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. 3 DAYS AGO

    Episode 89 Navigating the World of Daughters with Kari Kampakis

    I’m so excited to kick off a two-week series with Kari Kampakis on raising girls! We dive into everything from the drama of friendship struggles and those classic mean girl moments to the surprisingly powerful role that loneliness plays in building resilience. These topics are just a few highlights from her new girls’ devotional, Yours Not Hers—an absolute must-have for girls from junior high through college!   I couldn’t help but laugh (and sometimes cringe) as we unpacked how social media has turned even the simplest interactions into epic battlegrounds of comparison and envy. I shared my own struggles with setting boundaries—not just for our kids, but for myself—and we both agreed that teaching our daughters to be kind, resilient, and open about their feelings is more crucial now than ever.   Today’s conversation with Kari is equal parts funny, heartfelt, and downright honest—reminding us that while the digital age may complicate parenting, our commitment to nurturing strong, compassionate girls remains timeless. Enjoy the episode!   All things Cynthia Yours Not Hers: 40 Devotions to Stop Comparison and Love Your Life by Kari Kampakis

    28 min

  2. FEB 12

    Episode 88 Perfect is Boring with Jess Johnston and Amy Weatherly

    Happy Valentine’s Week! 💗💗💗💗💗   First, I want to say thank you for the kind words and incredible response to last week’s episode, where I went rogue with a solo show. I’m so glad it encouraged you! Yes, I’m hoping to do more episodes like this after I finish the book I’m currently working on.  I’m excited for our show today, because I’m chatting with Jess Johnston and Amy Weatherly about a topic that hits home for so many of us—perfectionism, vulnerability, and the beauty of authentic friendships. We talk about the impossible standards we set for ourselves, the way societal expectations can warp our self-worth, and how true growth happens when we stop pretending and start being real.  Jess and Amy open up about their own struggles with perfectionism and how learning to embrace imperfection has led to deeper, more meaningful relationships. We dive into the importance of community and why letting people in—even when it feels messy—can be the most freeing thing we do. If you've ever found yourself exhausted from trying to have it all together, this episode is for you.  So, take a deep breath, let go of the need to be perfect, and join us for a conversation that just might change the way you approach your friendships, identity, and lots more!  All things Cynthia  Perfect is Boring (And it Tastes Like Kale) by Jess Johnston  Amy Weatherly’s books: I’ll Be There and Here for It  Follow Amy on Facebook at Sister I am With You and @Amy Weatherly

    39 min

  3. FEB 5

    Episode 87 Permission to Pivot: No Guest, No Filter

    Hey Friends,   It’s February, which means Valentine’s Day is upon us—but more importantly, it marks the one-year anniversary of my first book, Life is Messy, God is Good!   Looking back over the past year, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the friends and family who have walked this journey with me. Whether you bought the book, shared it with a friend, left a review, hosted a book launch party, or prayed for my words to make an impact—you’ve been part of this crazy adventure, and I couldn’t be more thankful.   Maybe it’s the nostalgia of this milestone, or maybe it’s just menopause brain fog (let’s be honest, probably both), but I’m feeling all the feels. So, this week on MESSmerized, I’m doing something a little different—no guest, just me and the mic! That’s right, I’ll be having a conversation (with myself, as one does) about three key areas where I believe we need to give ourselves permission to pivot.   These thoughts stem from a women’s leadership conference where I recently spoke about the importance of: ✅ Redefining success ✅ Reprioritizing our days ✅ Doing things that don’t always make sense   And since we’re celebrating my book’s anniversary, I’ll also share a few stories straight from its pages—because what better time to reflect on this wild ride?   So, tune in, laugh with me, and let’s get personal. And if this episode speaks to you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend.   Thanks for showing up each week and walking this road with me. I’m in it with you!     All things Cynthia Yanof Grab your copy of Life is Messy, God is Good!

    30 min

  4. JAN 29

    Episode 86 Melanie Shankle on Fighting Dragons 🐉🐉🐉

    Happy Wednesday!   Is it just me, or did January last six months? I cannot handle one more school holiday, winter illness, or ¼ inch of snow canceling school. But I digress. I’m thrilled to round out this month with an amazing conversation featuring Melanie Shankle. And yes, Amy Weatherly is still co-hosting with me, and I couldn’t be more grateful! To know me is to know that I’ve been a huge fan of Melanie’s books for years. I was so excited to hear she has a new one coming out, and—spoiler alert—it might just be my favorite yet! Today, we’re covering topics like parenting teenage daughters, the insights we gain through years of motherhood, and the importance of teaching our kids resilience. Melanie also opens up about her strained relationship with her mother and her decision to end generational trauma. Melanie’s book releases on February 18th, and now is the perfect time to pre-order it. I’ve read it cover to cover, and trust me—there’s something for everyone in this book. I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation... and I really can’t wait for January to finally end. 😂😂😂   All things Cynthia Yanof Amy Weatherly’s books: I’ll Be There and Here for It  Follow Amy on Facebook at Sister I am With You and @Amy Weatherly   Here be Dragons by Melanie Shankel

    37 min

  5. JAN 22

    Episode 85 Annie F. Downs on NYC, Body Image, and Living with Loss

    I’m thrilled to have Amy Weatherly back co-hosting MESSmerized with me for this exciting episode, because we’re chatting with the incredible Annie F. Downs!   Annie is living the dream (and the hustle) part-time in New York City, and let me tell you, she’s not just surviving; she’s thriving. For those of us who’ve dreamed of moving to NYC but stayed safely tucked away in places like North Dallas (okay, maybe that's just me), Annie made it happen. And I’m so excited to share her journey with you!   On a more serious note, we dive into body image, health, and unresolutions. Annie shares how her perspective on health shifted from trying to shrink her body to focusing on living a long, full life. We also talk about her deeply personal new book, Where Did TJ Go?, co-written with her sister. This book is a beautiful resource for families grieving the loss of a child. Inspired by the life and passing of her nephew TJ, it offers gentle hope and reminds us of the faith we hold onto, even in our hardest moments. Raw, redemptive, and a testament to God’s goodness in every circumstance.   If there’s one takeaway from Annie’s journey, it’s this: Don’t shy away from doing the big, scary, or hard things. Whether it’s moving to a new city, embracing your body as it is, or walking through grief, the Lord shows up every step of the way. Annie is living proof that even in the hardest moments, there’s beauty and joy in the unexpected.   Can’t wait for you to listen! 💕     All things Cynthia Yanof Amy Weatherly’s books: I’ll Be There and Here for It  Follow Amy on Facebook at Sister I am With You and @Amy Weatherly  All things Annie F. Downs  Where did TJ Go? A book for kids on grief and loss (By Annie F. Downs and Tatum Green)

    36 min

  6. JAN 15

    Episode 84 New Year, Same Me: Kendra Adachi Talks Time Management

    Just in case you missed the announcement last week, Amy Weatherly is co-hosting MESSmerized with me this month, and gosh, she’s so much fun. Today, we’re continuing our commitment to un-resolutions by chatting with the amazing Kendra Adachi about time management.   This conversation is absolutely not what you think it’s going to be because Kendra is flipping time management on its head. Apparently, we’ve been doing it all wrong—who knew? She talks about creating systems that actually make sense for women. This includes recognizing the beauty of both proactive and reactive time management—basically, having a plan but also being cool with the fact that life is messy and plans sometimes (okay, often) fall apart.   What really struck me, though, was our chat about self-compassion. Why are we so hard on ourselves? We talked about living in the moment, starting small, and letting go of this pressure to do everything perfectly. Spoiler: you don’t have to color-code your planner to be a successful human.   So, if you’re like me—juggling a million things, tired of feeling like you’re never doing enough, and low-key fantasizing about running away to a quiet cabin somewhere—this episode is for you. Let’s ditch the guilt, embrace the chaos, and redefine what success looks like for us.     All things Cynthia Yanof  The Plan: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi   The Lazy Genius Podcast Amy Weatherly’s books: I’ll Be There and Here for It  Follow Amy on Facebook at Sister I am With You and @Amy Weatherly

    45 min

  7. JAN 8

    Episode 83 Lowering the Bar with “Un-Resolutions” in 2025 with Guest Co-Host Amy Weatherly

    New year, new resolutions… right? Nope, not this year! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas filled with fun memories! At the beginning of today’s show, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite holiday moments, gifts, and God-moments. But I’m also super excited to let you know that the fabulous Amy Weatherly is co-hosting with me all through January, and we are going to have so much fun! Amy is a wife, mother, author, and the founder of a huge Facebook community focused on friendship, faith, and loving ourselves well. It seemed only fitting that, in our first episode together, Amy and I are taking a refreshing break from the usual goal-setting chaos. Instead of striving for perfection or adding more to our already overflowing plates, we’re talking about slowing down, embracing who we really are, and focusing on what truly matters. I think you're going to find today’s show to be the perfect blend of humor, honesty, and relatable moments. We’ll discuss how to find joy in simply being who the Lord created us to be. Whether you're tired of the typical "new year, new me" hustle or you just need permission to take things at your own pace, this episode is for you. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s kick off 2025 with a fresh perspective. I can’t wait for you to meet Amy!   All things Cynthia Yanof Amy Weatherly’s books: I’ll Be There and Here for It  Follow Amy on Facebook at Sister I am With You and @Amy Weatherly

    38 min

  8. 12/18/2024

    Episode 82 Shrubs, Sneaking, and Christmas Peace: A Holiday Chat with Lanier Ivester

    First of all, we've had a bit of a "situation" over here, and I’ll share all the details in today’s intro. But here’s a little teaser: neighbors, overgrown shrubs, and me sneaking out in the cloak of darkness. If that doesn’t paint a picture that’ll make you want to listen, I don’t know what will! 😂😂😂   Today, I’m thrilled to have Lanier Ivester on the show, and we’re talking all things Christmas—decor, recipes, and hosting. Lanier reminds us that the holiday season can feel both joyful and overwhelming. In fact, nine out of ten people experience both emotions during this time of year. Her advice? Acknowledge the tension and remember that Christmas is about rest, not busyness. I loved it when she said, "We work from a place of rest." It’s such a powerful reminder to shift our focus from the never-ending to-do lists to God’s love.   The title of Lanier’s new Christmas book, Glad & Golden Hours, comes from a verse in It Came Upon a Midnight Clear that beautifully captures the hope and peace of Christ’s coming. Today’s conversation really reminded me that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. It’s about slowing down, creating space for rest, and anchoring our hearts in the joy of Christ’s birth.   I hope you’ll take a few minutes to listen today and embrace the final days before we celebrate Jesus' birth!     All things Cynthia Glad & Golden Hours by Lanier Ivester

    32 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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