Crystal Paine Show

338: Do This First Thing Every Morning with Addison Bevere

I am so excited to be bringing this conversation with repeat guest Addison Bevere to you! Addison is the author of the book Words with God: Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection, and his work has really stayed with me since our last discussion. I have, in fact, told so many people about how his heart for faith feels grounded, honest, and alive, and, in this new episode, we talk about his new prayer journal that accompanies his book which is designed as a 40-day invitation to build a more real rhythm with God rather than trying to achieve perfect performance. After all, prayer should not be performative!One of the themes that keeps coming up throughout our conversation is the idea that prayer isn’t about getting the words right, and I reflect a bit about my own experience learning to slow down and practice rest as a spiritual discipline, something I never really thought much about before. Addison explains how many people feel they are “bad at prayer” because they approach it through shame or expectation rather than connection, and, instead, he frames prayer as simply showing up honestly and paying attention.We also unpack how quickly our mornings can be hijacked by screens, anxiety, or the pressure to immediately start producing, with Addison sharing a simple but powerful practice: when you wake up, breathe, rest in the moment, and allow your mind and heart to settle before grabbing your phone. He explains how early morning brain states may be uniquely open to reflection, creativity, and spiritual awareness, and I also reflect on how this practice has helped me move from feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands to seeing them as opportunities to respond with love and intention. Addison highlights the importance of writing down fears, burdens, or questions that can help name what we are carrying and create space for clarity.If you have ever felt unsure how to pray, struggled with slowing down, or longed for a deeper sense of closeness with God, this conversation offers a gentle, practical framework for beginning. I hope that you enjoy this conversation with Addison, and, as always, I would love for you to reach out with your thoughts!In This Episode[0:35] - Welcome Addison Bevere back to the show![2:07] - Addison believes that prayer thrives on relationship, not performance, and frees us from shame.[5:48] - Showing up honestly before God each morning is more important than fighting distraction or cultural pressure.[8:16] - Addison asserts that morning openness invites rest and awareness, while phone use often replaces calm with anxiety.[11:02] - Listeners are encouraged to breathe, rest, and avoid phones after waking to help nurture creativity.[13:24] - Surrendering control each day leads to clarity, compassion, and wisdom.[16:57] - Addison reminds us that remembering answered prayers and embracing limits helps foster humility, trust, and deeper spiritual growth.[19:39] - I describe relying on the Holy Spirit to guide parenting and daily conversations for me.[21:58] - Hear how morning listening helps Addison speak compassionately rather than react from a place of insecurity.[24:49] - I reflect on how starting the day slowly helps me reflect and reconnect with God and my body.[25:51] - According to Addison, writing fears or pain gives language to emotions, helping awareness and release.[27:22] - Hear how anxiety can help signal inner needs, helping discern God’s guidance vs. condemning voices.[30:44] - True prayer invites closeness with God and others, avoiding religious rigidity.Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineThe Crystal Paine Show - 211. Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection (with Addison Bevere)BooksWords with God: Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection by Addison D. BevereWords with God Prayer Journal: 40 Days of Getting Real with God by Addison D. BevereSocial 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 groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTALAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

337: My First Colonoscopy

Just as a forewarning, this week's episode might be a little bit TMI, but I did mention it coming up in a recent episode – my recent colonoscopy! While I don't get into the especially gritty details, I talk openly with Jesse about my experience because I really wanted to share the full story. I kept hearing from people who were scared of the procedure or avoided it because of what they’d heard about the prep, and I was nervous too, especially after reading all the horror stories online, but I found that preparation and good guidance made a bigger difference than I had expected!Listen in as I walk you through why I had the procedures in the first place, including my long history with chronic anemia and how my doctors wanted to look for possible root causes rather than just treat symptoms. A big part of the episode is the prep experience because honestly, that’s what people tend to dread the most. However, I talk about starting a low-residue diet days early, sticking to very bland foods, and what it actually felt like to move into the clear-liquids phase. I share how hunger, brain fog, and low energy showed up for me and how surprisingly manageable the laxative process was compared to what I feared. I also mention small practical things that helped such as choosing certain drinks and realizing that some flavors quickly became unappealing once prep started.I then walk you through the procedure day itself - checking in, getting an IV, anesthesia, and what it felt like waking up after sedation. The sedation was so strong and peaceful that I can understand why people describe it as a really good nap. In fact, I kind of didn't want to wake up! I also reflect on how disorienting that it felt trying to talk afterward when my brain wasn’t putting words together correctly.I also, of course, touch upon recovery, what my results looked like so far, and why I truly believe that these screenings are worth it, so if you have been afraid of getting a colonoscopy, I really hope that this episode with Jesse makes it feel a lot more approachable!As always, please feel free to reach out! I would love to hear your thoughts!In This Episode[0:35] - This episode shares my colonoscopy and endoscopy experience, addressing fear, prep, and cancer detection.[4:44] - Hear how I underwent procedures mainly because chronic anemia persisted since childhood and pregnancy complications occurred.[7:16] - Hear how low hemoglobin and ferritin levels led my doctor to recommend colonoscopy and endoscopy for diagnosis.[10:42] - I reflect on how I began a strict low-residue diet early, avoiding fiber, fruit, vegetables, and acidic foods.[13:52] - Hear how the clear-liquid phase felt surprisingly difficult, causing intense hunger, weight loss, and constant emptiness.[16:36] - I share how clear-liquid days drained my energy.[18:39] - I avoided mixing Miralax with my favorite drinks because prep may have made those drinks unappealing later.[20:32] - Preparing for laxatives, I found the worst fears exaggerated; one nauseous hour passed and then relief.[23:49] - Hear how mixing Miralax with Gatorade surprisingly tasted fine, and calories plus electrolytes improved my energy.[26:00] - I share how I chugged 36 ounces of prep fluid over two hours, experienced mild thirst, and slept mostly well.[29:43] - I describe how the anesthesiologist warned of a “spicy” feeling before sedation, and I instantly lost consciousness.[32:47] - Hear how I was completely out under propofol sedation, awakening groggy but unaware of the procedure.[34:56] - Waking from propofol felt hypnotically peaceful, and my body stayed unusually difficult to rouse.[37:18] - Hear how I wanted more sleep after waking, felt groggy, spoke coherently, but couldn’t fully process conversation.[39:27] - Hear how, post-procedure, I was so disoriented that I dropped food in the car but still ate it![42:22] - Recovery was quick, and results looked good, although biopsies and stool tests are still pending.Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineCrystal’s Colonoscopy Instagram HighlightsSocial 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 groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTALAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

336: The Life-Changing Art of Self Brain Surgery with Dr. Lee Warren

I have been eagerly looking forward to doing this episode ever since I got my hands on Dr. Lee Warren’s new book, The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery. The title alone had Jesse asking, “Wait… self-brain surgery?” Honestly, I actually had the same thought, but what Lee shares in this conversation completely blew me away. He is a brain surgeon, and he has discovered that the same principles he uses in the operating room can be applied by each of us to literally change our own brains - via our thoughts!Most of what runs through our minds every day is false, negative, or repetitive, keeping us stuck, but when we intentionally practice new ways of thinking, we can rewire our brains in real time and reshape the life that follows, and, in this episode of The Crystal Paine Show, Lee and I talk about why our culture often convinces us that we are powerless to change, why 80% of our thoughts are false, and how the simple act of noticing and choosing our thoughts can literally transform our neurochemistry, our bodies, and our perspective!Lee and I dive into practical tools - from prayer and meditation to quiet reflection - that help filter out the noise and build mental habits that help make us calmer, more resilient, and more intentional. We also explore the deeply human side of change - the grief, loss, and impossible days that can feel like they could crush us. Listen in as Lee shares his personal story of losing his son and welcoming a grandchild on the same day and how recognizing that two truths can exist at once (joy and sorrow) was life-giving and transformative.Tune in this week and see how science and scripture beautifully reinforce each other and how small, consistent actions can rebuild your mind, your habits, and your hope. If you have ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or powerless to change your thoughts and your life, then this episode will very likely challenge you, encourage you, and give you hope that real change isn’t just possible; it’s built into how you’re wired!As always, please feel free to reach out! I would love to hear your thoughts!In This Episode[0:35] - Welcome to the show, Dr. Lee Warren, author of The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery![1:13] - Lee argues that our thoughts physically influence our brains, giving us real agency over our lives.[4:46] - It's important to pause to examine thoughts because doing so allows for rational thinking to replace fear and rewires healthier habits.[7:21] - I reflect on how replacing false, negative thoughts with truth changed my brain, behavior, and parenting.[8:31] - What we focus on filters our perception, giving us responsibility over how life appears to us.[10:56] - Lee explains how consistently practicing positive focus rewires the brain - building calm, wise, and grounded habits.[14:38] - Lee argues that healing ultimately comes from focusing on the future, not dwelling on past trauma or suffering.[18:02] - Trauma breaks beliefs, not you, and small courageous actions retrain the brain for resilience![21:31] - Lee has learned how deep sorrow and real beauty can exist simultaneously, revealing hope even in darkness.[24:10] - I point out how many face a pit of grief where summoning the strength to act feels impossible.[25:07] - Hear how, for Lee, necessity forced action, showing how focused thoughts instantly change neurochemistry and emotional response.[28:28] - Lee explains how changing your thoughts intentionally produces real-time brain and body changes, proving that mental rewiring is literal.[30:05] - Lee and I discuss how you can only control your own responses and perspective, not others or circumstances.[31:45] - Ultimately, you can only control yourself, not others or circumstances.[33:19] - Lee reminds us that emotions are chemical events, not facts, and controlling your thoughts directs your emotional response.[35:22] - Recognizing your agency in daily choices shifts perspective and builds gratitude for what you can control.[36:35] - Lasting change requires lifelong practice and retraining learned patterns to create healthier mental habits!Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineBooksThe-Life Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery: Connecting Neuroscience and Faith to Radically Transform Your Life by W. Lee Warren, MDSocial 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 groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTALAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

335: My Grandma Hobbies Era

This week on The Crystal Paine Show, I want to talk about something that has unexpectedly changed my life this year - what I jokingly call my “grandma hobbies era.” When I first shared that phrase online, it stirred up more feelings than I ever expected. Some people really loved it, but some were really bothered by it. For me, it’s a playful way to describe something deeply meaningful: choosing activities that slow me down, calm my body, and help me feel present again!Two years ago, if I had heard myself talking about puzzles, watercoloring, baking, or crocheting a scarf, I probably would have thought something had gone very wrong. Back then, my life was full of adrenaline, constant urgency, and never-ending to-do lists. I didn’t realize how tightly I was living until I started to loosen my grip, and with the encouragement of my functional medicine doctor, I began intentionally creating space - working fewer hours, building in white space, and letting go of the need to always be “on,” and in that space, I found myself drawn to simple, creative things that didn’t demand anything from me other than just my attention.Listen in this episode as Jesse and I open up honestly about what it has been like to step out of fight mode and learn how to rest, and I share how scary it felt to reduce my work hours as the CEO of a company, how much anxiety that stirred up, and how it revealed an idol of control that I hadn't even realized I had. I also share the surprising ways that God met me in that place - financially, emotionally, and spiritually - when I ultimately chose to trust instead of hustle.Jesse and I also talk about what it feels like when your calendar finally has breathing room, when your to-do list doesn’t fill the page, and when people start to feel like opportunities instead of interruptions. We laugh about puzzles, sourdough, and my very flexible relationship with recipes, but even more than that, we talk about what it means to live from a calmer place and show up more fully to the people and work we love!Please tune in this week, especially if you are tired, running on adrenaline, or craving a slower, richer way to live. Maybe it’s time to find your own version of a “grandma hobby.” I hope that this conversation encourages you, and, as always, I would love to hear from you, so please feel free to reach out!In This Episode[0:35] - This episode is about how the phrase “grandma hobbies” is a playful, positive term for calming activities that have unexpectedly improved my life![3:07] - I talk about how leaning into energizing “grandma hobbies” helps me re-regulate my nervous system and move out of constant fight mode.[6:44] - Jesse and I discuss how living constantly in fight-or-flight exhausts the body because it was designed only for short-term survival.[7:30] - I explain how calming, repetitive hobbies redirect my focus and gently regulate my nervous system without adrenaline or urgency.[9:42] - I reflect on how letting go of rigid rules revealed how I was addicted to adrenaline and uneasy with newly open space.[11:11] - Hear how cutting back hours exposed my fear, control, and misplaced belief that success depended solely on me.[14:40] - I argue how choosing trust over hustle showed me that rest, not control, leads to freedom.[17:26] - Hear how working less has made my life richer, calmer, and more present across work, relationships, and creativity.[20:28] – Jesse and I talk about how working fewer hours has improved my energy, sleep quality, and overall well-being by preventing constant exhaustion.[21:31] - Jesse and I discuss how intentional stillness via simple, calming activities helps restore awareness, reduce stress, and regulate the nervous system![24:36] - I am finding that simple creative hobbies create space, restore calm, and help me show up with joy and love!Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineSocial 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 groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTALAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

334: Don’t Burn Your House Down with Lindsey Maestas

I sort of selfishly recorded this week’s episode for me, but I know I’m not the only one who needs this conversation. Several years ago, Lindsay Maestas challenged me to see Jesse not as another task on my never-ending list but rather as a person again - a moment that stuck with me, and in this season of raising a big family and carrying a lot of weight, I realized how easily my marriage had slipped to the back burner, so for this episode, I invited Lindsay back to talk about what it really looks like to choose your marriage when you’re tired, hurt, and wondering if it’s always going to feel this difficult!Using her book Don’t Burn Your House Down as the basis of our conversation, Lindsay and I talk about the quiet disappointments that build up such as when a gift feels impersonal or you feel completely unseen and why those moments often point to deeper needs, not deal-breakers. Lindsay shares why love doesn’t “just happen,” how unspoken expectations create distance, and what to do when your spouse hears your requests as criticism or failure. We uncover the anxious–avoidant cycle, the danger of keeping emotional receipts, and why fighting fire with fire only burns the house down even faster.One of my favorite parts of this episode is honestly when we shift away from heavy conversations and talk about rebuilding friendship. Laughter, play, small acts of service, and even silly moments can soften hearts in ways that words sometimes can’t, and Lindsay explains the power of what she calls “micro attractions” - the tiny daily choices that quietly say, “I see you.” We also talk about why trying to change your spouse almost never works and how real change begins when you look honestly at yourself.This conversation is for anyone who feels lonely in their marriage, overwhelmed by life, or unsure what to do next. It’s not about pretending things are fine but rather about choosing hope, humility, and connection again, even when it feels easier to quit. I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Lindsay, and, as always, please feel free to reach out! I would love to hear your thoughts!In This Episode[0:35] - Join me in welcoming Lindsay Maestas, author of Don’t Burn Your House Down![2:34] - Lindsay believes that love and connection in marriage require daily, intentional choices, even during difficult periods.[4:30] - Despite struggles, couples can find hope, tools, and renewed commitment in marriage.[7:29] - Lindsay has seen how small daily disappointments reveal deeper needs for care, attention, and consideration.[9:20] - While you can't change my spouse, you can choose to love and communicate well.[11:48] - Lindsay has learned that conflict often stems from unspoken expectations, and clarity requires open explanation.[14:15] - Our anxious–avoidant patterns trap us, and breaking them requires addressing and naming the cycle.[17:05] - Lindsay asserts that rebuilding friendship, play, and shared joy often reconnects hearts more than repeated conversations.[20:16] - I add how, amid daily chaos, couples need to remember to nurture joy and play in their marriage.[21:14] - Hear how fighting fire with fire fuels resentment, whereas forgiveness and grace restore connection.[24:19] - Ultimately, marriage reveals our flaws and calls us to become more like Christ.[27:14] - Shifting expectations from spouse to God relieves pressure and highlights small acts of love.[29:02] - Lindsay explains how micro gestures such as noticing, serving, and affirming help build the strongest foundation in marriage.[32:00] - Lindsay points out how letting go of resentment can lead to relational growth.[34:00] - Becoming our best selves honors God, strengthens marriage, and revitalizes energy and joy.Links & ResourcesCrystal PaineBooksDon’t Burn Your House Down: Prioritizing Your Marriage, Your Spouse, and Yourself for a Deeper Connection by Lindsay MaestasSocial 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 groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.comOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTALAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands