253 episodes

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 3, speaker, author, and online entrepreneur, best known for founding MoneySavingMom.com as well as YourBloggingMentor.com.

Crystal Paine Show Crystal Paine

    • Education
    • 4.7 • 480 Ratings

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 3, speaker, author, and online entrepreneur, best known for founding MoneySavingMom.com as well as YourBloggingMentor.com.

    253. How to Build Belonging in a World of Loneliness (with Chris and Julie Bennett)

    253. How to Build Belonging in a World of Loneliness (with Chris and Julie Bennett)

    There were tears and there was laughter on this episode of the podcast, because we talked about the vulnerable (and sometimes difficult!) topic of belonging. And my guests were Chris and Julie Bennett, the authors of Fighting for Family: The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging.
    As the title of their book would suggest, Chris and Julie are passionate about relationships and community. In the conversation, they share about how family isn't just the people who you are related to, it can also be people who become like family because of your deep friendship. 
    The Bennetts share their story of a very crazy and chaotic season in their lives -- uprooting their lives to move to Los Angeles without a clear plan, not being able to find housing, moving again and again, while facing the completely unexpected diagnosis of stage three breast cancer for Julie.
    They share how hard it was, but also how good it was. How God used this space where they felt like they had nothing to offer and were so needy to teach them powerful lessons about belonging. 
    In this episode, they share some of what they have learned and provide encouragement for anyone who is feeling lonely or like they are an outsider.
    If you're craving deeper connections, longing for a sense of belonging, or simply seeking inspiration to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience, this episode is for you. I think you will be so blessed by this heartfelt conversation!
    In This Episode
    [0:35] - I am interviewing Chris and Julie Bennett, authors of the book Fighting for Family.
    [1:50] - Chris reveals how the book came to be.
    [3:21] - Julie points out how life's challenges turned her adventurous family into brave survivors, battling homelessness and cancer together.
    [5:49] - Their faith was deepened amidst chaos, reshaping their understanding of belonging.
    [8:49] - How did Julie and Chris navigate the immense risk and uncertainty, especially with children involved?
    [15:43] - Julie, despite hesitations, joined a diverse group of fourteen women and these women ended up serving as a lifeline for her.
    [19:35] - Belonging involves both giving and taking risks.
    [24:05] - Fostering genuine connections requires vulnerability without hidden agendas, creating space for authentic sharing.
    [27:00] - Chris reasons that Jesus exemplified love and belonging, prioritizing the marginalized and modeling inclusiveness.
    [29:39] - It's okay to feel lonely, even with loved ones. Keep fighting; there's hope ahead.
    [31:51] - And stay tuned at the end for an exciting announcement of a project I've been working on for a number of months that I'm finally launching this week! I announce that I am launching "10 Weeks to a More Organized Home," with daily tasks for decluttering.
    Links & ResourcesCrystal Paine10 Weeks to a More Organized HomeChris and Julie's podcastBooksFighting for Family: The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging by Chris & Julie BennettBowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. PutnamSocial MediaCrystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Armoire and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: http://www.armoire.style
    * Check out BetterHelp and use my code CRYSTALPAINE for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com/
    * Check out Homethreads and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: www.homethreads.com


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    • 34 min
    252. Silas and Jesse share about their trip to DC

    252. Silas and Jesse share about their trip to DC

    Silas makes his formal debut on the podcast this week by joining Jesse and me to share about their trip to DC. He's joined in on a few podcasts in the past when he was much younger and didn't say much, so I'm excited for you to get to hear more from him now that he's older and less scared of the microphone. :)
    Jesse and Silas recount the adventures they had on the 8th grade school trip, including flying Southwest (and winning some vouchers), Arlington, the Holocaust Museum, the 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon, Museum of the Bible, the Capitol, Mount Vernon, Gettysburg, the White House Visitor's Center, and more!
    You'll enjoy hearing both of their perspectives on it, what they learned, what was disappointing and surprising, and places they want to return to. They shared some stories and insights I hadn't yet heard from their trip, so it was really fun for me to sit back and listen -- I hope you enjoy it as much we did recording it!
    In This Episode[0:35] - Silas and Jesse are here to recount their recent trip to Washington D.C.!
    [2:19] - Jesse admits that this trip was better than Kathrynne's eighth-grade trip because they flew this time.
    [3:18] - Silas won two $50 gift vouchers on the trip!
    [4:49] - Jesse highlights getting to know the teens in Silas's class better and visiting Arlington.
    [5:59] - Silas reflects on gaining insights from classmates and highlighted visiting the Museum of the Bible and the Holocaust Museum.
    [6:58] - Jesse found it unexpected and intriguing to meet someone who was in the Pentagon during the attack.
    [7:43] - Hear Silas go into more detail about the visit to the Holocaust museum and Museum of the Bible, finding the transition from heavy to light.
    [11:35] - I mention the personalized experience at the Holocaust Museum and compare it to a memorial in Israel.
    [13:20] - Visiting the Capitol and the White House Visitor's Center.

    [16:42] - Was there anything that was disappointing or surprising about the trip?

    [20:11] - Silas wants to go back to D.C. but with the whole family.
    [21:26] - Jesse found their visit to Mount Vernon intriguing, describing it as a living history experience.

    [25:13] - I share some exciting news: I am launching the Simplified Home Checklist, offering daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly tasks for organizing!
    Links & ResourcesFREE Simplified Home ChecklistsCrystal PaineSocial MediaCrystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Armoire and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: http://www.armoire.style
    * Check out BetterHelp and use my code CRYSTALPAINE for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com/
    * Check out Homethreads and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: www.homethreads.com


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    • 28 min
    251. Removing Toxins from Your Life Without Adding Them to Your Personality (with Emily Morrow)

    251. Removing Toxins from Your Life Without Adding Them to Your Personality (with Emily Morrow)

    I’m guessing many of you have seen the funny crunchy video comedy clips from Really Very Crunchy on Instagram or TikTok or YouTube. Emily and Jason Morrow are the talented writers, producers, and actors for these and I got the privilege of interviewing Emily in-studio recently about her brand-new book, Really Very Crunchy: A Beginner’s Guide to Removing Toxins from Your Life Without Adding Them to Your Personality.
    As my word for the year is health, I’ve especially loved Emily’s videos and her book. She makes me laugh, she makes me think, she teaches me a lot of things I never knew about (and then need to go Google for more information!), and she does it all in a very gracious and kind way.
    In this episode of the podcast, Emily shares some really humorous stories (including why she got a pedicure and then took off the polish before coming to my house for the interview!) as well as very practical advice on how to live a more health-conscious lifestyle without breaking the bank. We talk about a lot of practices you can implement that are free and easy + she shares her best tips for eating healthy on a budget (they were so good and inspiring!).
    Emily’s refreshing approach to the crunchy lifestyle, filled with self-deprecating humor, makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of their current choices. (She reminds us often that “crunchy is a spectrum” and it’s not worth losing relationships over crazy crunchy rules you’ve concocted.
    We also touch on the challenges of balancing a crunchy lifestyle with real-world situations and she shared a recent situation she navigated at a family dinner. Emily encourages a mindful and compassionate approach, reminding us that we can have strong convictions without belittling, condemning, or ostracizing others.
    The conversation also extends beyond dietary choices, as we also talk about the interconnectedness of mental and physical health. Emily’s perspective on stress and the importance of a balanced approach to health is so important for all of us to hear and remember.
    In This Episode
    [0:35] – My guest today is Emily Morrow, author of Really Very Crunchy.
    [3:16] – Emily shares a bit of her journey and how they started posting videos without telling family or friends — and how crazy it was for these videos to end up going viral like they did.
    [7:49] – Crunchy encompasses various lifestyles, from barefoot moms to outdoor enthusiasts, forming a diverse spectrum.
    [9:52] – Emily encourages making healthier choices without significant sacrifices, emphasizing practical steps like avoiding single-use items.
    [12:46] – Exposure to artificial light, especially from phones with blue light, disrupts sleep-inducing hormones.
    [15:23] – Starting the day by avoiding potentially negative or distressing content on your phone helps center and set a positive tone.
    [17:19] – How to have simplicity and sustainability in grocery shopping, minimizing plastic use.
    [25:02] – Acknowledging her mom’s kindness in hosting, Emily chooses not to critique her cooking choices.
    [30:04] – Stress, a top killer, shows us the importance of balance; even health pursuits shouldn’t compromise mental well-being.
    [31:36] – Facing financial strain, Emily embraced a crunchy lifestyle, prioritizing simple, whole foods for a healthier living.
    [33:26] – Choosing organic doesn’t have to be as expensive as many people make it; making your own food from simple ingredients offers affordability and health.
    Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineBooksReally Very Crunchy: A Beginner’s Guide to Removing Toxins from Your Life Without Adding Them to Your Personality by Emily MorrowReally Very Crunchy on InstagramReally Very Crunchy on YouTubeReally Very Crunchy on TikTokSocial MediaCrystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on TwitterCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Armoire

    • 37 min
    250. What it was like living in the 1900's :)

    250. What it was like living in the 1900's :)

    Today's episode is a fun departure from our recent more serious topics. Join me and Jesse as we take a lighthearted stroll down memory lane, exploring the quirks and charms of growing up in the 1900's. Okay, so we were born in 1980 and 1981 to be exact, but it was still the 1900's and so much has changed since then!
    Born before the millennium? Get ready for a nostalgia-packed ride! The inspiration for today's episode comes from a meme about being from the 1900's that sparked a flood of childhood memories in our Instagram community. Join us as we reminisce about record players, cassette tapes, and the evolution of technology. From bag phones to the original Netflix to the joys of free AOL discs, we've got it all covered. If you remember playing Oregon Trail or had a station wagon with a seat that faced backwards or had a house with wood paneling, hopefully this episode will remind you of the "good 'ole days"! :)
    Also, remember that we have launched a new product - 10 Weeks of Money-Saving Menus. If menu-planning feels tedious and time-consuming, we've got your back! This resource has 60 budget-friendly recipes, complete with ready-made grocery lists! Plus, try a free one-week sample menu and don't forget to use the code PODCAST to get the entire 10-week plan for just $9!!!
    In This Episode[0:35] - Today's episode takes a lighthearted look at the nostalgia of being born in the 1900's.
    [2:31] - After being pregnant and/or nursing for four and a half years, it's so weird to not be either! And I kind of forgot how to eat for just one person! :)
    [5:23] - Jesse highlights Kaitlynn's unexpected layover in San Francisco due to flight delays.
    [7:25] - I discuss upcoming trips, including Kaitlynn's 11-day adventure and Jesse's chaperoning role for Silas's DC trip.
    [10:39] - I am currently reading Susan Meissner's Only the Beautiful which explores societal stigmas and hidden historical realities.
    [14:04] - Exciting news! Our new product, 10 Weeks of Money-Saving Menus, simplifies dinner planning! And I've got a coupon code for you!
    [16:07] - Today's episode is sparked by a meme and dives into nostalgia, childhood memories, and technological evolution.
    [18:26] - I reminisce about things like our basement record player, Walkman gardening, and more.
    [20:31] - In a recent conversation with Silas, I realized I don't know my kids' phone numbers.
    [23:10] - Jesse recalls law practices naming their offices something that would get more attention in the phonebook.
    [24:38] - I get schooled on bag phones and we talk about our first phones.
    [29:37] - Have we changed the way we parent and interact with people because of cell phones?
    [32:31] - Metal slides and Merry-Go-Rounds!
    [35:51] - We reminisce about free internet courtesy of AOL discs.
    [38:00] - Cassette players, CD players, iPods, and planning our wedding on a PalmPilot.
    Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineSample one-week menu plan of 10 Weeks of Money-Saving MenusBooksOnly the Beautiful by Susan MeissnerSocial MediaCrystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on XCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Armoire and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: http://www.armoire.style
    * Check out BetterHelp and use my code CRYSTALPAINE for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com/
    * Check out Homethreads and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: www.homethreads.com


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    • 41 min
    249. The Gift of Limitations (with Sara Hagerty)

    249. The Gift of Limitations (with Sara Hagerty)

    This week, I get to share a conversation I had recently with Sara Hagerty -- and it's one I think you'll love and be deeply inspired by! I know I was! Sara is the author of The Gift of Limitations: Finding Beauty in Your Boundaries and I resonated so deeply with her story and this book. In fact, it is my first 5-star read of 2024!
    In this episode, Sara and I take a dive into her inspiring journey of facing limitations, from a challenging road to motherhood, 13 years of infertility, adopting four children, birthing 3 unexpected biological children, navigating a wide age range and seven kids, and dealing with chronic illness. Sara shares her wonderful wisdom on how to embrace and find beauty in the roadblocks, unexpected, and limitations of life.
    We tackle tough questions and discuss the incredibly transformative power of acknowledging and grieving our limitations. Sara's insights into incorporating pauses into our daily lives and allowing God to work through our limitations rather than against them spoke deeply to my soul and it's something I've thought of multiple times since this interview. We also chat about the practical steps you can take to navigate the tension of feeling like there's not enough of you to go around and the importance of trusting God in those moments.
    I hope this conversation helps to shift your perspective on limitations and reveal the unexpected gifts that they can bring. There can actually be blessing in boundaries!
    In This Episode[0:35] - I have Sara Hagerty in-studio today to talk about her book The Gift of Limitations!
    [2:03] - Sara begins by diving into her journey and her experience with limitations in her life.
    [4:03] - Despite chronic illness and years of infertility, Sara discovered God's presence in the now and urges others to live fully.
    [7:06] - Sara discusses how motherhood presents challenges in balancing personal dreams.
    [8:43] - How did Sara get to a place where she was able to accept her limitations?
    [12:33] - Sara explains that taking a few minutes daily to sit in grief and then into God's comfort has helped her so much.
    [13:41] - Naming and grieving underlying emotions in frustrating moments cultivates patience, easing family dynamics and expectations.
    [16:21] - Amid life's chaos, being present requires addressing underlying narratives through reflective pauses.
    [19:47] - The profound question of God's identity in our lives when one feels inadequate.
    [23:48] - Allow God to work through life's limitations.
    [27:50] - Don't push against limitations might hinder God's work.
    Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineSara HagertyBooksThe Gift of Limitations: Finding Beauty in Your Boundaries by Sara HagertySocial MediaCrystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on TwitterCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Armoire and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: http://www.armoire.style
    * Check out BetterHelp and use my code CRYSTALPAINE for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com/
    * Check out Homethreads and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: www.homethreads.com


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    • 30 min
    248. Losing and Rebuilding Trust With Your Teens

    248. Losing and Rebuilding Trust With Your Teens

    Join Jesse and I this week as we discuss the sensitive topic of losing and rebuilding trust with teens after they've broken it. Inspired by a question from an Instagram follower, I share insights on the importance of having conversations before resorting to consequences. We highlight the importance of seeking to understand our teens' perspectives (we don't have to agree with them, but I think we should make the effort to try to understand) and adjusting consequences based on their willingness to rebuild trust. Explaining the reasons behind trust issues, such as social media incidents or phone privileges, is crucial to demonstrate genuine concern for their well-being.
    We also touch on the significance of conversations around privileges vs. rights and and fostering a culture of trust from a young age. We give you some practical tool for how to approach those difficult discussions and encourage you to stop, take a breath, and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom before you begin. Knee-jerk reactions driven by fear, pride, or selfishness can lead to us building a wedge, being a bit ridiculous in doling out consequences, or just shutting down communication lines with our kids.
    We also discuss the two-way street of building and maintaining trust, encouraging parents to invest time, keep promises, and set positive examples. We wrap up by emphasizing the importance of parental introspection, checking our hearts, and seeking guidance from the Lord.
    For more encouragement, I highly recommend checking out my free online class: "10 Days to a Happier Mom," designed to help parents shift from frustration to a place of calmness and peace, ultimately parenting from a foundation of understanding how much you are loved by God and pursuing relationship with your kids instead of seeking to protect your reputation with others.
    In This Episode[0:35] - What do you do when your teens break trust?
    [1:35] - We recently dealt with our first broken bone for one of our kids -- after 19 years of parenting!
    [3:28] - I discuss a painful arm injury from my childhood that heightened my sensitivity to possible fractures in my children.
    [12:16] - Am I actually considering becoming a gardener?? Or at least having a container garden??
    [13:36] - I have been immersed in a book that has deeply resonated with me – Sara Hagerty's The Gift of Limitations.
    [16:26] - Reflecting on trust challenges with children prompted deep contemplation after a question on Instagram.
    [22:32] - Before addressing any anger that I might be feeling toward my child, stop and assess your heart.
    [25:18] - Engaging in open conversations with our children about trust builds understanding and fosters growth.
    [27:10] - Before implementing consequences, talk with your kids, ask curious questions, and lean in and listen to seek to understand your child's perspective.
    [30:27] - Rebuilding trust is serious; show understanding, sadness, and love, and actively participate in rebuilding efforts mutually.
    Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineSign up for my 10 Days to a Happier Mom Challenge (it’s FREE!)BooksThe Gift of Limitations: Finding Beauty in Your Boundaries by Sara HagertySocial MediaCrystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on TwitterCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Armoire and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: http://www.armoire.style
    * Check out BetterHelp and use my code CRYSTALPAINE for a great deal: https://www.betterhelp.com/
    * Check out Homethreads and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: www.homethreads.com


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    • 35 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
480 Ratings

480 Ratings

Dangersgma ,

Episode 230

I loved the episode on Just saying no. There are definitely things in my life that I need to give up. I’m going to try the method that she talked about. I get so many good ideas and tools from this podcast.

CiaDia70 ,

Great encouragement and practical wisdom

Crystal’s podcasts leave me feeling encouraged, and I also often learn new things as well. I also often get new book recommendations from either Crystal or her guests.

I appreciate that she is down to earth, sharing her mistakes and learning experiences, and that she points us to God in everything. She’s like the big sister I didn’t have (even though she’s younger than me, lol.)

MommaCha ,

Inspiring and practical

This podcast truly has it all. It will lift you up as a mother or caretaker, give you incredibly practical takeaways, make you giggle, and confidence knowing everything comes from a sound Biblical background. Crystal and her family are wonderful role models.

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