Crystal Paine Show

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 & ResourcesCrystal PaineSteloSocial MediaCrystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)Crystal Paine on LinkedInCrystal Paine on TwitterCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook [email protected] Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTALAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 & ResourcesCrystal PaineThe Crystal Paine Show - 329: Why I Am Not Setting Goals in 2026BooksRadically Restored: How Knowing Jesus Heals Our Brokenness by Stephen McWhirterThe Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee StrobelSocial MediaCrystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)Crystal Paine on LinkedInCrystal Paine on TwitterCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook [email protected] Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTALAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 & ResourcesCrystal PaineThe Crystal Paine Show - 329: Why I Am Not Setting Goals in 2026Social MediaCrystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)Crystal Paine on LinkedInCrystal Paine on TwitterCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook [email protected] Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTALAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 & ResourcesCrystal PaineBooksThe Compassionate Christ: Draw Near to the Risen Savior (A 31-Day Devotional Retelling of Stories from the Life of Jesus by Sherri Hughes-GraggSocial MediaCrystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)Crystal Paine on LinkedInCrystal Paine on TwitterCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook [email protected] Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTALAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Tune in for our final episode of 2025 as Jesse and I talk about the top books we read, some major shifts in how I want to show up in life, and why I'm not setting any goals for 2026. I share my top four reads from the year - books that challenged me, inspired change, and gave me perspectives that I didn’t even know that I needed.From Is Your Daughter Ready? by Kari Kampakis, which offers guidance on raising daughters through modern challenges, to The Fight for Us by Rebekah and Gabe Lyons, which made me face the reality of a lopsided marriage and rethink how my priorities shape our relationship, each book left a lasting mark. Habits of the Household opened my eyes to the rhythms and habits already present in our family life, helping me reframe intentionality in small, practical ways, and The Many Lives of Mama Love gave me a raw, compassionate look at addiction, incarceration, and motherhood, pushing me to expand my understanding of struggles that so many face unseen.Alongside these book reads, I am also unpacking a major personal shift: I am not setting any goals for 2026. For someone who has been goal-oriented since childhood, this feels like an especially huge step for me, but after reflecting on a lopsided marriage, watching Jesse take such brave steps with his own coaching and health journey, and seeing how chronic stress has been silently wearing me down for decades, I realized that constant planning and pushing has been a default, not a necessity. My blood work and coaching experiences showed me how disconnected I had truly become from my own body, always running on adrenaline, cortisol, and extreme stress while mistaking calm endurance for health.I have ultimately decided that 2026 is about creating real breathing room - intentionally cutting back on commitments, slowing down, and filling my life with creative and meaningful practices rather than arbitrary deadlines. I am really learning to treat rest as a spiritual discipline, to stop using work as a crutch, and to allow space for real healing, connection, and reflection. I hope that you will listen to this episode as I share the books that shaped my year and the mindset shift that’s shaping the next!In This Episode[0:35] - I am sharing my top 2025 reads, and I explain skipping goals for 2026![3:35] - Here about how I chose books that impacted me deeply; I highlight Is Your Daughter Ready? and The Fight for Us.[6:32] - I discuss the impact that the book The Fight for Us had on me.[10:13] - Habits of the Household encouraged intentional family rhythms and shaped her upcoming 2026 book.[11:54] - I discuss how The Many Lives of Mama Love revealed addiction, incarceration, and motherhood with raw human insight.[14:14] - Jesse focused on historical fiction and military novels this year, gaining detailed Vietnam War knowledge from Jack Carr.[16:44] - I talk about how The Women explored Vietnam War nurses’ experiences, PTSD, and women’s challenges during the war.[19:55] - Hear how Jesse’s coaching and functional medicine journey sparked major life changes and health improvements.[22:50] - Overworking and chronic stress left my body constantly in fight mode, risking future collapse.[23:27] - Early-life coping patterns influenced decades of stress, now being reversed via conscious effort.[26:42] - Extreme stress had been normalized, hiding true health despite outward calm and endurance.[28:37] - I reflect on how chronic stress pushed me into survival mode, disconnecting me from bodily signals and rest.[31:40] - I realized that I had been so disconnected that I entirely missed the changing seasons.[32:37] - Life on autopilot made me overlook reality, leaving me feeling rushed, exhausted, and ungrounded.[35:32] - I share how overplanning caused stress.[37:37] - Choosing no goals allows focus on creative work while reducing hours and pressure.[40:59] - Living intentionally now highlights mindfulness and purpose but with far less stress than before.[41:24] - Practicing rest as a spiritual discipline frees me from overwork and supports deep healing.Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineThe Crystal Paine Show - 307. How to Fight Less and Thrive More in Marriage (with Gabe and Rebekah Lyons)The Crystal Paine Show - 323. Raising Daughters That Are Ready for Adulthood with Kari KampakisBooksIs Your Daughter Ready?: 10 Ways to Empower Your Girl for an Age of New Challenges by Kari KampakisThe Fight for Us: Overcome What Divides to Build a Marriage That Thrives by Rebekah Lyons & Gabe LyonsHabits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms by Justin Whitmel EarleyThe Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing by Lara Love HardinCry Havoc: A Tom Reece Thriller by Jack CarrThe Women by Kristin HannahSocial MediaCrystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)Crystal Paine on TwitterCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook [email protected] Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTALAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands