work, relationships, and creativity. [20:28] – Jesse and I talk about how working fewer hours has improved my energy, sleep quality, and overall well-being by preventing constant exhaustion. [21:31] - Jesse and I discuss how intentional stillness via simple, calming activities helps restore awareness, reduce stress, and regulate the nervous system! [24:36] - I am finding that simple creative hobbies create space, restore calm, and help me show up with joy and love! Links & Resources Crystal Paine Social Media Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom) Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning) Crystal Paine on LinkedIn 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 Our Sponsors: * Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    28 min

  4. FEB 3

    334: Don’t Burn Your House Down with Lindsey Maestas

    Several years ago, Lindsey Maestas challenged me to see Jesse not as another task on my never-ending list but rather as a person again - a moment that stuck with me, and in this season of raising a big family and carrying a lot of weight, I realized how easily my marriage had slipped to the back burner. So for this episode, I invited Lindsey on to talk about what it really looks like to choose your marriage when life is busy or you are tired, hurting, or feeling like life is difficult. Using her book Don’t Burn Your House Down as the basis of our conversation, Lindsey and I talk about the quiet disappointments that build up such as when a gift feels impersonal or you feel completely unseen and why those moments often point to deeper needs, not deal-breakers. Lindsey shares why love doesn’t “just happen,” how unspoken expectations create distance, and what to do when your spouse hears your requests as criticism or failure. We uncover the anxious–avoidant cycle, the danger of keeping emotional receipts, and why fighting fire with fire only burns the house down even faster. One of my favorite parts of this episode is honestly when we shift away from heavy conversations and talk about rebuilding friendship. Laughter, play, small acts of service, and even silly moments can soften hearts in ways that words sometimes can’t, and Lindsay explains the power of what she calls “micro attractions” - the tiny daily choices that quietly say, “I see you.” We also talk about why trying to change your spouse almost never works and how real change begins when you look honestly at yourself. This conversation is for anyone who feels lonely in their marriage, overwhelmed by life, or just wants to build a stronger marriage. It’s not about pretending things are fine but rather about choosing hope, humility, and connection again, even when it feels easier to quit. In This Episode [0:35] - Join me in welcoming Lindsey Maestas, author of Don’t Burn Your House Down! [2:34] - Lindsey believes that love and connection in marriage require daily, intentional choices, even during difficult periods. [4:30] - Despite struggles, couples can find hope, tools, and renewed commitment in marriage. [7:29] - Lindsey has seen how small daily disappointments reveal deeper needs for care, attention, and consideration. [9:20] - While you can't change my spouse, you can choose to love and communicate well. [11:48] - Lindsey has learned that conflict often stems from unspoken expectations, and clarity requires open explanation. [14:15] - Our anxious–avoidant patterns trap us, and breaking them requires addressing and naming the cycle. [17:05] - Lindsey asserts that rebuilding friendship, play, and shared joy often reconnects hearts more than repeated conversations. [20:16] - I add how, amid daily chaos, couples need to remember to nurture joy and play in their marriage. [21:14] - Hear how fighting fire with fire fuels resentment, whereas forgiveness and grace restore connection. [24:19] - Ultimately, marriage reveals our flaws and calls us to become more like Christ. [27:14] - Shifting expectations from spouse to God relieves pressure and highlights small acts of love. [29:02] - Lindsey explains how micro gestures such as noticing, serving, and affirming help build the strongest foundation in marriage. [32:00] - Lindsey points out how letting go of resentment can lead to relational growth. [34:00] - Becoming our best selves honors God, strengthens marriage, and revitalizes energy and joy. Links & Resources Crystal Paine Books Don’t Burn Your House Down: Prioritizing Your Marriage, Your Spouse, and Yourself for a Deeper Connection by Lindsey Maestas Social Media Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom) Crystal Paine on LinkedIn Crystal Paine on Goodreads Money Saving Mom Money Saving Mom on Facebook Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group crystal@moneysavingmom.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    36 min

  5. JAN 27

    333: Why I Started Wearing a Continuous Glucose Monitor

    Join me and Jesse this week as I share what it has actually been like wearing a continuous glucose monitor as a non-diabetic, why I decided to try it, and what I’ve learned about my body in the process. It all starts in the middle of a very real “snowpocalypse” with canceled plans, sick kids, and a scrapped anniversary trip, which somehow turned into the perfect time to slow down, rest, and pay closer attention to my health! I walk you through the basics of what a continuous glucose monitor is, how the non-medical versions work, and why my functional medicine doctor encouraged me to use one for a few months. I also dig into why I chose the brand that I did, what it cost, how easy it was to install and remove, and what it actually feels like to wear one day to day. (It’s way less intense than I expected, and I forgot it was even there most of the time!) The real value for me, though, has been the data. Seeing my blood sugar in real time completely changed how I think about food, especially carbs, protein, and movement. Listen in as I share how I assumed that I had major blood sugar issues only to find out that my levels were actually pretty stable and that most of my past “crashes” were likely from under-eating and not getting enough protein. I break down the biggest patterns that I noticed such as why carb-only snacks spike my blood sugar, why starting meals with protein matters, and how even a short walk after eating can make a measurable difference. Jesse and I also get into some surprisingly practical discoveries such as why eating the same foods in a different order changes the outcome, how workouts affect glucose levels, and why three muffins in one evening sounded fun but did not feel great later. This episode isn’t about perfection or rules. No; it’s about curiosity, small experiments, and using real feedback from my own body to make better choices, so if you have ever wondered how your habits actually impact your energy, focus, or overall health, then this episode is basically me being your guinea pig so you don’t have to be! Tune in, and, as always, I would love to hear from you, so please feel free to reach out! In This Episode [0:35] - We’re in the middle of a snowstorm, prepped for possible power loss! [3:30] - Hear how my anniversary with Jesse was planned, but Micah suddenly complained of ear pain before we could leave. [4:41] - Hear how both kids tested positive for strep, with Micah also having COVID and an ear infection. [7:37] - I discuss how I avoided strep but feel that I might have borderline laryngitis, so I’m resting at home and taking vitamins. [8:53] - I explain how continuous glucose monitors for non-diabetics give real-time data to help me understand my body. [11:23] - I chose the Stello monitor because it’s accessible, affordable, and shows data without alarms! [12:55] - The sensor is easy to insert, a tiny filament under the skin, not a needle. [16:24] - Hear how the monitor sits in fluid around my muscle, stays secure with tape, and is barely noticeable! [18:01] - I discuss how my device lasted nine days, was easy to remove, and unexpectedly revealed stable blood sugar. [20:04] - I explain how eating consistently, especially protein first, stabilizes my blood sugar, while carb-only snacks cause spikes. [22:48] - Eating carbs alone spikes my blood sugar unless I exercise immediately afterward. [24:25] - Hear how I learned that eating protein first stabilizes blood sugar, whereas carb-first meals cause spikes. [27:12] - I explain how combining carbs with protein prevents spikes, but carbs alone raise my blood sugar. [28:45] - Hear how moving shortly after meals helps stabilize blood sugar, especially if I first eat carbs. [31:45] - The order of eating foods such as protein before vegetables significantly affects blood sugar. Links & Resources Crystal Paine Stelo Social Media Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom) Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning) Crystal Paine on LinkedIn 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 Our Sponsors: * Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    35 min

  6. JAN 20

    332: One Man’s Journey from Abuse & Addiction to Forgiveness and Redemption with Stephen McWhirter

    Trust me, you are not going to want to miss this episode’s honest and vulnerable conversation with Stephen McWhirter, author of the memoir Radically Restored: How Knowing Jesus Heals Our Brokenness. I have really been looking forward to sharing this episode because his story is raw, unsettling at times, and deeply hopeful, and it challenged me in ways that I couldn't have expected. Listen as Stephen opens up about growing up in a home where faith was loudly preached in public but painfully contradicted in private. We talk about what it does to a child when the person who represents God also causes pain and how that kind of hypocrisy can lead to anger, rebellion, and addiction for years, and Stephen openly shares his long road into substance abuse, the surprising moment when everything began to change, and how his encounter with Jesus didn’t happen in a church pew but rather alone, surrounded by darkness and drugs where grace met him anyway. Stephen walks us through forgiveness in a unique way, and we talk about abuse, safety, boundaries, and the very real cost of forgiving someone who caused deep wounds, especially when that person is a parent. His story of forgiving his father (not once but over a lifetime) is one of the best parts of the conversation. We also spend some time talking directly to parents, friends, and loved ones who feel helpless watching someone they care about struggle, with Stephen offering hope for those carrying quiet shame, hidden addictions, or unanswered prayers, reminding us that repentance brings things into the light. If you are wrestling with forgiveness, addiction, trust, or the question of whether God is actually good, then this episode is absolutely for you, and if you’re the one praying for someone else and wondering if it matters, I truly hope that this conversation gives you real hope that restoration is possible, sometimes even in ways that we could never expect or plan for ourselves. Be sure to grab a copy of his book as well! In This Episode [0:35] - This episode is an interview with Stephen McWhirter, author of Radically Restored: How Knowing Jesus Heals Our Brokenness! [1:39] - Stephen opens up about how his father’s public faith hid private abuse, fueling rebellion and addiction. [4:18] - Alone with drugs, Stephen realized that salvation required belief, not effort. [6:57] - Stephen believes that God met him outside church and used his story uniquely. [10:04] - For Stephen, obediently forgiving his father was unimaginably difficult. [12:48] - At his father’s deathbed, forgiving him aloud released Stephen and reshaped his understanding of grace. [15:37] - Stephen argues that forgiveness involves tearing up debt and opening the door to healing. [17:15] - Stephen asserts that a parent’s words matter most, but peers can powerfully redirect someone who is struggling. [19:52] - Hear how Stephen longed for honest apologies and repentance because hiding only deepens damage and prevents healing. [23:12] - Stephen believes that repentance brings hidden sin into light. [26:13] - Stephen shares how his mother's faith taught him that prayer is active trust, especially when loving someone feels helpless. [29:50] - Hear how knowing God’s character transformed Stephen's controlling prayers into trust that His will is genuinely good. [32:16] - Be sure to grab a copy of Stephen's book! Links & Resources Crystal Paine The Crystal Paine Show - 329: Why I Am Not Setting Goals in 2026 Books Radically Restored: How Knowing Jesus Heals Our Brokenness by Stephen McWhirter The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee Strobel Social Media Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom) Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning) Crystal Paine on LinkedIn 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 Our Sponsors: * Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    33 min

  7. JAN 13

    331: My Fun List for 2026

    Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show! This one is a follow-up to the episode where I shared why I’m not setting goals for 2026, and if you haven’t listened to that one yet, I recommend you do so first because it gives some important context for everything I’m sharing here. Today, Jesse and I give you a peek into my “fun list” - the low-pressure, no-fail, creatively inspired approach I’m taking this year instead of traditional goals, and I am sharing how it’s already reshaping my life just eight days into 2026 (as of when we recorded this)! I talk about the various ways that I have been learning to exist without constant urgency. Years of nonstop goal-chasing left my nervous system overworked, and letting go of that pace has forced me to ask, “Who am I without projects defining my worth?” I share how sitting quietly, arriving early, and simply having space between tasks has actually been strangely calming and unexpectedly healing. We also dive into some very practical examples: everything from decluttering and organizing our home, creating better systems for the spaces which we already have, helping our kids take more ownership, to discovering joy in cooking, exploring new crafts like watercolor and embroidery, and simply enjoying small daily rituals like tea, walks, movies, and shows! Along the way, I also reflect on how my fun list allows me to enjoy life without pressure—no measuring, no stress, just inspiration. Listen in as I share how I am approaching social media differently this year, letting Instagram be a life-giving place again, and how I’m enjoying reading fiction for the sake of enjoyment, not just achievement. I really hope this episode inspires you to experiment with your own fun list, give yourself permission to slow down, and find joy in both the small and creative moments of life, and, of course, as always, we would love to hear from you! In This Episode [0:35] - This episode is a follow-up to episode 329 and discusses my “fun list” for 2026! [1:28] - Hear how I visited a gastroenterologist due to chronic anemia, navigating confusion about colonoscopy and endoscopy. [4:59] - Jesse and I discuss how replacing rigid goals with a flexible “fun list” reduces pressure and avoids feelings of failure for me. [7:03] I discuss how fun lists inspire without pressure, unlike goals, which feel heavy and failure-laden for me. [10:22] - Not setting goals challenges my identity, revealing how much I tied worth to productivity. [13:32] - Hear how introducing myself without listing projects initially felt strange, highlighting how much I normally juggle. [15:02] - Letting go of constant goal-chasing calms my nervous system and creates healing space. [19:15] - Jesse and I talk about how embracing a fun list allows enjoying activities such as assembling puzzles without pressure, timelines, or discomfort with unfinished tasks. [20:18] - I am realizing that I cherish simple pleasures and keep them flexible, trusting that rest enhances rather than hinders productivity. [23:42] - I want to explore watercolor, embroidery, knitting, and possibly consider moving for more space. [25:39] - Hear how managing bedrooms and sibling dynamics shows the challenges of space and kids' competitive relationships. [27:35] - I talk about how creating home systems and decluttering improves daily life and prepares for a potential move. [30:58] - I am aiming to enjoy cooking, gym routines, and short trips without pressure or strict goals. [33:44] - I reflect on having rediscovered Instagram joy by posting freely and creatively, without focusing on strategy or metrics. [36:09] - The final thing on my fun list is to read more fiction. Links & Resources Crystal Paine The Crystal Paine Show - 329: Why I Am Not Setting Goals in 2026 Social Media Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom) Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning) Crystal Paine on LinkedIn 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 Our Sponsors: * Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    38 min

  8. JAN 6

    330: How Understanding the Compassion of Christ Changes Us with Sherri Hughes-Gragg

    Welcome to 2026, everyone! To kick off the new year, I am joined in the studio today by Sherri Hughes-Gragg, an author whose writing has truly changed the way that I read scripture and experience God. Her Advent devotional stopped me in my tracks this December, and her newest book, The Compassionate Christ, feels like exactly what many of us need as we head into a new year! Listen in as Sherri shares her story of growing up in a deeply legalistic Christian environment where rules mattered more than relationship, and doubt wasn’t just unwelcome but was dangerous. We talk about what it’s like to keep up appearances while you are privately unraveling and how years of trying to be “good enough” created a crushing sense of failure, especially in parenting. Her reflections are tender, unfiltered, and grounded in compassion – not only for herself but for her children and anyone who has carried spiritual shame longer than they should have. Hear how a turning point came when Sherri began studying scripture through its Middle Eastern cultural and historical context, including time spent learning in Israel. She explains how this lens transformed familiar passages and healed some long-held fears of hers, especially around the crucifixion and the belief that God turns away in our darkest moments. One moment in particular - Jesus’ words from the cross - reframed everything she thought she knew about God’s presence and faithfulness. We also discuss how understanding God’s compassion changes everyday life: how we parent, how we handle frustration, how we engage people with whom we deeply disagree, and how we resist the urge to play Holy Spirit in someone else’s life. This episode with Sherri isn’t about winning arguments but is about what freedom can look like when fear loosens its grip and how compassion could be one of the most powerful things we offer the world right now! In This Episode [0:35] - I am interviewing Sherri Hughes-Gragg, author of The Compassionate Christ. ​​[1:45] - Sherri reflects on how growing beyond fear-based faith, studying Scripture’s context revealed a far kinder, compassionate Jesus. [4:45] - Sherri withdrew while doubting God’s existence, maintaining appearances until her honesty triggered some intervention. [6:28] - At Christian college, conformity replaced authenticity, leaving no safe space for doubt or being myself. [9:33] - Sherri discusses how impossible religious standards left her feeling daily failure, burdened, and regretful. [12:20] - Understanding God’s compassion challenges legalism and calls Sherri to treat even people with whom we disagree with dignity. [15:32] - Sherri asserts that listening quietly for God means trusting Him with others, including her adult children. [17:49] - As fear exhausted Sherri, studying the scripture’s Middle Eastern context and Jesus’ actions changed everything. [19:26] - Hear how studying in Israel sparked a new, healing understanding of scripture’s cultural context for Sherri. [22:36] - During edits of her book, Sherri caught herself overindulging details. [23:12] - Learning Jesus’ cry referenced Psalm 22 revealed God’s faithfulness, not abandonment, even on the cross. [26:56] - Experiencing God’s love over punishment brought daily peace and reshaped how Sherri parents her kids and treats others. [28:30] - I share how recognizing God’s compassion helps me meet frustration with empathy. [30:33] - Sherri's greatest hope is changed relationships - with God and each other - so the church reflects Jesus’ kingdom on earth. Links & Resources Crystal Paine Books The Compassionate Christ: Draw Near to the Risen Savior (A 31-Day Devotional Retelling of Stories from the Life of Jesus by Sherri Hughes-Gragg Social Media Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom) Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning) Crystal Paine on LinkedIn 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 Our Sponsors: * Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    32 min
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497 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Crystal Paine
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    337
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © CrystalPaine.com
  • Show Website
    Crystal Paine Show

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