Crystal Paine Show
Crystal Paine
Recent Episodes
As we wrap up the year with this episode that may or may not be the final episode of 2025, Jesse and I sit down and talk through something real, something I’ve been wrestling with. I’m not really the type to plan out twelve months of episode themes. I record when it’s something actually shaping my life right now, and when it comes to this conversation? It has been shaping everything!
Jesse and I thought that we knew what this episode would be about, but we definitely didn't. What it turned into was a little year-end heart check and a look at two habits that I have wanted to build for months: going to bed on time and strength training - the everyday stuff that’s weirdly difficult when life is already overflowing.
Listen in as I share the moment a few weeks ago when I finally told Jesse, “I can't figure this out. Help me.” Between our kids’ schedules, it being baseball season, my own work rhythms, and that magical late-night second wind that has betrayed me many times, I truly wondered whether these habits were even possible, but Jesse then suggested something I never would have landed on by myself: a 5 a.m. class at our gym! I tell you how that first week went, what surprised me, and why the locker room shower in total silence may now be one of the great joys of my life.
I also discuss the domino effect that this small shift has had on our family, including Micah suddenly turning into a cheerful morning person and how a functional medicine appointment forced me to face the truth that I am not nearly as rested or relaxed as I thought! If you’re ending the year wondering whether a habit that you have been circling forever is actually possible, I hope this episode gives you some hope, some ideas, and maybe even a little permission to try something wild!
As always, I would love to hear from you, so send me an email at [email protected]!
In This Episode
[0:35] - This episode focuses on year-end lessons and rebuilding habits that finally stick!
[4:15] - I describe how daily unpredictability kept derailing her bedtime and workout intentions.
[7:10] - Hear how the schedule review pushes me toward trying a consistent 5 a.m. workout class.
[10:52] - I talk about how our 18-year-old daughter supports my first class where I finds a warm and encouraging gym community.
[12:48] - Early workouts give her peaceful morning routines and even improve her three-year-old’s mood.
[15:51] - I explain how earlier bedtimes boost my sleep quality, supporting the rest my doctor says that I need.
[18:42] - I realize that I have been disconnecting from my body and ignoring my own physical signals.
[20:36] - I have recognized that my constant “fight mode” is draining my body.
[22:48] - My therapist has warned me that nonstop high alert will eventually break me down.
[25:55] - I adopt a calm, light-free morning routine to support rest, grounding, and early workouts.
[27:25] - I share my full rhythm to encourage listeners to build habits aligned with your deeper values.
Links & Resources
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Our Sponsors:
* Check out KiwiCo and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: https://kiwico.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
I am so excited about having Nicole C. Mullen join me for The Crystal Paine Show for this episode! Nicole is the author of the book It’s Never the Wrong Time to do the Right Thing: Courageous Stories to Inspire Godly Decisions, and Nicole discusses one of the inspiring biblical stories that she explores in her book - the account of Abigail, the wife of the wealthy but foolish Nabal. As a self-proclaimed “Bible nerd,” Nicole discusses how, when Nabal insults David's men, the enraged David vows to destroy Nabal's household. Abigail quickly gathers provisions and goes to intercept David, humbling herself and pleading for mercy. Her wisdom and courage turn David away from his plan for vengeance, and later, when Nabal hears what Abigail has done, he has a fatal reaction, and David then takes Abigail as his wife.
Nicole goes on to explain that Abigail's story teaches important lessons about responding vs. reacting and about the importance of timing and wisdom in difficult situations. She reflects on how Abigail's example has impacted her own life, especially during her experience of becoming a single mother, and she highlights the need for the church to better support and empower single mothers, who often feel unseen and unsupported. She recounts the legacy of her own grandparents, who fostered and adopted children, creating a true ripple effect of generational impact.
My conversation with Nicole really highlights how one person's courageous choices can have far-reaching, even world-changing consequences, as seen in biblical figures such as Abigail and Moses' mother Jochebed. Nicole encourages listeners to step out in faith, even when it's scary. God can use our obedience in ways we can't imagine!
As always, I would love to hear from you, so send me an email at [email protected]!
In This Episode
[0:35] - I welcome Nicole C. Mullen, author of the book It’s Never the Wrong Time to Do the Right Thing!
[2:06] - Nicole recounts Abigail’s bravery as she intervenes to stop David from slaughtering her household.
[5:15] - Hear how Abigail’s swift courage and wise timing ultimately averted David’s anger and saved her home.
[8:19] - Abigail waits wisely, reveals the crisis, and God, not her, ultimately removes her dangerous husband.
[11:40] - Abigail's story teaches us that seeking divine wisdom and acting with calm timing prevents reckless reactions.
[14:14] - Peace-guided choices, patient replies, and deliberate timing help us respond wisely instead of reacting rashly.
[17:07] - Nicole reflects on how God guided her as a single mother despite fear and societal neglect.
[20:50] - Supporting single mothers strengthens them and impacts future generations positively.
[23:35] - I touch upon how helping one person’s healing creates a ripple effect across families and communities.
[24:06] - Nicole traces her family’s legacy of faith, courage, and fostering children through generations.
[27:11] - Even just one courageous, faithful act can create lasting ripples affecting families, communities, and even nations.
Links & Resources
Books
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Our Sponsors:
* Check out KiwiCo and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: https://kiwico.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
I do want to say right out of the gate that this is not an episode that you’re probably going to want to listen to while eating. (The title should give you a clue as to why.) Jesse joins me this week as I discuss having recently returned from a trip to India feeling great but then soon after developing severe gastrointestinal issues that lasted for weeks. I initially thought that it was just a stomach bug, but after my symptoms persisted, I realized that something a lot more serious was likely going on.
Listen in as I describe feeling extremely nauseous, fatigued, and having constant diarrhea that left me bedridden for days. I had trouble keeping any food or drink down, and the medical professionals that I saw were hesitant to test for a parasite, even though many of my friends who had heard about my condition suggested that that was likely what was wrong.
I reflect on how, after struggling through a trip to attend my brother's wedding, my condition worsened to the point at which I could barely move! At 2 a.m. in severe distress, I finally convinced Jesse to take me to the emergency room where they were able to quickly get my fluids and run tests, which confirmed that I had contracted a parasite during my trip to India.
My ER visit and subsequent treatment, which included an antibiotic regimen, ultimately helped me begin to recover. I talk about how it took several more weeks to fully regain my strength, but I am so grateful that I persisted in advocating for myself and getting the right diagnosis. This is a longer episode than usual, but we hope that you got some laughs from it! We also hope that you take away an important message - it’s so important to advocate for yourself! As always, I would love to hear from you, so send me an email at [email protected]!
In This Episode
[0:35] - I am recounting returning from India with a parasite and hope that my story encourages self-advocacy.
[4:05] - After getting home, my mild jet lag suddenly escalated into severe stomach illness by Friday night.
[7:44] - Hear how, even though I was happy to be home, my lingering nausea and exhaustion only got worse.
[9:44] - Despite trying to push through, my nausea persisted, leading to inconclusive clinic tests.
[12:26] - Hear about how I initially skipped parasite testing, forcing fluids and sugar-heavy drinks while struggling with my dehydration getting worse.
[15:45] - My exhausting trip left me bedridden, prayerful, and unable to work despite my usually high stamina.
[17:37] - I recount how a brief, miraculous surge of energy allowed me to run a wedding before the sickness returned that night.
[20:57] - I share how I became violently ill on the drive home and barely managed the trip without incident.
[23:48] - Hear how my slight improvement convinced me to skip testing while I worked through a hectic week.
[26:12] - I discuss how the long drive to Kansas went surprisingly smoothly, leaving me feeling cautiously optimistic.
[27:16] - I talk about how, during rehearsal, I helped David down the aisle.
[29:12] - I reveal how my illness peaked that night, leaving me curled on the floor and worrying that something was seriously wrong.
[32:10] - Zofran gave me brief relief before I realized that I needed to get emergency care despite the wedding.
[34:48] - I reflect on how the quiet late-night ER immediately admitted me, ran tests, and began me on fluids.
[36:50] - The ER staff collected my stool sample in-room, leaving me mortified while Jesse nearly gagged from the smell.
[39:42] - Jesse’s dramatic reaction forced staff to rush in, confirm the awful smell, and remove the sample.
[42:02] - IV fluids and Zofran quickly revived me, marking the turning point toward daily improvement.
[44:25] - I learned of my parasite diagnosis, recovered with treatment, and have taken on healthier habits.
[46:42] - I share how, after a late-night call, I started a short antibiotic course, and I encourage listeners to advocate for yourselves!
Links & Resources
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Our Sponsors:
* Check out KiwiCo and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: https://kiwico.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
I am so excited to present this episode to you because I sat down with Kari Kampakis, author of the new book Is Your Daughter Ready?: 10 Ways to Empower Your Girl for an Age of New Challenges. Tune in as Kari shares how she was inspired to write this book after her previous parenting books and as she recognized the unique challenges facing teenage girls today.
Kari explains that her goal with this book is to provide practical guidance for mothers who currently have girls making that transition into adulthood. She highlights and explains the importance of preparing girls not just to be "lights" in the world but also to be discerning and resilient in the face of adversity. Drawing from her own experiences raising her daughters, Kari encourages moms to parent with open hands, trusting God's plan rather than trying to control every single outcome.
I really resonate with Kari's advice, and I share some of my own struggles with the pressure that many parents feel to have their teenagers' futures mapped out. Kari advises against this, encouraging moms listening and reading her book to avoid overpacking their daughters' "suitcases" with unrealistic expectations, instead encouraging celebrating each child's unique God-given personality and gifts even when they differ from our own.
Our conversation explores some practical ways to encourage discernment in teenage girls, such as teaching them to tune into their intuition about relationships and recognize red flags. We also highlight the value of involving fathers and other male role models in this process as well as the importance of having open, age-appropriate conversations about sensitive topics such as dating, technology, and sexuality.
Throughout our conversation, we openly and vulnerably share some stories from our own journeys as parents, hoping to offer hope and wisdom to listeners. We hope to remind moms that perfection is unattainable but that trusting God and leaning on community can empower us to raise resilient, discerning daughters who are prepared to take on the challenges of this age!
In This Episode
[0:35] - I am interviewing Kari Kampakis, author of Is Your Daughter Ready?.
[1:53] - Hear how Kari was inspired to write a practical book helping moms prepare daughters for life’s darkness and challenges.
[4:10] - I discuss the pressure that teens face to plan their futures and how uncertain paths still work out.
[5:06] - Kari stresses trusting God over control and focusing on children’s peace and mental health over perfection.
[8:26] - Kari encourages moms to pray for guidance, lean on supportive communities, and remember God’s love for them.
[11:20] - It's important to embrace each child’s unique personality instead of molding them into parental reflections.
[13:38] - I share how accepting my 18-year-old's creativity and boldness strengthened our bond.
[16:04] - Hear how faith and prayer helped Kari appreciate her daughter’s strong spirit.
[18:45] - Kari stresses teaching our daughters to trust their intuition and recognize safe, healthy relationships early on.
[21:51] - Kari explains how to distinguish loyal “real friends” from inconsistent “50-50 friends” who drain your peace.
[24:49] - Kari recalls praying through her daughter’s unhealthy relationship and involving male role models for guidance.
[27:28] - Kari advises starting relationships as friendships, learning from dating experiences, and valuing emotional compatibility.
[29:47] - I stress the importance of observing potential partners in varied settings to reveal true character before committing.
[31:31] - Kari encourages parents to initiate honest and age-appropriate talks early on.
[34:40] - I reiterate the importance of preparing daughters for real-life challenges via open discussions and learning from others' experiences.
Links & Resources
Books
Is Your Daughter Ready?: 10 Ways to Empower Your Girl for an Age of New Challenges by Kari Kampakis
Love Her Well: 10 Ways to Find Joy and Connection with Your Teenage Daughter by Kari Kampakis
More Than a Mom: How Prioritizing Your Wellness Helps You (and Your Family) Thrive by Kari Kampakis
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Our Sponsors:
* Check out KiwiCo and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: https://kiwico.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
I am thrilled to welcome Elisabeth Hasselbeck for this episode of the show! Elisabeth is the author of the children’s book God’s Masterpiece: An Adventure in Discovering Your Worth, and from the very first moment she started sharing, I could feel her heart for moms, kids, and families. Her book isn’t just a storybook; it’s a reminder of something which we all need to hear again and again - that we are uniquely made with purpose and beauty woven into every part of who we are.
During our conversation, Elisabeth and I talk about what it really means to see ourselves and everyone else as created in God’s image, changing how we parent, how we speak to others, and even how we handle conflict. When we remember that every single person, even the one we most disagree with, is a reflection of God’s creativity, it transforms how we show up in the world.
Elisabeth opens up about how her family’s experience with fostering helped shape her understanding of love and surrender, and she talks about the freedom that comes from letting go of control, something all of us moms wrestle with daily! She also discusses learning to trust God with our children’s stories, and I even reflect on how that lesson has shown up in my own life, especially via prayer.
We also take on that tricky tension between correcting our kids and speaking life over them, with Elisabeth reminding us that motherhood is not about perfect control but is rather about being a safe place. She speaks about how prayer doesn’t have to be fancy or formal, that God meets us right where we are whether it be in the car, at the kitchen sink, or in the middle of chaos, and He delights in us just showing up.
This episode is for any parent or caregiver who is feeling weary, stretched thin, or unsure if they’re doing it “right.” You are sure to walk away feeling reminded that you and your kids are loved completely, and be sure to grab a copy of Elisabeth’s book!
In This Episode
[0:35] - I welcome Elisabeth Hasselbeck, author of God’s Masterpiece, to the show!
[1:08] - We learn that Elisabeth wrote God’s Masterpiece to remind families that each person is uniquely created by God.
[3:15] - Elisabeth explains that her return to art and fostering revealed God’s love in every life story.
[6:16] - I reflect on how remembering that everyone is made in God’s image transforms how I treat those with whom I disagree.
[7:21] - Once we see others as God’s masterpieces, we are more compelled to love and protect them.
[10:38] - Elisabeth believes that unity in Christ grows when families speak God’s truth over themselves and one another.
[13:37] - Elisabeth describes motherhood as a balance of protection and release that is consistently guided by prayer and grace.
[16:55] - Hear how prayer teaches me to release control and trust God with my kids' futures.
[18:21] - Elisabeth says that fostering helped reveal the beauty of parenting via love, prayer, and freedom from control.
[21:33] - Moms often seek quick fixes instead of first asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom.
[22:14] - Elisabeth reminds moms that God meets them anywhere, anytime; even brief, imperfect prayers invite His presence.
[25:32] - I add that prayer has no “right” way; God values honesty and dependence over perfection.
[27:42] - Elisabeth describes faith as standing under God’s power, trusting His promises and resting in His presence.
[29:45] - Thank you, Elisabeth!
Links & Resources
Books
God’s Masterpiece: An Adventure in Discovering Your Worth by Elisabeth Hasselbeck
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
Our Sponsors:
* Check out KiwiCo and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: https://kiwico.com
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands