MESSmerized - Funny and faith based encouragement in marriage , family , Christian parenting , and finding purpose

In today's episode, I’m joined by Rob Boyd—my former youth minister and an actual blast from my past. We take a walk down memory lane filled with blue church vans, lock-ins, Bible drills, questionable music debates, and the kind of church memories that are funny now… and formative forever.

Rob shares what it was like pastoring teenagers (including a very opinionated teenage me), why spiritual disciplines don’t have to be complicated (hello, seven minutes), and why faith is more about being than doing. We talk scripture memory, quiet time, raising kids, waiting on God when He feels silent, and how God uses even the awkward church years to shape who we become.

It’s equal parts laughter, nostalgia, and encouragement—especially for parents, former church kids, and anyone who’s ever wondered if the small things really matter.

And if you want the full stories behind today’s conversation, you can order How’d I Miss That? wherever you get your books.

All things Cynthia

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Woohoo! It’s officially the release of How’d I Miss That? TODAY, and we’re dropping this episode on Tuesday instead of our usual Wednesday to celebrate. 

It felt only right to bring on the man who edited every.single.chapter, fixed approximately 9,000 commas, and has final veto power over any story that’s too much—which is really saying something, considering he grew up in locker rooms: Mike Yanof.

We talk marriage—“slow and low” brisket theology, why “spark” is overrated (Mike explains so I don’t get canceled), and why telling your husband all barbecue tastes the same is pretty much a felony. We also swap lists of what spouses should never say if they want to stay married.

Mike also shares about the season he nearly died from meningitis + encephalitis, how that experience reshaped his priorities, and what it taught us about marriage, faith, and trusting God when life is completely out of your control. We talk foster care and adoption too—and how saying yes to something hard changed our family and our understanding of what really matters.

It’s honest, funny, and full of perspective—for marriage, faith, and the ways God shows up in both the moments we pray for and the ones we never saw coming.

Order How’d I Miss That? 
All things Cynthia

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Melissa Radke is back, and within the first sixty seconds she’s handing out compliments like she’s trying to earn a commission. (I try to redirect. She refuses. You’ll hear it.)
We start by processing the fact that I had just returned from Disney World and realized—some adults have completely lost their sense of embarrassment. From sexy castle selfies to fashion choices that raise concerns, Melissa and I pitch a new show idea called What Are We Doing Here? Honestly, it might be our best work yet.
From there, we talk about why funny matters, why writing a book is both a gift and a slow unraveling of your sanity, and how the phrase don’t miss it became the theme I couldn’t shake. We get into the tension between platforms and everyday moments—and how God is often at work in places we’re tempted to rush past.
I can promise you today’s show will make you laugh, feel mildly convicted, and maybe even leave you thinking… What are we doing here? —in all the right ways. Can’t wait for you to listen.

P.S. If you’ve pre-ordered How’d I Miss That?, my publisher has lots of freebies for you.
Just click here:  https://davidccook.org/books/howd-i-miss-that/

All things Cynthia
Melissa Radke

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This week we’ve got a legend of a guest. Someone who needs no introduction (even though I’m about to). This week my mom, Dorothy, joins us on the podcast—after restarting the recording three times, which Dorothy is fairly certain is a sign the ratings are about to tank. She also arrives with a formal complaint: I have repeatedly thrown the family under the bus in my books, most recently by claiming our family has “no culture.” Dorothy would like to go on record that cardboard sledding, border-town adventures, and extremely questionable beauty decisions absolutely count as culture.
What starts as playful banter turns into one of those meaningful episodes that makes you laugh and then quietly reevaluate your life. Dorothy shares hard-earned wisdom on parenting without overreacting to what feels urgent, choosing long-term faithfulness over comparison, and not missing the in-between moments that matter more than we realize. There’s also a detour into piano trauma, marriage advice via Texas barbecue, and why sparks are overrated but commitment never is.
The heart of the conversation lands on faith—specifically, not sitting on the sidelines when God calls you to do hard things. Dorothy reflects on her years in ministry, stepping into leadership when it wasn’t common for women, and why obedience often comes before confidence. It’s honest, funny, and deeply grounding.
Also included: the one time Dorothy cussed (legendary), why husbands clean toolboxes when guests are coming, and proof that prayer, laughter, and grace go a long way in parenting, marriage, and faith.
Come for the chaos. Stay for the wisdom. You’re going to love Dorothy!
And if you want the full stories behind today’s conversation, you can preorder How’d I Miss That? wherever you get your books.

All things Cynthia

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/messmerized-funny-and-faith-based-encouragement-in-marriage/donations

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It’s week two of our new series where I’m bringing on people I love, people from my past, and the very people who show up in my new book How’d I Miss That? Today my dear friend Stephanie Martin is back, which means equal parts laughter, honesty, and the occasional, “Cynthia… maybe that story didn’t need to live forever in print.”
We start by revisiting our short-lived triathlon era—because some of us were made for marching band, not athletic competitions—and then move into a conversation about friendship. Why we need it, how it shapes us, and how the right people can pull us back to Jesus when we’re laid flat spiritually.
Woven through it all is the reminder that good friendships will bump into misunderstandings. That’s normal. But instead of avoiding those moments or letting assumptions do the talking, there’s a better way—one marked by humility, curiosity, and a willingness to check in and clear the air so the friendship can keep growing.
If you’ve been needing a refresh on how to build and sustain meaningful friendships, I think this episode will feel like a deep breath and a good laugh. And if you want the full stories behind today’s conversation, you can preorder How’d I Miss That? wherever you get your books.

All things Cynthia

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/messmerized-funny-and-faith-based-encouragement-in-marriage/donations

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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy